Standing at 2.01 metres, Nigerian striker Noah Olutekunbi Kehinde is arguably the tallest footballer in Rwanda. The gangling striker is destined to explode in the coming years, having proven himself as a lethal forward after helping Motar FC to book their ticket to division 2. The Motar FC forward's pedigree is above the Rwandan third tier calibre but that was the only available option and he had to join at least for the time being. I came to Rwanda in January 2024, I was in Egypt. An agent brought me here, I had trials with Muhazi United, I scored four goals doing the trials but they kept me there only to tell me that they wanted a winger when the transfer window had almost ended,” Kehinde told Weekend Sport. “There was no option left so I had to join the division 3 side Motar FC as I didn't want to go back, he added. Born on October 19, 2001, the gangling 22-year-old striker has previously featured for Gidado Football club, Cynosure Football Club, Bahteem Sporting club all in his native Nigeria before a short spell in Egypt. He signed a two-year deal with Rwandan third tier outfit Motar FC and had to wait for some time before getting his work permit. When everything was set, he never looked back. Kehinde contributed six goals in 9 games, netting five and providing three assists as Mortar FC secured qualification to the division 2. I feel elated to have helped my team qualify to the second division. It wasn't easy but we did it together with the players and the coaching staff and I'm happy I was able to play my part to secure the promotion for the team, he said. It was the team's goal for the season and I feel proud I was able to achieve that feat. It's their first season in 3rd division and to get promotion in your maiden league campaign to another level is a huge success. Kehinde didn't rule out a move to the higher league clubs as long as an offer comes but he maintains Motar FC have the final say. I have a two-year contract with Motar FC and I am looking forward to the second division. I am extremely happy here but if an offer comes and it meets their expectations and they want to let me go, why not? The lanky Nigerian attacker also praised the level of football in Rwanda as he admits the standard is good. The standard is good and I strongly believe few years to come, Rwanda football will be among the best in Africa. There are many great individual talents and the facilities are also good, Kehinde noted.
