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

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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

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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]

International career

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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,[15][16] being the only non-MLS player called to the North American-based player camp.[17] Immediately following the senior camp, he joined the Canada U17 for a pair of international friendlies.[18] On November 18, 2024, he scored his first international goal for Canada with the U17s in a friendly against Mexico U17.[19]

Career statistics

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As of October 27, 2024[20]
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

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  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. ^ "York United's Shola Jimoh added to CanMNT training camp in Toronto". Canadian Premier League. November 4, 2024.
  16. ^ "Sho and Tell: Teenage phenom Shola Jimoh named to CANMNT training camp ahead of Nations League clash". York United FC. November 4, 2024.
  17. ^ "CanMNT to hold Toronto training camp, TFC II teen Richard Chukwu & York United's Shola Jimoh included". Waking the Red. November 4, 2024.
  18. ^ ""He shows some real cleverness, explosiveness and also intelligence": Canada boss Jesse Marsch sings praises of Shola Jimoh". York United FC. November 12, 2024.
  19. ^ Tierney, Mitchell (November 18, 2024). "York United's Shola Jimoh scores for Canada U-17 in international friendly win over Mexico". Canadian Premier League.
  20. ^ Shola Jimoh at Soccerway
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