Simisola Feyishayo Awujo, a young woman from Atlanta, Georgia, who once imagined herself playing at Old Trafford, is now a reality as a Manchester United player.
At just 22 years old, Simi Awujo's life story is already remarkable. Born to Nigerian parents from Lagos and Idanre, she was raised in Canada and pursued higher education at the University of Southern California, studying computer science and business while excelling in collegiate soccer. She is now a midfielder for Manchester United Women in the Women's Super League. Awujo has represented Canada at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and recently scored a notable goal against Chelsea in the Women's FA Cup, sparking widespread interest.
Her identity is multifaceted: Nigerian by heritage, Canadian by international representation, a self-proclaimed "nerd" with a genuine enthusiasm for coding, and a footballer who grew up speaking Yoruba and enjoying traditional Nigerian cuisine. Awujo emphasizes integrating all aspects of herself into every situation. This interview explores her upbringing in a Nigerian household, the significant influence of her brother Jide on her football career, the fulfillment of signing with Manchester United, and her current musical preferences.
Regarding her current well-being and the year 2026, Awujo states she is doing well and that the year has been positive. She expressed pleasure in being back with her team and acknowledged the team's accomplishments and milestones achieved so far.
Awujo acknowledges her extensive travels and young age but stresses the importance of honoring her parents and upbringing by bringing her authentic self to every environment.
She describes Nigeria as a significant presence in her home life. Her parents' Nigerian heritage meant she grew up speaking Yoruba, eating Nigerian food, and being surrounded by a large family, with her grandmother often living with them, making Nigeria a fundamental part of her identity.
Awujo has visited Nigeria multiple times, most recently every December since 2021. Her earliest strong memory involves accompanying her mother to a market. A more profound recent memory involves a Christmas gathering with extended family to celebrate her grandmother, who had relocated back to Nigeria. Tragically, her grandmother passed away during that visit, turning the occasion into a celebration of her life.
While jollof rice is her favorite, Awujo's second favorite Nigerian dish is ogbono soup. She credits her mother with making the best jollof in the family, though she admits a cousin's recent jollof rice was also exceptional.
Football has been a lifelong passion, influenced heavily by her father's love for the sport and his support for Barcelona. Her brother, Jide, played a crucial role in her development, as she constantly aimed to match his skill and compete with him. Training alongside him and his teams significantly contributed to her growth as a player.
Balancing computer science and business studies at USC with high-level football was challenging but rewarding. Awujo, driven by her parents' emphasis on academics, prioritized her studies. She chose a major that was both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating, believing the discipline learned in high school and her academic pursuits equipped her for success in her dual commitments.
Awujo admits to taking a break from coding after graduating but hopes to integrate her passion for coding with football in future projects.
Signing with Manchester United in August 2024 felt like a full-circle moment, given her childhood visits to Old Trafford and participation in a Manchester United Soccer School. She described being incredibly nervous before her debut at Old Trafford but found the experience of touring the stadium as a new player and then making her professional debut there to be surreal.
Participating in the Paris Olympics was a significant career milestone. Awujo highlighted their advancement from the group stage as an unforgettable moment, emphasizing the team's perseverance despite the challenges they faced.
She enjoys Afrobeats music, currently listening to Fola. She particularly enjoys "Adunni" by Rybeena and Joeboy, "Duro" by Kodee, and "Peace" by Mohbad.
Reflecting on her younger self, Awujo believes the little girl who played football with her brother Jide would advise her to persevere. She acknowledges the ups and downs of her football journey but cherishes it, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the love for the sport that initially captivated her.
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