In the heart of Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria, where football is more than just a game but a way of life, a young man once stood on the sidelines, dreaming.
His name? Jelili Adeniran Ogunmuyiwa. He wasn’t the fastest player on the pitch, nor was he the star goal-scorer. Instead, he found his calling in the whistle, the laws of the game, and the art of fair play.
The Journey Begins
In 1996, Jelili took his first steps into refereeing as a Referee in Training (R.I.T) in Ikorodu. It was a path paved with sweat and sacrifice, but he was determined. By 2001, after years of dedication, he earned his Grade One Referee Badge, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey.
Rising Through the Ranks
Like any young referee, he started from the bottom, officiating in Nigeria’s amateur leagues. In 2002, he officiated his first game in what is now known as the Nationwide League. A year later, in 2003, he was on duty in the Nigeria National League (NNL) in ancient Ogbomosho, Oyo State—his first taste of high-stakes football.
The climb continued. In 2006, he achieved a significant milestone—promotion to the Nigeria Premier League (NPFL). It was the highest level of club football in the country, a stage where only the best could stand. He went on to officiate two National Federation Cup semifinals and one 3rd Place match, a testament to his growing reputation.
But Jelili’s journey wasn’t meant to end within the borders of Nigeria. The world was calling.
A Global Breakthrough: FIFA Beach Soccer Referee
In 2008, he received the honour of a lifetime—the FIFA Beach Soccer Referee Badge. It wasn’t just a title; it was a passport to the world’s biggest stages. For 16 years, he gave his heart to the game, representing Nigeria in six FIFA Beach Soccer World Cups, making split-second decisions that shaped the course of matches.
He officiated at six FIFA Beach Soccer World Cups, each one a chapter in his remarkable story:
Marseille, France—2008
Dubai, UAE – 2009
Ravenna, Italy—2011
Espinho, Portugal—2015
Bahamas—2017
Dubai, UAE – 2024
Making History in Africa
Jelili wasn’t just making a name for himself on the world stage; he was also writing history in Africa. He became the Nigerian referee with the highest number of appearances in CAF Beach Soccer courses and officiated at four CAF AFCON Beach Soccer tournaments:
Mahe Island, Seychelles—2015
Lagos, Nigeria—2016
Dakar, Senegal – 2021
Vilankulo, Mozambique – 2022
For over a decade, he was a mainstay at Copa Lagos, officiating in every edition from 2011 to 2020. His influence extended beyond refereeing; he became a technical instructor, training referees for the Nigeria Beach Soccer Association.
Giving Back: A Call for the Future
Despite all his achievements, Jelili knew his mission wasn’t complete. He saw the decline of Beach Soccer in Nigeria, and it troubled him. He had trained referees in Lagos State, helped organize the Beach Soccer Fiesta in 2020 and 2021, and mentored young officials. But he knew more needed to be done.
Now, as he steps into a new phase of his career, he makes a heartfelt appeal to the Lagos State Football Association:
“My greatest wish is to see Beach Soccer thrive in Lagos again,” he says.
“Beach Soccer is fast-growing across Africa, especially in West Africa. Lagos was once a hub for it, producing international referees and world-class players. We cannot let it fade away. I urge the LSFA to champion the reintroduction of Beach Soccer in Lagos. We have the talent, the passion, and the history—it’s time to bring it back.”
From the dusty fields of Ikorodu, Lagos, to the golden sands of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, Jelili Adeniran Ogunmuyiwa’s journey is one of resilience, excellence, and an undying love for the game.
His story isn’t just about the past—it’s a call to action for the future of Beach Soccer in Nigeria.
Jelili’s story is not just about the matches he officiated or the medals he earned. It’s about a man who fought for a dream on the sand—and is now calling for others to help keep it alive!
