Shola Ogundana: Flamengo’s Trailblazing Nigerian Winger

The CONMEBOL Libertadores remains one of world football’s most illustrious yet gruelling tournaments, with clubs journeying across the vast expanse of the continent over the course of the year in search of glory. It showcases some of the continent’s finest talent, all while scouts from around the globe keep a watchful eye. 

Its Under-20 counterpart mirrors this focus, but condenses the action into a two-week sprint in a single host city, making it an invaluable window for youth recruitment.

This year was no exception, as Flamengo defended their crown, defeating fellow Brazilian side Palmeiras on penalties in the final. While the profile of most of the young South American stars appeared familiar, the player awarded ‘Hero of the Tournament’ stood out… 

In 2023, after turning 18, Ogundana made the bold and unconventional move to the Mengão. His transfer is a testament to Flamengo’s far-reaching scouting network and, one that, if successful, could pave the way for more similar moves from Africa in the future.

Ogundana’s example also reinforces the value of having access to an extensive video library and scouting youth tournaments when scouring the globe for the next big thing. What’s more, it highlights the opportunities Wyscout can bring to players in areas that are harder to scout in person, such as Africa, and the potential pathways that can emerge from having this global visibility.

There’s little doubt that both player and club have been thriving since. A 2024 Under-20 Libertadores triumph was followed by a victory in the Under-20 Intercontinental Cup against Olympiacos. Ogundana then made his first-team debut in November, becoming the first Nigerian to wear Flamengo’s iconic red and black. Now, with the 2025 Under-20 Libertadores trophy, Flamengo have become the first club to win back-to-back titles.

It’s easy to see what attracted Flamengo to Ogundana, the raw talent which the Brazilian club first identified is still very much evident. What stands out immediately is his speed—explosive acceleration and lightning quick, straight-line pace; a formidable asset in a winger or forward across the attacking line. This directness can be ruthless against sides who defend high and leave space behind but also unsettles full-backs in one-on-one situations.

Of course, pace alone won’t carry a player to the top. Fortunately, there’s more to Ogundana’s game. His technical ability, close control, and dribbling skills allow him to beat defenders, either cutting inside onto his right foot or by powering to the byline to deliver a dangerous cross.

Predominantly playing off the left wing but capable of operating on either flank, Ogundana has all the attributes you would want in a winger or wide forward. His low centre of gravity and quick changes of direction make him elusive and, having created half a yard of separation, the 20-year-old has the explosive change of pace to get away. 

Coupled with a fearless mentality and unwavering confidence in his abilities, Ogundana always wants the ball and is eager to make an impact. No player completed more dribbles than the 20-year-old at this year’s Under-20 Libertadores, and this high-risk, high-reward attitude in attack frequently provided Flamengo with their breakthrough.

Shola's two goals in this year's tournament, both scored in the dominant 6-1 victory over Olimpia, perfectly showcase this aforementioned skill set. The first highlighted his blistering pace to get on the end of a cross, while the second demonstrated his exceptional dribbling ability as he beat the last defender before finishing with composure.

His involvement in Flamengo’s vital goal in the final against Palmeiras - despite harshly not being officially credited as an assist - further demonstrating this ability to stretch play. In addition, it continued to solidify Ogundana's reputation for stepping up in big games, just as he did with a goal in the 2024 final against Boca Juniors.

This close control allows Ogundana to create space to get shots away from a wide variety of positions and while outperforming his xG of 1.87 (third highest at the 2025 Under-20 Libertadores) only one player attempted more shots in the course of the tournament. 

His average of 3.11 shots per 90 minutes speaks to his confidence, but also suggests an area for improvement: his eagerness can sometimes impact his decision-making. At times, he is too quick to dribble or shoot when a simpler option might be more effective.

That said, Ogundana is capable of scoring from various positions, though the vast majority come from his heavily favoured right foot. This raises the possibility that he could be scoring even more. With 46.67% of his shots on target at the Under-20 Libertadores, he ranked favourably among other forwards, yet his finishing can still be a little erratic. At times opting for power rather than precision. While two goals in Paraguay and four in 15 appearances in last season’s Under-20 Brasileirão is a respectable return, there’s a sense that he has the potential to add more to his tally.

Attacking the half space, Ogundana has proved a goal threat himself but as a winger he also needs to be a provider. Staying wide and delivering crosses has been a feature of his game since back at the Viareggio Cup and it continues to be an important aspect of his playstyle. 2.7 crosses per 90 during the 2025 Under-20 Libertadores saw Shola as one of the most active left-wing operators. 

Much of these entries into the penalty box are with Ogundana carrying the ball rather and this remains where he is most effective. Leading the way in progressive runs in the Libertadores with an impressive 4.77 per 90 minutes, the Nigerian winger drove Flamengo up the pitch at speed. 

There is room for improvement in his distribution, certainly if Ogundana wants to have greater influence when dropping deeper to receive the ball, keep possession and deliver more incisive passes forward. 

And there is also a question to be addressed physically when stepping up against stronger, more experienced defenders. While his work rate can’t be faulted and he displays intensity in the press, at around 172cm he is hardly the most imposing figure, and can struggle in duels. Aerially that perhaps goes without saying, but Ogundana also wins only 40% of his duels. 

Yet despite this the 20-year-old still contributes defensively for Flamengo. His speed and determination key in him making 2.17 interceptions and 4.35 recoveries in the opposition half during the Under-20 Libertadores. 

Ogundana’s stocky frame may suggest that rather than being a physical issue, in fact with further experience and improved tactical understanding, the youngster can be more effective in duels.

Speaking of Ogundana's physical capacity, former Flamengo Sports Scientist Pedro Menezes said: 

"In the final of the U20 Carioca Championship, our athlete Shola performed 15 sprint actions during a single match. So, he provides us with a lot of analysis material, with metrics captured by WIMU combined with a number of videos integrated into Sportscode to contextualize and understand whether these sprints are occurring in defensive or offensive actions. In this way, he helps our physiology department in load control, communicates with the coaching staff, and contributes to Shola's development, benefiting from his ability to perform sprints in each game situation."

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