It was a huge stand-out performance for the young girl and her teammates following their two wins against Tonga and Vanuatu but went down to host New Zealand 3-0 during the OFC U-20 Women’s championship staged recently at the Mangere Centre Park in Auckland, New Zealand.
For young Obi, it all started from a humble beginning as a nine-year-old girl doing her grade two at Saint Paul’s Primary School in Lae. Following in the footsteps of her elder sister and elder brother, who both plays soccer, Carolyn was raised by her mum Rose and dad Gerald Obi in Lae, Morobe Province.
Carolyn, from Kairuku, Central Province and Kubalia, East Sepik Province started her football career playing for her school in the U-10, U-13, U-15 and U-17 school competition but she quickly moved up the rank and was able to play alongside her elder sister with PNG Power Football Club.
“Carolyn was 14 years old in 2010 when she first represented the country and this year is her fouth year. I was so delighted and happy about her performance as the vice-captain of the U-20 national team at the OFC U-20 Women’s championship,” said her proud dad Gerald Obi.
Through the support of her parents, young Obi as lived a dream that no one, even her family would not have thought she would have excel that far in soccer.
Carol’s mum and dad manage the PNG Power football club but the most influential person in her football career is her elder sister which young Obi still recalls today.
The 18 year old who will turn another year older on May 7 this year is the last in the family of five. One boy, Clement (third eldest) while Margret, Anthonia and Samantha including herself are the four girls in the family.
Like all players on this fact finding tour, Obi has set her sights fixed on playing into calculations for national selectors to be given that opportunity to represent PNG on home soil in the 2015 Pacific Games in Port Moresby.
Carolyn’s advice to young girls who want to be a good player is you must be fit, healthy and be a good leader in your home. Most importantly, put the Lord first in everything you do.