20-year-old FC Porto forward and Super Eagles prospect, Samu has embraced a new identity, choosing to go by his mother’s maiden name, Aghehowa, rather than his father’s surname – Omorodion.

Born in Melilla, Spain to Nigerian parents, Samu shared the heartfelt reason behind his decision in an interview with Porto’s Revista Dragões magazine, via PortuGOAL:

“Everything that my mother did for me has no price, and I want to pay homage to her by using her surname.

Samu during Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (Photo by Loic Cousin/Icon Sport via Getty Images)

“I want to be known through her surname. People know me by my other name [Omorodion, his father’s surname], but I want to be known as Aghehowa.”

So far this season, he has scored an impressive 11 goals in as many games for Porto.

Although born in Spain, Samu’s Nigerian heritage makes him eligible to represent either country.

Despite nearly signing with Chelsea this summer, the deal fell through, allowing Samu to move to FC Porto from Atletico Madrid.

With his performances catching attention, it’s only a matter of time before Samu Aghehowa makes an impact on an even bigger stage.