Babatunde Warrington
 | This article is unfinished. |
 Warrington in action for Dynapolis United (c. 2295) | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Babatunde Oyetokunbo Warrington Dowopo-Ekezie | ||
| Date of birth | April 13, 2276 (age 63-64) | ||
| Place of birth | Jraxville, Cobrio | ||
| Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | ||
| Playing position(s) | Striker | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2286–2289 | Shanak FC | ||
| 2289–2293 | Jraxville FC | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2293–2296 | Dynapolis United | 68 | (38) |
| 2296–2302 | Jraxville FC | ||
| 2302–2308 | AFC Corvistone | ||
| 2308–2311 | Chenoworth Harriers | ||
| 2311–2313 | Georgstead Albion | 39 | (22) |
| 2313 | → Inzon Hawk (loan) | 7 | (3) |
| 2313–2316 | Dynapolis United | ||
| 2316–2317 | Jraxville FC | ||
| National team | |||
| 2291–2292 | Osarius U16 | 5 | (3) |
| 2292 | Osarius U17 | 4 | (2) |
| 2292–2293 | Osarius U18 | 10 | (7) |
| 2293 | Osarius U19 | 2 | (2) |
| 2293–2295 | Osarius U21 | 8 | (5) |
| 2296–2299 | Cobrio Representative XI | 12 | (4) |
| 2299–2313 | Cobrio | ||
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only | |||
Babatunde Warrington (legal name Babatunde Dowopo-Ekezie; born 13 April 2276) is a Cobre former professional footballer who played as a striker. Warrington is known for his elite athleticism and ability to score spectacular goals. Off the field, Warrington is known for his brash persona and outspoken comments, in addition to referring to himself in the third person. At various times during and after his playing career, he also dabbled in acting and movie production.
Early life
Warrington was born in Jraxville, Cobrio, on 13 April 2276 to a Cobre father, Abidugun, and an Akachese mother, Tiaraoluwa "Lulu" Adebayo. He is the oldest of five children, and was named for his grandfather, Oyetokunbo – who had inherited land from his employer Kenneth Warrington in the early 2200s after many Osarians fled Cobrio in the midst of Barrington Douglas' resistance movement gaining support. Oyetokunbo had also adopted the Warrington name, abandoning his birth name of Dowopo. The name "Babatunde" means "the father has returned". His mother is Ipanist, and Warrington identifies with her faith, considering himself a creyente.
For the first few years of his life, Warrington's family moved between cities in the Shanak region of Cobrio, spending time in Kronkow, Dizuogo, and Jraxville as Abidugun sought stable employment in between contesting various martial arts tournaments. This instability manifested in numerous fights in school, and affected his education — Babatunde was often suspended from school, and struggled to pass end of year assessments. Eventually, the family settled in the Ebenaku sector of Kronkow — often viewed as a "slum" filled with criminals and prostitutes — when Babatunde was eight years old, after Abidugun earned a contract with HMF South. It was around this time that Babatunde began playing football, after receiving a pair of football boots from his father's employer, Masango Koné — great-grandson of Akachi Koné. Babatunde often played on the concrete pitch "cages" in his neighbourhood with other local children, and alternated between three local youth clubs — including Koné-funded North Kronkow Eagles — before the city's professional club, Shanak FC, approached his father. Babatunde then joined their academy at age ten. Coaches at Shanak expressed concerns over Babatunde's combative behaviours, however, and noted that if he continued to struggle at school, they may not be able to continue his football education. In response, Abidugun — with help from Masango Koné — contacted Jraxville FC, who agreed to take on Babatunde. At this point, Abidugun withdrew him from Shanak's academy, and signed him to Jraxville FC.
As the family still lived in Kronkow, and that was where Abidugun worked, there had to be arrangement made to transport Babatunde to Jraxville for training. This job often fell to his mother, or Masango's wife Marion, to whom Babatunde grew very close, calling her "auntie". The death of both Marion and Abidugun in a car crash, when Babatunde was just twelve, had a profound impact on his life. Babatunde lashed out, getting into more fights, and Jraxville coaches began to express concern over his behaviour, much like the Shanak coaches had. The stress of dealing with the situation became too much for Lulu, and she fell ill, so Masango stepped in, arranging for Babatunde to live with his brother Lysinge in Jraxville.
