FC Porto striker and Super Eagles prospect, Samu Omorodion, has chosen to honor his mother by changing his surname from Omorodion to Aghehowa, celebrating her sacrifices and resilience.
Samu’s mother, an immigrant from Nigeria, embarked on a grueling 3,500-kilometer journey from West Africa to Spain, crossing harsh borders through Niger, Algeria, and Morocco—all while eight months pregnant with him. Her determination not only brought them to a new country but laid the foundation for Samu’s success as a professional athlete.
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Reflecting on his challenging childhood in Spain, Samu shared with BeIN Sports, “My childhood was pretty tough. There were times when my mom didn’t have money for me to go to training, and we had to walk. Sometimes, we didn’t even have food… It’s tough.”
He expressed gratitude for being able to give back to her now, saying, “Last year, I was able to help her retire. I also bought her a house so she can enjoy what she couldn’t in the past.”
His decision to adopt her maiden name is a tribute to her role in his life. “Everything that my mother did for me has no price, and I want to pay homage to her by using her surname,” Samu explained. “People know me by my other name [Omorodion, his father’s surname], but I want to be known as Aghehowa.”
At just 20, Samu has already made a significant impact at FC Porto, netting 11 goals in 11 matches across competitions. His prolific form has established him as a key player for the Portuguese giants, with potential suitors likely eyeing him for a summer transfer.
Although details on his father’s involvement remain unclear, Samu has consistently highlighted his mother’s vital role in his journey to the top.
His Porto jersey now bears the name “SAMU. A,” marking the beginning of a new chapter where he proudly carries his mother’s legacy forward.
