Long before European football became the dominant focus of Nigerian fans, homegrown stars captivated stadiums across the country and laid the foundation for the nation’s football history. Among those pioneers is Tarila Okoronwanta, fondly known as “Tarek,” a gifted winger whose pace, skill and achievements earned him a special place in Nigerian football.
Nicknamed “Tarek” after a celebrated Tunisian footballer, Okoronwanta is also remembered by many as “Mr. First” because of a remarkable milestone in Nigeria’s football history. He became the first Nigerian to score at a FIFA tournament, netting Nigeria’s maiden goal at any FIFA World Cup competition during the 1983 FIFA World Youth Championship (now the FIFA U-20 World Cup) in Mexico against the Soviet Union.
Okoronwanta’s football journey began in Ajegunle, Lagos, particularly at the Naval Barracks on Malu Road, Boundary. He first gained recognition through the famous Mock Nations Cup, a grassroots competition that served as a breeding ground for young talents. His dazzling displays on the right wing, characterised by exceptional dribbling, quick footwork, accurate crosses and eye for goal, quickly distinguished him from his contemporaries.
His performances in the Mock Nations Cup attracted the attention of scouts from Stationery Stores FC, one of Nigeria’s biggest clubs at the time. He also excelled in school football while representing St. Gregory’s College, Lagos, where he became one of the standout players in the prestigious Principals Cup competition.
Okoronwanta played for Stationery Stores between 1979 and 1982 before moving to Calabar Rovers in 1983 for a record transfer fee. His career later took him to Bendel Insurance in 1984, New Nigerian Bank in 1985, Leventis United in 1986, and Shooting Stars Sports Club (formerly IICC Shooting Stars) in 1988.
His exploits were not limited to club football. At the 1983 FIFA World Youth Championship, he emerged as one of the Flying Eagles’ brightest stars. He also scored in the U-20 Tessema Cup final against Côte d’Ivoire the same year, further cementing his reputation as one of Nigeria’s finest young talents.
Following his impressive performances at youth level, Okoronwanta earned promotion to the Green Eagles, Nigeria’s senior national team. He featured during the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, helping Nigeria finish as runners-up. He also represented the country in several international fixtures, including matches against Egypt, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Liberia and Sierra Leone, as well as Nigeria’s qualification campaign for the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.
At club level, he enjoyed considerable success. He was part of the Stationery Stores team that reached the final of the 1981 African Cup Winners’ Cup and won the 1982 FA Cup. He also won league honours with New Nigerian Bank in 1985 and Shooting Stars in 1992, while collecting a silver medal with Nigeria at the 1984 AFCON.
Like many gifted footballers, Okoronwanta’s career was marked by both brilliance and controversy. Renowned for his fiery temperament, he occasionally clashed with football authorities and was never afraid to voice his displeasure whenever he believed he had been treated unfairly. Yet, despite his hot-headed nature, his extraordinary talent consistently made him one of the most admired players of his generation.
Today, Tarila Okoronwanta’s name may not resonate with younger football fans who grew up following Europe’s elite leagues. Nevertheless, his contributions remain significant. As one of the pioneers who elevated Nigerian football on both domestic and international stages, “Mr. First” deserves lasting recognition for helping write an important chapter in the country’s football history.