Complex is a good word to describe Babatunde. On the one hand he is a warrior, like his father. He had to be very tough to survive, and to protect his siblings, so he takes on fights all the time because he's always had to. But another part of him is vulnerable. His upbringing was difficult, and he uses all that pain to create strength for himself. In his position, most people would have crumbled, but he used his anger to make himself better. He once told me, ‘Uncle, I need to be angry to play well’. When he played with these kids in Jraxville who had the best equipment and had been playing on proper pitches for years, he felt inferior. Of course he did. He wore hand-me-down boots, he had no money, and he was used to playing on the streets. So he said to himself ‘One day I will show them!’ That became his motivation.
— Lysinge Koné, explaining young Babatunde's motivations
While in his early teens, Warrington was balancing a part-time job, school, and football — Lysinge had told him he had to "earn his keep" while living with him — and at 15, he was close to quitting his football career, in favour of joining the military. Lysinge called Lulu, who made a surprise visit to Jraxville with Babatunde's two youngest siblings and convinced him to keep playing football. She arranged with Lysinge to send contributions toward Babatunde's living costs, and instructed her son to focus on school and football. Lysinge spoke with Masango, who told him he "believed in Babatunde" and offered to cover his living costs instead. As a result, Lysinge sent all the money he ever received from Lulu straight back, but never told Babatunde, allowing him to believe that his mother was sacrificing a lot for him to have the opportunity to play professional football.
Club career
While playing for the youth team of Jraxville FC, Babatunde gained a reputation as one of the most promising forwards in Cobrio. He took a nine-month break from the team upon finishing high school at age 16 to complete basic training ahead of his mandatory national service. Returning shortly before his 17th birthday, he went straight back into the youth team and continued where he left off. A few months later, his mother fell ill again, and recognising the likely immense cost of treatment, Babatunde approached the manager of the club, Keziah Noah, to speak about his prospects regarding a professional contract. After being rebuffed, and making no progress toward the first team, and the professional contract he felt the need to sign as soon as possible, Babatunde sought a move away from the club, telling friends "they will beg me to return".
Lysinge Koné on Babatunde turning down Hastmead Diamante
Amid attention from Osarian sides Hastmead Diamante, Utica United, and Firewood City, Warrington opted to stay in Cobrio and join Dynapolis United — the direct rivals of his previous team — on a one-year-deal. He did not inform Lysinge until the day he was to sign the contract — as Lysinge needed to sign it as his guardian, since Babatunde was still not yet eighteen years old. Though blindsided, Lysinge signed the papers and gave Babatunde three-thousand medallions — enough to buy a car — making him promise to succeed. Babatunde immediately wired his signing bonus to his mother to cover her medical bills.
Dynapolis United
At Dynapolis, Warrington impressed during pre-season, earning a place in the matchday squad for the season opener against Ohafia Pride. He came off the bench and struck the bar, generating some tentative hype around his possible progress. Within two months, Warrington was featuring regularly in rotation as a forward along with Theo Miller and Maurice Williams. On his eighteenth birthday, with six goals and three assists for Dynapolis so far that season, Babatunde extended his contract by two years. As part of the contract, he received a hefty signing bonus instead of an increase in salary. Upon receiving his signing bonus, he returned to Kronkow, and used it to buy his mother a bigger house.
The following season, Babatunde was the starting centre forward for Dynapolis United. He scored fourteen goals, including a spectacular "roundhouse head kick" volley against Hastmead Diamante, after which he told reporters "that one is from the Baba", referring to his father, who had taught him martial arts as a child. The media thought he was referring to himself in the third person, with some outlets mocking him. Though angered, Babatunde decided to lean into it, and began deliberately referring to himself in such a way.
In his third year with the Dragons, Babatunde was undisputed leader of the attack, and ended the season with 19 goals from 29 appearances across all competitions as Dynapolis won the Cobre National Cup and finished the season as Cobre National Champions. Some still had concerns over his discipline – he missed five games through suspensions – but the club were eager for him to return on a long-term deal. His compulsory military service was due in the next four years, however, and as a result, the club wanted him to take a lower salary to compensate for the time he would miss. Babatunde refused. Despite rounds of back-and-forth negotiation, he would not budge, and ultimately became a free agent in the summer.
Jraxville FC
Jraxville approached Babatunde after he was confirmed a free agent, and, as he had predicted three years previous, they "begged" him to return. A large salary offer (rumoured to be in the region of $2 million NSD per year) was tabled, and Babatunde signed a four-year-deal with his old club. He did not immediately begin to train with the team, however, as he travelled to Callistea with a Cobrio Representative XI, for the Rabastor Unity Trophy. Upon his return, he went straight into the first team at Jraxville, and scored seven times in his first four games. Babatunde's profile rose even more when he scored an individual goal against FC Barciddia in the Rabastor Champions' Cup – a slaloming run past five opposition players which the commentator described as "mesmerising" – that was eventually voted the Goal of the Year by RabaSport viewers.
