At the heart of Samu Omorodion’s journey from Spain’s promising young striker to FC Porto’s star is a name change that carries deep personal meaning. After an impressive stint with Spain’s Olympic squad, where he scored one goal en route to gold in Paris 2024, the 20-year-old chose to honor his mother by adopting her surname, Aghehowa, on his jersey. Now, the name “Samu A” graces his shirt, symbolizing his respect for his mother’s sacrifices.

Born in Mellila, Spain, to Nigerian parents, Samu was raised with a deep awareness of his family’s struggles. He explained to Revista Dragões, “Everything my mother did for me has no price. I want to pay homage to her by using her surname. People know me as Omorodion, but I want to be known as Aghehowa.”

After an initial deal with Chelsea fell through, Samu joined FC Porto, where he’s quickly made his mark under Sérgio Conceição. With eleven goals in twelve games, he’s proving his worth for Porto, even as his international allegiance remains with Spain.

While Nigeria holds a claim on the forward’s future, Samu’s story reflects his journey of gratitude and a tribute to his mother’s legacy. His jersey name now signifies the resilience and sacrifices that have shaped him.