University of the Philippines found a gem in wing spiker Olayemi Raheem.
The 19-year-old Nigerian delivered a stunning debut on Saturday, scoring 25 points on 24 attacks and a block to lead the Fighting Maroons to a 19-25, 25-23, 24-26, 25-16, 18-16 escape of the University of the East Red Warriors in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
But more than just this first game at the UAAP, Raheem is expected to perform at a high level due to the gravity of the résumé he brought to the Philippines.
Raheem was part of Nigeria’s team that competed in the Boys’ U19 World Championship in 2023.
They advanced to the Worlds by defending the African Nations Championship crown back in 2022 in Morocco where Raheem made the Dream Team as the Best Outside Spiker.
But the 6-foot-3 FSA still needed adjustments when he came to the Philippines and the UAAP.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“For me, it’s kind of like a new experience, having a lot of people, drums, and everything, but I never listened to that. Like what coach said, I focused on our preparations for the game,” shared Raheem, who got the player of the game nod in his debut.
“The mindset of having to win before going into the game, I was only focused on that and winning. I knew my teammates needed me, and I did my role.”
Raheem was not even part of the first six but when he was injected into the game, he did not waste his time showcasing his talent.
In crunch time, he also proved his mettle by scoring five points in the Fighting Maroons’ 9-3 rally to overturn a 9-13 deficit late in the fifth set.
Despite his stacked background, Raheem wants to keep improving especially in the different style of volleyball that is played here in the Philippines.
“Actually I have to try to learn how to play the Philippine type of game because it’s quite fast, much of fast balls. It’s a really big challenge but we have a good chance with my teammates there with me,” said Raheem, who will have full eligibility as a true rookie.
