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I have had the privilege of knowing Olubayo Adefemi for only two and a half
years. He initiated the relationship by “friending” me on Facebook. His first
note came on November 20, 2008 (I just retrieved it): “Hello, happy to meet u.
I see you played football too at one time. See u putting smiles on the kids out
there for me. Am doing great over here. To God be the Glory. Stay blessed.
Let’s please stay in touch. Cheerz.”

Hence, the friendship began.

Very humble and always uplifting, Bayo never led a conversation with his
accolades and national or international accomplishments, of which he had so
many to boast of. Instead he humbly and respectfully would punctuate my day
with:

“My big sista – where are you? Longest time, just checkin on u.”

“Been in Bucharest for 3 months. I plan to make 2010 [World Cup team] but as
u know man proposes, while God disposes; I look up to Him.”

“How far with the sports programs for the kids?”

“Kasia, great job you are doing..Just keep the candle light burning. Am
gonna join u. Thanx 4 writing me, thanks for your words – I’m lifted up – Oba
t’oni gbogbo ope!”

Over the course of two and a half years, I learnt not only what a talented
player he was and how much he loved fashion and good-natured jokes, but that
this was a man in his early twenties with a very mature outlook on
relationships, life, and his faith. While a leader on the sports field, he also
had a heart for serving others, and a heart for Christ. He spent much time building
others up, sending them positive messages, and sprinkling humour into their
lives. I call people like Bayo, a “builder of builders.” One of his more recent
notes read, “Dear, keep moving forward. You encourage me and my job is to in
turn build you up by encouraging u. Hope 2 meet u in person soonest, maybe at
my wedding?”

Amazing being

What an amazing human being he was. Having never known him previously, Bayo
had warmed his way into my heart and into my personal support structure. And
from the recollections that have sprung up since his death, clearly he had done
so with so many other individuals. My last note to Bayo read, “Thank you for
the kind thought and birthday note! Both are very appreciated. I’m following
your progress and am proud of you! Don’t stop, God has such big things yet for
you.”

Apparently, the things God had in store for Bayo were so much bigger than
this earth could contain.

Bayo’s death is a tragic loss for all who know him and love him, as well as
those who may have never met him but are impacted by the example he set. At
such an unbelievably young age, this “servant-leader” has left his imprint in
football, and in the lives and hearts of so many around the world. He served
and encouraged others; passionately pursued a personal relationship with God;
and gave his best on the football field each time. This is “playing to win” in
the tournament called life! The way I see it, Bayo won! Albeit very early, he
completed his assignment, and was called home into glory. He recently wrote, “God
is above all things!!!” Bayo was so right about that. We have to trust and not
question, that the same God who gives, is the God who takes away and has the
keys to all things (“Oba ti emi gbogbo enia wa l’owo Re!”). May Olubayo
Adefemi’s exemplary life and legacy continue to bless others for a long time to
come.

Muoto, a former footballer based in the United States, is President of
‘We Play to Win, Inc’