EXCLUSIVE: Wycombe Praise Olabiyi as academy graduate signs first professional contract

Wycombe Wanderers Academy Director Jeremy Sauer believes teenage prospect Micah Olabiyi is the perfect example of the club’s academy philosophy after the winger signed his first professional contract.

The former Tottenham Hotspur youngster marked his 17th birthday by committing his future to the Chairboys following an outstanding 2025/26 season that saw him make a breakthrough into the senior squad.

Olabiyi made his first-team debut in the Carabao Cup against Bromley before writing his name into the club’s history books by becoming Wycombe’s second-youngest EFL goalscorer with a dramatic winner against Rotherham United on his league debut.

Speaking exclusively to Flashscore, Sauer praised the teenager’s rapid development and believes his success reflects everything the academy stands for.

“We’ve been talking about it for a few months now with the family and with Micah, so to get it done is really fantastic, and to celebrate on his birthday is a real bonus.”

He added:

“As a football club, we’ve only had the academy running again for a year after it had previously closed, so Micah is one of the first players from this new academy to make a real impact with the first team.

“For him to achieve that at just 16 years old is remarkable, and then to score his first league goal last season makes everyone at the club incredibly proud.”

Rapid Development Rewarded

Sauer believes Olabiyi’s improvement over the past 12 months has been the key reason behind his rise.

The academy chief highlighted the winger’s pace, attacking instincts and growing end product as qualities that have taken his game to another level.

“Micah is a direct winger who has added goals and assists to his game over the last year.

“He’s always had the ability to create chances, but the work he’s done in the academy has really refined his decision-making, his final delivery and his output.”

Olabiyi featured in around 50 academy matches last season, demonstrating both his physical resilience and consistency.

“He’s shown he’s physically robust, incredibly quick and technically gifted. Those improvements have helped him make an impact whenever he’s trained or played with the first team.”

Academy Values at the Heart of His Success

With his long-term future now secured, Olabiyi is expected to continue his development at Adams Park as Wycombe target promotion to the Championship.

According to Sauer, however, the youngster’s mentality may be his greatest strength.

“Micah is obsessed with football. He’s happiest when he’s on the pitch.”

The academy director also praised the teenager’s willingness to learn away from matchdays.

“He’s worked incredibly hard in the gym and during analysis sessions to maximise his development. He’s still only 17, so there’s plenty more to come, but he has an outstanding attitude.”

Sauer believes Olabiyi perfectly represents the core values promoted throughout the academy.

“We talk about curiosity, humility and grit. Curiosity means always wanting to learn. Humility is about being a good person without ego, and grit is about resilience and perseverance.

“Micah embodies all of those qualities exceptionally well.”

Father Reveals Family Sacrifices Behind Professional Dream

Olabiyi comes from a football-loving family, with brothers Daniel Olabiyi, Meshach Olabiyi, and David Olabiyi all having played the game at various levels in England.

His father, Shola Olabiyi, revealed the years of sacrifice that helped make his son’s dream a reality.

“I’m bursting with pride. First of all, thanks to God Almighty. Seeing Micah sign his first professional contract with Wycombe Wanderers isn’t just a milestone—it’s proof that grit, sacrifice and belief really do pay off.”

Shola recalled the countless early mornings, long journeys and financial sacrifices made to support Micah’s development.

“There were 5am starts, freezing mornings, muddy kits to wash and two-hour drives to matches. Every pound went towards boots, travel and tournament fees because we believed in him.”

The emotional moment finally arrived when the contract was signed.

“When he signed, we didn’t just celebrate—we cried. Every sacrifice, every prayer and every difficult moment came flooding back.

“Walking out at Adams Park isn’t the finish line. It’s only the beginning.”

Eyes on an Even Bigger Future

While delighted by his son’s progress, Shola insists his ambitions extend far beyond contracts and transfer speculation.

Instead, he hopes Micah remains grounded as he continues climbing the football ladder.

“I want him to stay hungry, just like the young boy who chased every ball in the rain.

“I hope he becomes a true Chairboy, earns the trust of supporters and embraces every challenge that comes his way.”

He also believes bigger opportunities could eventually follow.

“If he becomes a first-team regular, a fan favourite and stays the same humble young man, I’ll be incredibly proud.

“And if the Premier League or international football comes calling one day, I’ll be there supporting him every step of the way.”

England or Nigeria?

Olabiyi is eligible to represent both England and Nigeria at international level.

The highly rated winger was recently invited to train with Eric Chelle’s Nigeria Super Eagles squad during the 2026 Unity Cup in London, underlining the growing recognition of one of Wycombe’s brightest young talents.