Widely-travelled English football of Nigerian descent, Viv Solomon-Otabor has attributed his mental toughness and adaptability in the different countries he has played in to the competitive environment of UK academies which honed his skills and character.
Solomon-Otabor’s journey from London’s grassroots pitches to professional football has been a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the invaluable lessons learned in the crucible of UK football academies.
Born on January 2, 1996, in London to Nigerian parents from Edo State, Solomon-Otabor’s early years were steeped in the rich tapestry of Nigerian football culture.
“It was up and down because getting into an academy wasn’t easy,” Solomon-Otabor reflects.
“I was playing for my local team, just enjoying football and expressing myself. I got scouted at 14 by Chelsea and spent about six or seven months there before signing with Crystal Palace, where I stayed for two years.”
His time at these esteemed academies was marked by intense competition and high expectations, experiences that forged his mental toughness and work ethic.
In 2012, Solomon-Otabor joined Birmingham City’s academy, a move that would prove pivotal in his development. He made his professional debut in 2015 and quickly became a standout performer, earning the club’s Young Player of the Season award in 2016.
His performances caught the eye of then-manager Gary Rowett, who likened him to Demarai Gray, praising his speed, versatility, and work ethic.
“If he can piece it all together, he’s going to be another Demarai Gray,” Rowett noted .
Despite his promising start, Solomon-Otabor’s path was not without challenges. He faced stiff competition for a starting spot and spent time on loan at clubs like Oxford City, Bolton Wanderers, Blackpool, and Portsmouth, gaining invaluable experience and exposure to different playing styles.
These loan spells were instrumental in his growth, teaching him adaptability and the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise.
In 2019, Solomon-Otabor made a bold move abroad, signing with Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia. The experience broadened his horizons, both on and off the pitch. He featured in Europa League qualifiers and earned a call-up to the Nigerian national team, a dream come true for the player .
That invitation ignited a deep connection with his Nigerian football heritage and he has always been eager to get more chances to represent the country.
His subsequent stints with Wigan Athletic, St Johnstone, Rukh Lviv, and Cangzhou Mighty Lions further enriched his career, each club offering unique challenges and learning experiences.
In 2025, Solomon-Otabor continued his professional journey with Al Orooba in the UAE Pro League, demonstrating his adaptability and commitment to the game.
Reflecting on his experiences, Solomon-Otabor credits the rigorous training and discipline instilled in UK academies for shaping his approach to football.
“The opportunity to get into an academy wasn’t so easy,” he acknowledges.
“But those challenges taught me resilience and the importance of hard work.”
