Meet Ayo Oke: American-born dual-national defender who admires Liverpool star Alexander-Arnold

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have earned a reputation for being defensively astute, judging from recent tournaments (the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2024 Olympics). 

However, the lack of options at the right defensive flanks are a thing of worry.

Michelle Alozie has been exceptional in marshalling her position, but should there be a reason for her to be unavailable for selection, a worthy backup is extremely essential. This is where the Super Falcons have a problem.

Rofiat Imuran has been fielded as her backup in recent times, but as seen in the recent friendly against France, the Falconets defender just isn't ripe for the senior national team just yet. However, an option overseas has emerged in the form of Ayo Oke.

Born in Lawrenceville, Georgia, to Nigerian parents, Ayooluwa Naomi Oke, plays as a defender for University of California Los Angeles Bruins, affectionately known as UCLA Bruins.

Among the footballers she looks up to are Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, NJ/NY Gotham FC's Crystal Dunn and American legend Abby Wambach.

Ayo's soccer journey began in her teenage years, playing for Brookwood High School and club soccer with Tophat SC.

Her impressive performances earned her Region Midfielder of the Year and All-Region honors in 2020-21. 

She also earned All-America honors twice, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.

She began her collegiate career at California Golden Bears and was named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman team in 2021. 

She appeared in 13 matches, starting 11, and scored the game-winning goal against Arizona State. Her impressive performances continued in 2022, earning her a spot on the All-Pacific Region first team and the All-Pac-12 second team.

In 2023, Ayo transferred to her current club, where she continues to excel. She started and played in all 19 games that year, totaling one goal and four assists, and contributing to 11 shutouts. 

Her impressive performances earned her a spot on the All-Pac-12 second team for the second consecutive year.

On the international stage, she has been part of the United States youth national teams since the U-15 level. 

She played in two games and started one for the U.S. at the 2022 FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup and helped lead the U.S. to the 2022 CONCACAF U-20 Championship. 

Ayo was also named to the Best XI team at the 2022 Sud Ladies Cup. Additionally, she was also part of the U.S. U-23 team for the 2023 Portland Thorns Preseason Tournament.

Having represented the United States competitively at various youth levels, she would need to apply for a nationality switch to have any chances at representing Nigeria at any level in the future.

Outside football, Ayo is a sociology major and aspires to be a Lawyer or a professional footballer in the coming years. 

Ejim Kaycee

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