Brazilian football expert Guilherme Calvano has been left in awe of Nigerian youngster Shola Ogundana’s meteoric rise at Flamengo, Soccernet.ng reports.
Since arriving from Nigeria’s Beyond Limits Academy in 2023, the forward has made an immediate impact, collecting silverware and personal accolades along the way.
Initially joining Flamengo on loan, Ogundana wasted no time in announcing himself. He scored in the final against Boca Juniors, helping Flamengo secure their first U20 Intercontinental Cup with a 2-1 victory.
His performances throughout the year, which also saw him lift the Copa do Brasil, convinced Flamengo to secure his services permanently in July 2024 for €450,000 (approximately N756.7 million).
A year on, that investment has already proven to be a bargain.
Earlier this week, Ogundana was named the best player of the 2025 Copa Libertadores U20 tournament after playing a decisive role in Flamengo’s successful title defence.
Flamengo retained their crown with a dramatic win over Palmeiras, triumphing 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Ogundana was instrumental once again, providing the assist for Flamengo’s goal.
With that triumph, the Nigerian became the first African player to win the U20 Libertadores twice, a testament to his growing reputation in South American football.
2020/21 TCC Young Player of the Year ➡️ 2025 Copa Libertadores U20 Hero of the tournament.
— The Creative Championship (@TCC_League) March 19, 2025
Shola Ogundana #TCCAmbassador pic.twitter.com/K0vqzbVuxV
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His overall statistics—two goals and two assists in five appearances — only tell part of the story. His flair, directness, and ability to unlock defences were pivotal in Flamengo’s success, earning him the tournament’s ‘Hero of the Tournament’ award.
Calvano, like many in Brazil, believes the honour was well deserved.
“Shola seems to be adapting more and more to Flamengo and Rio de Janeiro,” Calvano told Soccernet.ng.
“Voted the best player in the U-20 Libertadores, the Nigerian was fundamental to the red-and-black club's second championship. He was the one who played and assisted the goal in the final against Palmeiras. Shola was the first African signing for Flamengo's youth team and, in a short time, won the affection of the fans.”
Ogundana's next big step: Senior team ambitions
Despite his rapid progress, Ogundana’s next challenge — breaking into the Flamengo first team — remains a formidable task.
The youngster does have one key ally in his corner: Flamengo’s senior team coach, Filipe Luís.
After hanging his football boots, the former Atlético Madrid and Chelsea full-back took charge of Flamengo’s U17s before moving up to manage the U20s in mid-2024.
It was under his guidance that Ogundana flourished, with Luís expertly deploying him to devastating effect.
However, their time together was short-lived. Just months later, Luís was promoted again—this time to Flamengo’s senior team, where he has enjoyed a remarkable start.
Under his management, Flamengo clinched the Campeonato Carioca a few days ago, Luís’ third trophy in just six months.
His side has been near unbeatable, losing just once in 26 matches and currently riding a staggering 24-game unbeaten streak with 17 clean sheets.
Remember Filipe Luís? He is currently the coach of Flamengo and has just won his in just six months
— 433 (@433) March 18, 2025
Flamengo are also on a – under him pic.twitter.com/VZGNQsncDt
While Ogundana’s performances demand attention, the reality is that Flamengo’s first team is a well-oiled machine, making it difficult for young players to break through.
Calvano acknowledges this challenge, saying:
“When Filipe Luís coached Flamengo's U-20 team, he treated the young striker as the one who stood out. Fast and insinuating with the ball at his feet, the Nigerian is usually lethal in the final third of the field. He is a real torment for opposing defenses.”
However, he also adds a note of caution:
“Although Flamengo bought 70% of Shola's rights last year, it is difficult to imagine the youngster getting opportunities in the first team at the moment, given the huge competition in the team.”
Ogundana: A Nigerian trailblazer in Brazil
Many young Nigerian talents dream of Europe, but Ogundana took a different path, embracing the challenge of Brazilian football.
His choice already speaks volumes about his mentality — a relentless drive to succeed in a league that rarely sees African players thrive.
Born in the quiet town of Ifako in Ekiti, Nigeria, Ogundana is now making history thousands of miles away in Brazil. His records, silverware, and individual accolades suggest his rise is no fluke.
With Filipe Luís at the helm, a senior call-up is only a matter of time. And when that moment arrives, few would bet against Ogundana grabbing it with both hands.