In 2299, when the Cobre Football Federation (CFF) officially launched, and established an official representative football team under the World Cup Committee umbrella, Babatunde was named starting striker, off the back of his impressive performances for Jraxville.
AFC Corvistone
Warrington moved from Jraxville to AFC Corvistone for $9 million NSD in July 2302 (Nepharan season 74), shortly before the Dwile Invitational was announced. At his unveiling, he proclaimed "scoring goals ins the purpose of the Babatunde", and took the number 21 shirt, claiming that he chose it because "it represents the number of goals The Baba will score this season". Corvistone, at the time, were considered the most hated club in Nephara; something Warrington seemed to revel in, as he gleefully played the role of pantomime villain at numerous times during his tenure.
It took Warrington a while to get settled in Nephara, playing six games of the season without scoring before hitting a brace against Coret Hawks away from home on the seventh matchday of the season. In post-game interviews, he told reporters "The Baba has arrived!". Later in the season, with the Crows 1–0 down at Chatswood, after Corvistone manager Hadrian Belfast signalled for Warrington to come off, he stalked over to the technical area, and snapped the fourth official's board, before shouting into the nearest pitchside microphone that "THE BABA DOES NOT RUN". Belfast had to persuade the referee not to send Warrington off, and in the chaos, the substitution did not take place. Warrington went on to score twice in a 2–1 win for the Crows, prompting the manager to claim post-match that he was "testing [Warrington's] resolve". In the NFA Cup fourth round that season, Warrington scores twice in an 11–10 penalty shootout win over North Laithland, having taken both penalties as Panenkas. Toward the end of the season, after scoring a hat-trick against North Sabrefell, Warrington declares himself "the Relegator" on social media, and is met with criticism and backlash from fans, many of whom point out that North Sabrefell are unlikely to be relegated. Warrington doubles down, claiming "they should be". Come season's end, antics aside, Warrington had racked up nineteen league goals for the Crows in his debut season, finishing as the club's top scorer.
In season 75, Babatunde continued where he left off, scoring twice on opening day in a 5–1 win, and mockingly performing a bow to departing away fans at 4–0. This was followed up by a hat-trick away at Sabrefell Athletic a few weeks later. After being left out of the starting line up on matchday six against Cypher Town, and not featuring as a substitute, Warrington is furious with his manager, and makes no attempt to hide it. Lipreaders were able to pick up on his disbelief that Hadrian Belfast "dares rest the Baba" as he sat on the bench. Despite leading the Nepharan Premiership for a time, in no small part due to Babatunde's goals, the Crows falter later in the season, and Warrington underwent something of a goal drought. On the final day of the season, Warrington scores the winner in a 1–0 result to secure fourth place for the Crows, ending the season on 23 league goals – joint-fifth highest in the Premiership. On social media, Warrington points out to detractors that he has achieved his promise of 21 goals per season.
During a 5–0 win over Stahlburg Rovers in Season 76, Warrington, already having scored twice, and suffering a slight injury, is picked up by broadcast microphones while arguing with the club physio, saying "you don't need me, man, you don't need me! They're fucking shit, bro!". Once again, Warrington receives a fine for this behaviour. A 3–2 home win over Brinemouth is punctuated by Warrington celebrating both of his goals by taunting the away fans, running the length of their section, pelvic thrusting at them. Another fine ensues, but Warrington once again ended the season among the Premiership's top scorers, with 22 goals.
After scoring a hat-trick in a 4–3 away win over Creed United in season 77, Warrington crashed manager Hadrian Belfast's post-game press conference, where the latter was bemoaning his side's lack of defensive organisation. Warrington kissed Belfast's scalp, and declared "Life's too short to stress about defending!" Warrington's age was said to be "catching up to him" at this point in his career, though he still managed 16 goals for the Crows this season. In response to the age comments, he took to social media and proclaimed "the march of time does not frighten The Baba" and "Mere mortals cannot adapt. But The Baba is no mere mortal."
At the end of season 78, with the Crows finishing mid-table, after three straight seasons in the top five, Warrington took to social media to bemoan the lack of investment and support for the manager, saying "even The Baba cannot make curry goat from leaves and dust. Bring The Baba some goats and he will cook." Warrington is sent to train with the youth team as punishment — which he flat-out refuses to do, while making multiple attempts to have his contract terminated so he can leave the club. Eventually, he is reintegrated into the senior squad, though his role had already been greatly diminished following the emergence of Tanith Carter.
