Kunle Solaja stands tall as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished sports journalists, authors, and soccer historians. Widely regarded as Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa’s most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, his career spans decades of outstanding contributions to sports journalism and football documentation.
Solaja studied at the University of Lagos and furthered his education at Cairo University. These academic experiences helped shape his intellectual foundation and sharpen his research and storytelling abilities. He is based in Nigeria, where his passion for documenting the nation’s football heritage has made him a household name.
Over the years, Solaja has built an illustrious career in journalism. He served as Sports Editor at Concord Newspapers and The Guardian, later becoming Editor of SoccerStar at The Sun Publishing Ltd. Today, he is the Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of Extra Time Communications Limited, the publishing house behind Sports Village Square a platform dedicated to insightful sports reporting and analysis.
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Kunle Solaja is celebrated as Africa’s most consistent FIFA World Cup journalist, having covered every World Cup final from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022 a remarkable streak spanning nine tournaments.
In November 2022, during the Qatar World Cup, FIFA and the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) honoured him, alongside only 81 journalists worldwide, for this extraordinary achievement. He received a certificate of recognition and a miniature World Cup trophy presented by Brazilian legend Ronaldo. Notably, he was one of only two African journalists so honoured, further cementing his global reputation.
A multiple award-winning journalist, Solaja’s dedication to football reportage has been widely recognized both at home and abroad. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has praised his diligence and passion, describing his global recognition as a testament to his enduring service to Nigerian and African football.
Beyond journalism, Solaja is a respected author whose works have become essential references for Nigerian football history. His books include:
– Super Eagles…Through The Ages
– Going for Goals: Unfolding Nigerian Football’s Hidden Stories
– Super Eagles @ 70: Soaring on the Wings
These publications not only document the history of Nigerian football but also unveil hidden stories and provide analytical insights, enriching the knowledge of fans, historians, and researchers.
Through Sports Village Square, Solaja continues to chronicle Nigeria’s football journey, covering tournaments such as the African Nations Championship (CHAN), CAF competitions, and FIFA qualifiers. He is also an alumnus of the FIFA/CIES International Centre for Sports Studies program, enhancing his credentials in sports management and journalism.
Solaja’s work goes far beyond reporting, it preserves Nigeria’s sporting heritage. His storytelling has shaped how generations of fans perceive Nigerian and African football. His recognition by FIFA and AIPS highlights not only his consistency but also his global impact.
Kunle Solaja is more than a journalist, he is a custodian of Nigeria’s football story. Through his unwavering dedication, landmark publications, and global recognition, he has etched his name into the annals of African sports journalism. In the words of many admirers, he remains “incontestably Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist” a living archive of football’s greatest moments.
