By Momodou Jarju
Adama Bojang is tipped to be one of the next big things to come from the Gambia following his exploits in youth football which put him in the radar of top European clubs. Nicknamed “the Gambian Hurricane”, the 6ft 3ins goal-poacher has energy and his movement within and around the opposition’s box causes a nightmare for defenders.
The former under-20 international was part of the Gambia squad that finished runner-up at the 2023 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The tourney was hosted by Egypt from February 19 to March 11. Eighteen at the time, there he made his mark as an up-and-coming talent in Africa after scoring four goals and was named in the team of the tournament. He was also runner-up in the golden boot race. Clubs in the premier league, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur, were avid pursuers of the striker back then.
Bojang and his teammates qualified to the under-20 World Cup played two months later in Indonesia—another perfect platform for him to showcase his potential. And he rose to the occasion, didn’t he? The young forward announced himself to the world, scoring a stunner under 30 seconds of Gambia’s opener against Honduras in the group stage before adding his second to secure a 2-1 win for the Young Scorpions.
Bojang’s first goal was the quickest goal scored at the tournament and the fourth fastest in the tournament’s history. His number 20 jersey has since been admitted into the FIFA Museum. No sooner another premier league club Chelsea’s link for his services emerged. More European clubs’ links to him continued last summer. But the player and agent decided to join French top-flight club Stade de Reims from his home club Steve Biko.
He was deployed in Reims’ B-team before starring in the first team. He scored four goals in Reims B-team friendly win over ASM Belford in his first match for the club since joining them. Bojang played eight matches for Reims’ B-team and scored eight goals, including a hat-trick in his second match against US Raon in the French National League 3.
His stellar performances prompted questions about his availability for the first team from the press to Reims head coach, Will Still. Mr. Still said at the time: “Adama is a young talent and will get his opportunity. It’s a new country, new league and he will need time to adapt and patience is needed.”
He made his senior debut for Reims on 26 November 2023 against Stade Rennais, coming in the 87th minute of the game. He will go on to appear in 11 Ligue 1 matches, playing just 74 minutes, mostly coming in from the bench. He’s yet to score for Reims’ main team. He also played twice in the Coupe de France, garnering 38 minutes.
After signing his contract, Bojang’s agent Cherno Samba said the deal is the most important one he had ever negotiated for two reasons.
“I wanted the best possible sporting project for Adama as the best player to come out of Africa in recent years. Secondly for the fact that he is my compatriot and every Gambian had a keen interest in him, thus, there was a lot of pressure to get him a good deal,” a tearful Mr Samba told GFF Media.”
Agent Samba was spot on; Gambians are keen on Bojang to thrive in Europe and fulfill his potential. And as the 2024/25 season nears resumption, Gambians and football enthusiasts in particular will be longing for his exploits with his club.