Warrington features sparingly for the Crows throughout Season 79, and despite some fans clamouring for his return to the starting lineup, Hadrian Belfast resists. At the end of the season, AFC Corvistone agree to allow him to leave.
Chenoworth Harriers
In August 2308, Warrington completed a $1 million NSD move to newly-promoted Chenoworth Harriers, ahead of the maiden season of the newly rebranded Zenith — the 80th season of Nepharan football — signing a two-year deal. He opted for the number 44 shirt, surprising some. Early in the season, he takes two full minutes to stare down Cairbre Dundalk before scoring a penalty against Chenoworth Rovers, and then claimed the goalkeeper was off his line. The penalty is not retaken. In the return fixture later in the season, Warrington scores the lone goal in a 1–0 away win for the Harriers, celebrating in front of the home fans and earning another fine. On matchday six, Warrington hurls himself at a cross, and collides with Stahlburg City substitute goalkeeper Gilmore Strattan, breaking two of the latter's ribs. The referee deems it a fair challenge, however, and only books Warrington for dissent after hearing his claims that Strattan fouled him. Warrington ended the season with 8 goals, having done his part to fire the Harriers to safety.
On matchday 15 of season 81, the Harriers trail 1–0 at South Laithland, when Jakob Burnes is sent off for the home side after a violent challenge. When Warrington equalises later, he celebrates by running down the tunnel and into the home dressing toom to tell Burnes.
On the final day of season 82, Warrington is criticised for attempting a scorpion kick when the Harriers are a goal down against North Laithland. He later scored in the match, and threw his shirt into the crowd, prompting a frantic search to return it so the game could continue. The Harriers ultimately lost the game 2–1, forcing them into a playoff against Crisisbless United, who beat them 3–2, relegating them to the First Division after what would be Warrington's final game for the team.
Limey George
In 2311, Warrington announced he would be leaving Nephara after his contract with Chenoworth Harriers expired in the summer. In August of that year, he signed a one-year, $2 million deal to join Georgstead Albion, with an option for a second.
The arrival of Babatunde in the Fiefdom of Limey George provided a huge boost to crowds across the Limey League, despite his advancing years. As he had not yet completed his relocation to Georgstead, new manager Silas Morris did not originally include him in the matchday squad for the opening day of the season. Babatunde arrived at Lime Grove Lane ninety minutes prior to kick off, in a lime green tracksuit, ready to play. When Morris asked whether he'd read the team email, Babatunde replied "why would I need to check the team sheet? Of course I am on it." Presented with the unexpected availability of Warrington, Morris quietly adjusted the teamsheet, naming him on the bench. Warrington made his debut as a 53rd minute substitute, scoring twice as Albion came from a goal down to win 3–2 against Bermont Town. After the match, he said "I heard the crowd saying 'we want the Baba, we want the Baba', so I gave them the Baba."
Warrington ended the season with 18 league goals as Albion won the league at a canter, fully thirteen points ahead of Tuistby Orchard in second place. In the cup, Albion reached the final, where Babatunde courted controversy by offering to sign an autograph for George — the nation's leader — whom he had mistaken for a fan. Albion won the match 3–1, with Warrington scoring the third. As he collected his winner's medal, he joked with George that he "cannot have another autograph", telling him "don't be so greedy, there are many fans of the Baba here".
Georgstead Albion renewed Warrington's contract for a second season, but a knee cartilage injury sustained during preseason kept him out of the team until late October. On his return, he scored, but in doing so, picked up another knee injury, ruling him out until the new year. In January 2313, needing games to return to fitness, Warrington was allowed to move to Inzon Hawk on loan for two months. In that time, he scored three goals in seven appearances off the bench, and crashed a press conference unveiling new Jraxville manager Ikenna Chinweizu, before returning to Georgstead.
Warrington's return to the Albion side — and eight goals — coincided with a run of eleven games unbeaten in all competitions to end the season, as they finished second in the league on goals scored. In response, Warrington proclaimed "the other teams are fortunate the Baba could not stand for some time," adding that Morris "should have allowed me to play immediately, instead of this loan journey. The Baba is not for loaning." Despite scoring the winner in the cup final days later, these comments were the nail in the coffin for Warrington's career in Limey George, as he was allowed to leave in summer. In his final press statement at Albion, he told fans "I have accepted your adulation, and in return I gave you the Baba. Now you will be able to tell your grandchildren you witnessed greatness."
