Baba Otu Mohammed: The Nigerian Soccer Legend Who Defied Borders
In the late 1960s, a Nigerian-born soccer player, Baba Otu Mohammed, was forced to leave Ghana, where he had played for the Ghanaian academicals against Nigeria. This unexpected turn of events proved to be a blessing in disguise for Nigeria, as Mohammed’s family relocated to the country, bringing with them a talented soccer player.
Mohammed joined the Mighty Jets of Jos in 1973 and quickly became an integral part of the Nigerian national team, playing from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s. His impressive skills on the field earned him a reputation as one of the country’s top players.
One of his most memorable moments was captured by legendary radio commentator Ernest Okonkwo, who exclaimed: “He beats Christian Chukwu; he beats Christian Madu, and he beats Christian Nwokocha. This man has beaten three Christians in a row. Who is this man? He must be a Muslim… Oh, he is Baba Otu Mohammed!”
Although the Mighty Jets lost the match, Mohammed’s performance left a lasting impression on the fans, who went home satisfied with his exceptional skills. This testament to his talent was reported in The Guardian newspaper on June 24, 2016.
Tijjani Malikawa Muhammed
