Michael Olaha: 'Song Lam Nghe An Club has become a part of my life'

Song Lam Nghe An is a second home

“Vinh Stadium is my favorite place. Song Lam Nghe An Club has become a part of my life,” Olaha shared.

It has been nearly a decade since he set foot in Vietnam. Olaha has not only left his mark with important goals, but also won the hearts of Nghe An fans with his simplicity, friendliness and dedication. To him, Song Lam Nghe An is not simply a football team, but a second home.

In the eyes of teammates,Olahais an introvert, quiet, but always willing to help young players. Midfielder Le Dinh Long Vu commented: "Olaha is very gentle, sociable and always encourages his juniors. On the field, he is always a solid support for us."

Ho Khac Ngoc, who has worked with this foreign player for many years, affirmed: “Olaha is very friendly and approachable. Perhaps because he loves his hometown Nghe An, he wants to stay here for a long time. In terms of expertise, Olaha is truly a quality player that any team would want to have.”

Olaha was born into a family with no footballing tradition in Nigeria. His father worked in the government and his mother was a teacher. However, Olaha showed a special talent for the ball and was drawn to the game from a young age.

Ronaldo De Lima, the “alien”, was his idol and gave him great inspiration. The turning point came when he played for his hometown team, then unexpectedly received an invitation to come to Vietnam. In January 2017, Olaha joined Song Lam Nghe An. In his first season, he scored 8 goals in 32 matches. In 2018, he affirmed his position as a mainstay with 10 goals, contributing to creating a new look for the Nghe An team’s attack.

After the 2019 season, Olaha tried his hand in Israel with Hapoel Tel Aviv. Despite some memorable moments, his career here was not as fulfilling as expected. A year later, he returned to Vietnam. This is where his love for football and the attachment of fans became a bond. “I received many messages from teammates and fans. Everyone wanted me to come back. Despite other invitations, I still decided to return to Song Lam Nghe An, because this place is like my family,” Olaha shared.

Olahadreambecome a Vietnamese citizen

Returning to Song Lam Nghe An, Olaha continued to prove his worth. In the 2023-2024 season, he played all 26 matches and scored 13 goals. In the 2024-2025 season, although he scored fewer goals, his leadership role became increasingly clear. He often guided young players, giving them confidence and experience. “Mistakes are inevitable, especially for young players. It is important to encourage and motivate them to dare to play their best. I believe that Song Lam Nghe An players are all very good, they just need more time to gain experience,” Olaha shared.

Not only wanting to contribute to the club, the Nigerian striker also cherishes the dream of becoming a Vietnamese citizen to have the opportunity to play for the national team.

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I have thought about it many times. If I have the chance, I definitely want to become a Vietnamese citizen. I always follow the team and if I am called, I will be ready to give my all.

Forward Olaha

After more than 8 years of association, Olaha is no longer simply a foreign player. He has integrated himself into the lifestyle of Nghe An, from the habit of riding a motorbike on the streets, enjoying local food, to caring for and guiding young teammates. For fans, Olaha has surpassed the limits of a "foreign player". He has become an icon of loyalty and dedication to Song Lam Nghe An. And if one day, his dream of wearing the Vietnamese national team jersey comes true, it will be a worthy reward for a player who has devoted his entire youth to this land.

The desire to become a Vietnamese citizen, for Olaha, is the desire to make that attachment permanent. Not only to play football, but also to live, to love, to contribute as a part of Nghe An's flesh and blood.

At Vinh Stadium, every time he celebrates a goal, Olaha’s smile seems to reach thousands of hearts in the stands. Because for him, the greatest happiness is to feel that he truly belongs here, as a true “Nghe An person”.