Return to Dynapolis
As the third CAFA Cup approached in summer, Warrington was approached by Cobrio manager Marvelous Koleoso with a view to naming him in the national squad once more. In response, Babatunde began training at the facilities of his former club Dynapolis United, in an attempt to get back to peak condition.
The day before he flew out to Savigliane with the national team, Warrington signed a one-year contract with Dynapolis United, who had just been in a relegation battle. The deal was hyped with a series of disguised videos of Warrington goals, and finally announced after he came off the bench to score Cobrio's goal in a 2–1 quarter final defeat against Audioslavia, with the tagline "Who else?" Due to his age, despite being in good condition, Warrington was carefully managed by Dynapolis manager Oladeinde Oladele, which frustrated him. "Why would you buy an Ajax Strutter and keep it in the garage?" he asked on social media. Warrington ended the season with 7 goals from 18 appearances, and was persuaded by fans to extend for another year after they voted him Fans' Player of the Season.
The 2314–15 season saw Dynapolis United struggle to remain the top flight, despite some inspired performances from Warrington. Babatunde scored two goals against Hastmead Diamante in a 3–2 away win, during which he was subject to boos every time he touched the ball. Upon scoring the winner, he mocked the home fans with a "crying" motion, prompting a barrage of drinks cans and bottles and an attempted pitch invasion. In the post-game press conference, Hastmead captain Malia Niko stressed that while she did not condone the fans' reaction, she also felt it was irresponsible of Warrington to provoke them. Warrington replied "I am sorry, what are you saying? I cannot understand loser."
At the end of the season, when Dynapolis were confirmed relegated, Warrington revealed he had played several months of the season with a knee injury, and would be undergoing surgery over the summer. His Dynapolis contract lapsed during that period, and originally, he was not going to be offered a renewal due to the uncertainty over his possible return. However, a fan-led campaign led to a one-year extension, with Warrington agreeing to a pay-as-you-play deal.
Warrington made his return unexpectedly early, in October 2315, coming off the bench to score a header against Olympique Corriere to win the match in stoppage time, after which he leapt into the stands. After the game, he declared Dynapolis "Babaville", and claimed it was "the greatest city". In response, House of The Baba in Kolbiko, Jraxville, is vandalised. Warrington expresses sadness, but also notes that "The Baba thought Jraxville did not want him to come home. But if you ask the Baba, he will always come." Dynapolis ultimately finished first in Ilungu Isibini, earning promotion back to the top flight, with Warrington contributing 12 goals from 28 appearances, though he was not offered a contract extension, and left the club at the end of the season.
Return to Jraxville
Warrington was announced as Jraxville's latest signing in July 2316, and made his third Jraxville debut on the second matchday of the season, coming off the bench against Cartagena Desert Foxes. By December, he had made just seven appearances in the league, and openly mused about retirement. While Jraxville did not fare well in the league, finishing eighth, Warrington scored in four consecutive rounds of the 2316–17 Rabastor Champions' Cup, firing Jraxville into the final — including one against former club Dynapolis United, which he celebrated by walking over to the away fans and making a heart shape with his hands, while pitchside microphones picked him up asking "Why do you hate me? I love you!".
In the week before the final, against Alissar Phoenix, Warrington took to social media to confirm his intention to retire after the match, stating "this is your final chance to bask in the glory of the Baba." He came off the bench in the final in the 77th minute, with the scores level at 2–2, and immediately picked up a booking after an overzealous challenge led to an ugly collision with Aurelio Cesario. The match went to an ADG tiebreaker, and Warrington stepped up to take the final attempt with scores level at 2–2. Up against Harrison Rose and Aurelio Cesario, Warrington pulled off an audacious rainbow flick, before smashing a volley from outside the box past a stranded Cesario to win the cup for Jraxville. Rather than celebrate, he simply faced the crowd, and saluted.
International career
In the absence of a Cobre national football setup, Babatunde began his international career playing for Osarius at age-restricted levels from under-16 through to under-21, where he frequently clashed with his coaches, despite being a reliable goalscorer. At age twenty, he was named in the Cobrio Representative XI that competed in the 2296 Rabastor Unity Trophy, where he scored his first senior international goal — though this would not count toward official records.
