From Ijebu Ode to the World: Pooja’s Premier League dream arrives

Nigerian photojournalist Sulaiman “Pooja” Adebayo has made his debut covering an English Premier League match pitchside.

The seasoned photographer, known for his work at global tournaments, brought a touch of Nigerian flair to the sidelines, symbolically bridging the gap between local talent and the world’s most-watched football league.

Premier League debut

Pooja marked his Premier League debut at Craven Cottage, capturing the action as Fulham secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The coverage of the Premier League represents a significant career peak for the Ijebu-Ode native.

Adebayo celebrated the moment in style, choosing to wear traditional Nigerian attire while on duty.

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Sharing his excitement on social media, Pooja described the experience as a “dream come true,” drawing widespread congratulations from fans and colleagues across the continent.

DREAM COME TRUE!!!

Let’s sho0t the Premier League.

Fulham vs. Wolves. #PoojaInUK pic.twitter.com/jyy1tJ2VGh

— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) November 1, 2025

Pooja’s Journey: The Persistence Behind the Lens

Pooja’s current success is the culmination of years of persistence, beginning in Nigeria’s local leagues and progressing to the highest echelons of global football.

His journey is a powerful narrative of transition, from a university major that might have landed him in a “banking hall” to one of Africa’s most recognised sports photojournalists.

He has covered multiple AFCONs, the Commonwealth Games, and the FIFA World Cup, consistently delivering captivating imagery that fuels conversations across the continent.

Pooja’s career has been fraught with challenges, from navigating the often-turbulent world of local Nigerian football, like being chased by irate fans during an NNL match, to his personal financial sacrifice of saving for months just to cover Victor Osimhen’s Scudetto celebrations in Napoli.

Career Milestones

He began his journey studying Banking and Finance, but his passion for photography soon took over. With determination and family support, he convinced his brothers to pool funds to buy his first camera, a Canon 70D marking the true beginning of his creative path.

His first major breakthrough came at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where he secured official accreditation. He describes this moment as the point when his love for sports photography truly ignited.

Covering the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar became the defining highlight of his career so far. The global stage allowed him to capture some of football’s greatest icons, including Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, cementing his reputation internationally.

Symbol of a New Era

Adebayo’s Premier League debut is more than a personal victory; it is a profound symbol of the expanding footprint of African professionals on the world sports stage.

Dream It
Chase It
Achieve It #PoojaInUK 🇬🇧🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/f7dcySl4Sv

— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) November 1, 2025

It underscores the global reach of Nigerian talent and the growing demand for authentic, high-quality content captured by voices from the continent.

By bringing his unique perspective and cultural pride to one of football’s most prestigious competitions, Pooja has paved the way for the next generation of African sports journalists.