In April last year, Olubayo intended to take advantage of a week off by returning to Lagos to finalise his wedding plans. He never made it to the airport; losing control of his car near Kavala, he was killed in the collision.
Olubayo was a young man when he died, just 25, only approaching his peak years as a player, and beginning to arrive at his most effective for club and country. His youth team of 2005 was taken into the hearts of Nigerians, they succeeded in forging and sustaining a relationship with the fan base, one that existed above and beyond their accolades on the pitch. This relationship will surely be renewed on the 18th, the anniversary of the defender’s death, as Adefemi’s family invite the Nigerian public to a memorial ceremony at the Atan Cemetery, Lagos State. It is an affection sadly lacking for the current convocation of Super Eagles.
His career began with Bendel Insurance, before being picked up by Asaba-based side Delta Force in 2002. After some commendable domestic performances, he was signed by Israeli side Hapoel Jerusalem – it was here, in 2004 that Olubayo’s European odyssey began. He would eventually move on to three other sides in Israel, performing admirably, but failing to influence games in the same way that he could for the international side.
RIP Olubayo
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