Photo credits: Alberta Soccer
When Team Alberta marched into the Canada Summer Games in St. John’s, Newfoundland last month, one of its most exciting prospects was 16‑year‑old defender Barry Ogbolu. The left‑back from BTB Soccer Academy in Edmonton earned his place in the provincial squad after impressing scouts throughout the year. Alberta Soccer’s final roster lists Ogbolu among the full‑backs who represented the provincealbertasoccer.com.
Photo credits: Alberta Soccer
Ogbolu’s selection came at a time when the Canada Games are returning to Newfoundland and Labrador for the first time since 1977. The soccer tournaments was split between St. John’s and nearby Conception Bay South; the boys’ competition runs 10–15 August and the girls’ tournament followed 19–24 August canadasoccer.com. Organised every four years, the Canada Summer Games bring together provincial and territorial select teams for a multi‑sport celebration of youth talent canadasoccer.com. Alberta’s men’s under‑17 team has been drawn in Group C alongside Yukon and Prince Edward Island canadasoccer.com, and the province hopes to emulate past successes on the national stage.
A relentless engine on the flank
Those close to Ogbolu’s development are quick to praise his work ethic and versatility. In July the youth development site First Touch Football Canada (FTF) named him Young Player MVP at its Top‑60 Boys Showcase. FTF’s scouting report described Ogbolu as “a relentless leftback who serves as the engine for his team, tirelessly covering ground up and down the touchline”ftfcanada.ca. His stamina allows him to contribute in both attack and defence, and on the ball he “excels at breaking lines with confident, direct dribbling that pushes his team forward,” making him “a constant outlet and a key piece in transition”ftfcanada.ca. That ability to combine defensive solidity with offensive impetus will be vital as Alberta faces unfamiliar opponents at the Games.
Photo credits: FTFCanada
Ogbolu honed those qualities at BTB Soccer Academy, an Edmonton‑based program that provides “high‑level training and playing environment” for boys and girls aged U5 to U21 localgymsandfitness.com. BTB is known for developing players who can adapt to different positions and systems – a trait Ogbolu embodies. He can slot in at left wingback, centre back or even as a winger, and his club coaches have encouraged him to be fearless when joining the attack.
From regional standout to provincial representative
Ogbolu’s rise has been steady. Over the past two seasons he helped BTB capture provincial indoor and outdoor championships, showing an ability to step up in high‑pressure moments. Scouts took note, and his performances in Alberta Soccer’s Provincial Select Program earned him an invitation to the Canada Summer Games evaluation camp. Head coach Kondeh Mansaray said the selection process was “tight right up until the very end” and highlighted the players’ technical skills and game awareness albertasoccer.com. Ogbolu ultimately secured one of four full‑back spots albertasoccer.com, a testament to his consistency and adaptability.
Being chosen for the Canada Summer Games is more than a personal milestone; it is a source of pride for Alberta’s Nigerian community. Born in Canada to Nigerian parentsthenationonlineng.net, Ogbolu embraces both his Canadian upbringing and the soccer‑crazy culture of his heritage. In Nigeria, football is the most popular sport, with passion stretching from local fields to the international stage where the national team, the Super Eagles, has a significant presenceidiomaticnigeria.com. The nation views sports as a unifying force and invests heavily in youth programs and facilities to nurture future starsidiomaticnigeria.com. Inspired by this tradition, Ogbolu expressed gratitude to his parents, coaches and teammates: “I wouldn’t be here without their support,” he said. “Playing at the Canada Games is a dream, and I want to show young players in our community that hard work pays off.” He’s goal some day is to play for national team
Looking ahead to St. John’s
Alberta opened its group campaign against Prince Edward Island before facing Yukon later in the week. The short tournament format means there is little margin for error, but Ogbolu believed the team’s chemistry was an asset. The squad recently held a six‑day training camp in Vancouver to fine‑tune tactics and build camaraderie, and the players emerged with renewed confidence. “We’re ready to compete,” he said.
For Edmonton soccer fans, the Canada Games offered a chance to watch one of the city’s brightest prospects perform on a national stage. Ogbolu’s energy, drive and commitment embody the spirit of the Games, and his journey from Elite Soccer Academy, BTB training sessions to the Team Alberta jersey is a reminder of the vibrant youth soccer pipeline in Alberta.
Photo credits: Soccer Elite Academy
According to Ahmed Majed, Ogbolu’s beloved coach at Elite Academy, this talent is ‘one of the best left backs in the nation,’ a testament to the mentor who has strongly supported his development.” This fits naturally after the description of his playing style and emphasizes his stature.
In a recent tune‑up match, he beautifully described how Ogbolu dribbled past three defenders and fired a stunning shot from inside the box, scoring the third goal of the game. Coach Ahmed called it ‘absolutely unreal’ on social media, tagging #BarryScoresAgain and #UnbelievableGoal.
At the tournament, all eyes were on the dynamic left‑back whose relentless runs powered Alberta’s push for a medal.
