Sports | Imo Indigene bags UEFA 'B' Coaching License
Imo Indigene bags UEFA 'B' Coaching License
Paul Ikechukwu Obiefule is an indigene of Isiala-Mbano Local Government Area in Imo State, He was born in Owerri, As a young boy, he discovered that football was his God-given ability, So, he became so passionate about football.
Paul Ike Obiefule started his football career with Planners FC in 2000, While playing for Planners FC, he gained admission into the Agricultural Economics Department of Federal University of Technology Owerri FUTO, in the 2002/2003 Academic Session. While combining his studies with his football career, he joined Heartland FC of Owerri in 2004 where he spent two months before he joined Viborg FF of Denmark. His studies were put on hold in order for him to pursue his passion for football.
He made his debut for the Super Eagles in the LG Tournament in 2004. In 2006, he played in the Egypt 2006 Nations Cup where he won bronze for Nigeria together with Nwankwo Kanu, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Obafemi Martins, Vincent Enyeama, and the rest.
In 2007, he signed a one-year deal with Lyn Oslo of Norway where he played with John Obi Mikel, Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi and Ezekiel Bala. His contract was then extended till the end of 2011 and he was made the captain, making him the first African to captain a Norwegian Premiership Club. He was also a transfer target for English Championship side, Watford FC, Scottish Premiership side, Aberdeen FC, and Norwegian club side, Honefoss. A knee injury jeopardized his move to either Scotland or England.
On December 14, 2009, he verbally agreed for a 3-year long contract with Honefoss. On August 2, 2011, he was loaned to Lillestrom for 6 months and he played for the club the following day without training with his new teammates.
In February 2012, he signed a contract for the 2012 season with Finnish Veikkausliga team KuPS. In November 2012, he returned to Viborg FF of Denmark ahead of a proposed move to a Chinese club side. In August 2015, he agreed for a contract with Danish club Holstebro after playing for Moldrup/Tostrup. He then retired in 2017.
While playing football, he studied International Sales & Marketing at the University College Northern Denmark between September 1, 2016 to February 1, 2018. He also studied Marketing and Management at Dania Academy, Denmark.
He got married to a Danish citizen and his children are taking after him. His daughter, Olivia, has won gold medals for Denmark in Acrobatic Dance competitions. His first son is training to become a footballer like him.
His younger brother, Polycarp Obinna Obiefule, also played for Planners FC before signing for a club in Malta. He became the first African to score 34 goals in a season in the Maltese Premier League.
Credit: FUTO Online Community
