Super Eagles goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye has issued a statement urging the public to stop confusing him with Andre Onana, the Cameroonian international who plays for Manchester United.
Adeleye, who has represented Nigeria at senior level, said the mix-ups have become a “pressing matter” and stressed that he should be recognized for his own career and identity rather than compared with another African goalkeeper.
“To the esteemed public, I wish to clarify a pressing matter regarding my identity. My name is Adebayo Adeleye, and I am a Nigerian goalkeeper,” he said in a statement released Thursday. “Unfortunately, some individuals have been mistakenly referring to me as Andre Onana, the renowned Cameroonian goalkeeper.”
The 24-year-old went on to emphasize the importance of respecting his individuality. “I kindly request that the public refrain from associating me with Andre Onana, as we are two distinct individuals with different nationalities and careers,” Adeleye said. “I am proud to be Adebayo Adeleye, a Nigerian, and I would appreciate it if my correct identity is respected and used in all references.”
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Adeleye, who currently plays his club football in Israel, has been part of Nigeria’s national setup since 2022 and has earned growing recognition for his performances. Despite this, he has often found himself mistakenly identified as Onana, who is one of Africa’s most high-profile goalkeepers following spells at Ajax, Inter Milan, and Manchester United.
Observers say such confusion highlights the broader challenge faced by less well-known African players who share similar positions or backgrounds with more established stars. For Adeleye, the issue appears personal as well as professional — a matter of being recognized on his own merit rather than through the lens of another footballer’s career.
His remarks come as Nigeria continues preparations for upcoming international fixtures, where he will compete for a place in the squad alongside established names like Francis Uzoho and Maduka Okoye.
While Adeleye has made clear he respects Onana’s career, his message to fans and media alike was unambiguous: “I am Adebayo Adeleye — Nigerian, proud, and different.”