Shola Jimoh

Shola Jimoh
Jimoh in 2024
Personal information
Full name Olusola Jimoh
Date of birth (2008-04-08) April 8, 2008 (age 16)
Place of birth Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England
Position(s) Forward
Team information
Current team
York United FC
Number 19
Youth career
Brampton East SC
Toronto FC
2023 United Football Academy
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2023– York United FC 14 (3)
International career
2023 Canada U15 4 (0)
2024– Canada U17 2 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of October 27, 2024
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of November 18, 2024

Olusola Jimoh (born April 8, 2008) is a soccer player who plays for York United FC in the Canadian Premier League. Born in England, he represents Canada at youth international level.

Early life

Jimoh was born in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England and grew up in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.[1][2] Jimoh began playing soccer after a teacher at school spotted him playing in the schoolyard and recommended to his parents to register him in the sport.[3] He then began playing with Brampton East SC at age six.[4] He later joined the Toronto FC Academy, followed by a stint with the United Football Academy.[5][6]

Club career

In September 2023, Jimoh signed a developmental contract with York United FC in the Canadian Premier League.[7] In June 2024, he signed an Exceptional Young Talent contract with the club through 2026, with an option for 2027.[8][9] On June 9, 2024, he made his professional debut in a substitute appearance against Vancouver FC.[10] He scored his first goal on July 13 against Cavalry FC,[11][12] becoming the league's second-youngest ever goal-scorer at 16 years and 96 days of age (behind T.J. Tahid).[13] On September 13, 2024, he started his first professional match, scoring his second goal, in a 1-1 draw with Valour FC.[14] In his first season, he scored four goals across all competitions, of which two were game-winning goals.[15]

International career

Jimoh played with the Canada U15 at the 2023 CONCACAF Boys' Under-15 Championship.

In November 2024, Jimoh was called to a training camp with the Canada senior team for the first time, as a 16 year old,[16][17] being the only non-MLS player called to the North American-based player camp.[18] Immediately following the senior camp, he joined the Canada U17 for a pair of international friendlies.[19] He made his debut in the first match against Costa Rica U17, followed by scoring his first international goal for Canada with the U17s in the next match on November 18, in a friendly against Mexico U17.[20][21]

Career statistics

As of October 27, 2024[22]
Club Season League Playoffs Domestic Cup Continental Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
York United 2023 Canadian Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2024 14 3 2 1 0 0 16 4
Career total 14 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 16 4

References

  1. ^ Viswanathan, Gautam (October 6, 2024). "Match Analysis: Youngster Shola Jimoh gives York victory over 10-man Atlético". Canadian Premier League.
  2. ^ Tierney, Mitchell (October 10, 2024). "'I wanted to challenge myself': 16-year-old Shola Jimoh thriving in first pro season with York United". Canadian Premier League.
  3. ^ Jones, Chris (November 7, 2024). "Teenaged Shola Jimoh impresses at men's soccer training session, offering evidence of CPL development strategy". CBC Sports.
  4. ^ Shola Jimoh at the Canadian Soccer Association
  5. ^ Jacques, John (June 23, 2024). "The CPL's First Six Exceptional Young Talent Players". Northern Tribune.
  6. ^ Jacques, John (November 4, 2024). "Canada Calls 16-Year-Old Shola Jimoh To Training Camp". Northern Tribune.
  7. ^ Jacques, John (September 6, 2023). "York United Youth Injection: Nine Stripes Announce Three Additions". Northern Tribune.
  8. ^ "York United FC announce signing of Canadian winger Shola Jimoh on Exceptional Young Talent contract". York United FC. June 7, 2024.
  9. ^ Jacques, John (June 7, 2024). "York United Adds Shola Jimoh On Exceptional Young Talent Deal". Northern Tribune.
  10. ^ "The Special Juan: Cordova's sensational strike the highlight as Mora's first game ends in 2-2 draw". York United FC. June 9, 2024.
  11. ^ "'My moment came and I took advantage of it': How 16-year-old Shola Jimoh scored his very first pro goal". York United FC. July 16, 2024.
  12. ^ O'Connor-Clarke, Charlie (July 16, 2024). "Sho And Tell: 16-year-old Jimoh nets first professional goal in superb win in Calgary". York United FC.
  13. ^ O'Connor-Clarke, Charlie (July 13, 2024). "Match Analysis: York United stay hot, hand Cavalry first home loss in CPL of 2024". Canadian Premier League.
  14. ^ O'Connor-Clarke, Charlie (September 13, 2024). "Sho-Time: 16-year-old Jimoh nets second of the season in first pro start as Nine Stripes battle hard at home". York United FC.
  15. ^ Healey, Josh (November 8, 2024). "'Sho Time': Breakout CanPL star Shola Jimoh on CanMNT radar as 16-year-old earns Jesse Marsch's praise". OneSoccer.
  16. ^ "York United's Shola Jimoh added to CanMNT training camp in Toronto". Canadian Premier League. November 4, 2024.
  17. ^ "Sho and Tell: Teenage phenom Shola Jimoh named to CANMNT training camp ahead of Nations League clash". York United FC. November 4, 2024.
  18. ^ "CanMNT to hold Toronto training camp, TFC II teen Richard Chukwu & York United's Shola Jimoh included". Waking the Red. November 4, 2024.
  19. ^ ""He shows some real cleverness, explosiveness and also intelligence": Canada boss Jesse Marsch sings praises of Shola Jimoh". York United FC. November 12, 2024.
  20. ^ Tierney, Mitchell (November 18, 2024). "York United's Shola Jimoh scores for Canada U-17 in international friendly win over Mexico". Canadian Premier League.
  21. ^ "Shola Jimoh returns to The Nine Stripes for 2025". York United FC. December 4, 2024.
  22. ^ Shola Jimoh at Soccerway