Kareem Omolaja
 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Kareem Omolaja Nurain | ||
| Date of birth | 18 February 1990 | ||
| Place of birth | Lagos, Nigeria | ||
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | ||
| Playing position | Defender | ||
| Club information | |||
Current team | Minerva Academy F.C. | ||
| Number | 16 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2002-2007 | Spartan Football Academy, Lagos | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 2007 | Ola Oluwa Asejere FC | ||
| 2007-2009 | Tersanah | ||
| 2009–10 | J&K Bank FC | ||
| 2010-2011 | JCT Mills Phagwara | ||
| 2011-2013 | Royal Wahingdoh | ||
| 2013-2015 | Southern Samity | ||
| 2014 | Green Valley (Loan) | ||
| 2015 | Lonestar Kashmir | 14 | (1) |
| 2015 | Morning Star F.C. (Loan) | 15 | (0) |
| 2015 | Mohammedan | 12 | (2) |
| 2016-present | Minerva Academy F.C. | 4 | (0) |
|
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. | |||
Kareem Omolaja (born February 18, 1990) is a Nigerian footballer, who plays for I-League 2nd Division outfit Minerva Academy F.C. He played much of his career as central defender but he can also play as defensive/central midfielder.
Youth career
Kareem joined Spartan Football Academy of Lagos in 2002 at the age of 12. In 2004 he represented Nigeria in All West African Academical Cup which Nigeria won and he adjudged best defender of the tournament.
Early career
In 2007 Kareem signed his first professional contract with Lagos-based club Ola Oluwa Asejere FC from there he moved to Libyan Premier League club Tersanah where he stayed for couple of seasons.
Club career
Jammu & Kashmir Bank FC
In 2009 Kareem moved to India with Jammu & Kashmir Bank FC, on his debut season he won the 2009-10 J&K Premier League where he also awarded the best defender of the league besides this J&K Bank also lifted the G.V. Raja Invitational Football Tournament in Kerala where Kareem was the joint top scorer with 4 goals.
JCT FC
In 2010 Kareem moved to JCT Mills Phagwara where he made his I-League debut and won man of the match award in three different occasions.
Royal Wahingdoh FC
In 2011 He joined Royal Wahingdoh where he won back to back Shillong Premier League in 2011-12 & 2012-13, he also lifted Bordoloi Trophy with Wahingdoh in 2012. In 2012-13 Kareem was named best defender in Shillong Premier League.
Southern Samity FC
In 2013 Kareem moved to Southern Samity where he stayed till 2015. from Southern Samity he was loaned by Green Valley to play I-League 2nd Division 2013-14.
Lonestar Kashmir FC
Kareem joined newly founded Lonestar Kashmir in January 2015 prior to 2014-15 I-League 2nd Division where his team finished runners in its debut season. In May 2015 he was loaned by Assam State Premier League side Morning Star F.C. and lifted the ASPL 2015 as unbeaten champions.
Mohammedan Sporting Club
In July 2015 Kareem signed for Kolkata giants Mohammedan where he was named Captain for 2015-16 season. He made his debut for Mohammedan in Calcutta Football League on August 9, 2015 against Mohun Bagan. He scored his first goal for Mohammedan on August 23 against East Bengal. In November 2015 Mohammedan released him unceremoniously after he suffered a small injury.
Minerva Academy FC
On 19 January 2016 Kareem signed for I-League 2nd Division outfit Minerva Academy F.C. of Punjab. Kareem made his debut for Minerva Academy FC on March 29, 2016 against Neroca FC at Imphal. On April 3, 2016 Kareem has led Minerva Academy FC to a 2-1 win over Mohammedan SC at Kolkata.
Playing style
Kareem is known for his solid defending and clean tackles on the ball, who can also play as central midfielder. Kareem is a specialist of dead ball and scored many goals from dead ball situations throughout his career.
Honours
Club
Jammu & Kashmir Bank FC
- J&K Premier League 2009-10
JCT FC
- Durand Cup : 2010 (Runners)
Royal Wahingdoh FC
- Shillong Premier League : 2011-12 & 2012-13
Lonestar Kashmir FC
- I-League 2nd Division : 2014-15 (Runners)
Morning Star FC
References
External links
- Kareem Omolaja profile at Soccerway