My Football Journey

Every Journey Teaches you Something.

Gabriel Obekpa reflecting on his football journey

From Nigeria to professional football in Europe, my journey has taught me valuable lessons about ambition, sacrifice, adaptation and the realities of pursuing a football career abroad.

Along the way, I experienced situations that made me realise how important it is for young players to ask questions and understand the opportunities they are pursuing.

Is it a trial or a guaranteed contract? Who is arranging the opportunity? What costs are involved? Are the terms clear?

These experiences inspired me to create ASK GABI; a platform where young footballers can ask questions, learn from my journey and find qualified professional support when they need expertise beyond my own experience.

You don’t need to know everything. You need access to people who do.

One lesson that stayed with me

Talent can open a door. Discipline, adaptability and informed decisions help you navigate what comes next.

My Career Timeline

Every club taught me something

Different countries, different expectations and experiences shaped my understanding of professional football.

NIGERIA flag
01

Dynamo Academica

NIGERIA · The beginning

Where my football development began and my ambition to play professionally in Europe took shape.

SERBIA flag
02

IMT Novi Beograd

SERBIA · 2022–2024

I adapted to a more demanding football environment and developed my defensive ability, discipline and work rate.

SERBIA flag
03

Tekstilac Odžaci

SERBIA · 2024 · Loan

Another chapter that taught me to remain adaptable as my football journey evolved.

SERBIA flag
04

Mladost Lučani

SERBIA · 2024

An additional professional experience that contributed to my development.

TÜRKIYE flag
05

Bodrum FK

TÜRKIYE · Joined August 2024

Experienced the demands of top-flight football and learned more about the professional realities beyond the pitch.

MOLDOVA flag
06

FC Zimbru Chișinău

MOLDOVA · February–June 2025 · Loan

A different football environment challenged me to adapt to new expectations and roles.

TÜRKIYE flag
07

Bodrum FK

TÜRKIYE · Returned June 2025

This chapter further shaped my understanding of career decisions, playing time, transfers and professional guidance.

More than club names

Each stage brought different expectations and decisions. These experiences helped me appreciate the importance of preparation, adaptability and understanding the professional side of football.

The Journey

From Africa to Europe

From my beginnings in Nigeria to professional football across Europe, every chapter has brought new challenges, experiences, and opportunities to grow.

The Beginning - Nigeria
01
Nigeria

The Beginning

My football journey began in Nigeria, where my foundation was built through development, discipline, and a growing ambition to play at the highest level.

First European Chapter - Serbia
02
Serbia

First European Chapter

The journey moved to Serbia with IMT Novi Beograd, followed by a loan spell at Tekstilac Odžaci and a short chapter with Mladost Lučani.

A New Level - Türkiye
03
Türkiye

A New Level

In August 2024, I joined Bodrum FK, stepping into Turkish professional football - competing at the Süper Lig level.

Another Chapter - Moldova
04
Moldova

Another Chapter

In 2025, I continued my European journey on loan with FC Zimbru Chișinău before returning to Bodrum FK.

Lessons Along the Way

What football has taught me

A football career involves more than talent and opportunity. These are some of the lessons I learnt.

01

Ask Questions

Understand the opportunity, the people involved and what is expected of you before making a major decision.

02

Adapt to Change

Different countries, coaches and tactical systems require discipline, flexibility and a willingness to learn.

03

Understand the Details

Trials, contracts, transfers and representation deserve careful attention - not assumptions.

04

Keep Developing

Talent matters, but consistent work, tactical awareness and professional discipline also shape progress.

Ask Gabi