In 2299, the Cobre Football Federation was established, and an official Cobrio national football team (the Panthers) was formed for the first time. In the five-game celebratory exhibition series that ensued, Warrington featured at centre forward in all five games, and scored three goals, including the first ever goal scored at the newly opened Tukari Kaita National Stadium. The following year, he was named in the Cobrio squad for Baptism of Fire 68, where he scored ten goals — including a hat-trick in the 3–1 final win over Shofercia — as the Panthers won the tournament with a perfect record of eight wins from eight games. In the qualifying campaign for World Cup 81 that followed ... [ to be continued ]
Style of play
Warrington has been described as being "good in the air, despite not being particularly tall", as well as "quick, strong and agile". Others have noted that he plays well with his back to goal, making good use of his physicality, and is also capable of making darting runs in behind the defence. Notably, former Cobrio manager Lieutenant Beresford Owusu claimed that Warrington's strength lies in "his ability to recognise — and get to — the best possible position to be in, in order to score".
A single-minded attacker, with an eye for goal, Warrington was capable of playing anywhere along the front line, though could be limited in wider roles due to his "tunnelvision", meaning he was most often deployed as a striker. Even in his later career, after losing some of his pace and stamina with age, he primarily operated in that role. Though his speed and stamina meant he was physically capable of being an excellent presser of the ball — a trait he displayed at times in his youth career, and sparingly thereafter — commenters have said that Warrington often appeared to "stroll around the opponent's half as if waiting for an opportunity to pounce on".
While naturally right-footed, Warrington throughout his career was a powerful and accurate striker of the ball from both inside or outside the penalty area with either foot, and was also known for his accuracy from penalties and dead ball situations. An accurate finisher with his head as well as with his feet, his vertical jump and physical strength often gave him an advantage at winning aerial challenges. Some managers attempted to use him as a "target man", only to be disappointed in his frequent abandonment of his duty in pursuit of goals.
Despite his build, Warrington was uncommonly agile, and his athleticism and ability in the air saw him score several goals from acrobatic strikes and volleys throughout his career. Warrington possessed excellent technique and ball control, which, coupled with his balance, power, and physicality, enabled him to hold up the ball well with his back to goal, retain possession, and link up with other players; though often only willing to release the ball long enough to spin around a defender and into space for a return pass.
Warrington drew praise from managers and teammates for his leadership and longevity, as well as his fitness. Despite his public persona, many have commented on his dedication in training. Regarding his work-ethic, his former colleague for the national team Moses Lofuko commented: "He was always the first person in the gym, and the last person to leave the training field. I think results are out there to prove it. He is a very humble guy and he worked every day to improve. He is proud of himself too, he loves being the best." While Felixe Vetiver, who inherited his number 44 shirt at Chenoworth Harriers praised his leadership and the example he set at the club as aspirational.
Known for his strong mentality and leadership, as well as his extroverted and highly competitive personality, despite his success, he was criticised in the media for his arrogance, aggression and rebellious character, as well as his lack of discipline on the pitch, in particular in his early career, which led him to be involved in confrontations with other players, some of his managers and even reporters.
Controversies
Former teammate Ekene Udoji claimed that Warrington regularly insulted opponents as well as teammates, stating, "He always asks for the ball and insults a lot. He is sometimes a bit arrogant and complains." Udoji later claimed, however, that the interview was twisted and badly translated.
Disciplinary action
Nephara
Particularly during his time in Nephara, Warrington was subject to numerous fines and sanctions from the Nepharan Football Association.
In Season 74 of the Nepharan Zenith, Warrington was fined after scoring and tearing off his shirt to reveal a vest with the words "TASTE THE BABA" twice during a 4–1 win over Vermillion Rage. He finished the match in an un-numbered shirt, having literally torn both supplied by the club's kit manager beyond functionality during his celebrations. On the final day of the season, Warrington scored a goal away from home against title challengers AFC Treason, which was ruled out for offside. Before he noticed the flag, however, he jumped into one of the stands housing home fans, took a flare from a fan, lit it, pelvic thrusted with it, and threw it back into the crowd. Warrington was fined for these actions.
On the final day of season 75, after Sonya Latimore fails to tee him up for what would have been a near-certain goal, Warrington removes one of his boots and hurls it at her head, earning him criticism from various pundits and a fine from his club. He later apologised to Latimore, noting that he "got carried away in the moment".
After scoring a late equaliser against Sabrefell Athletic in season 76, Warrington reveals a new tattoo across his chest stating "I AM THE BEAST I WORSHIP", which garners some negative responses back home in Cobrio, most notably from national team assistant manager Akuchi Okpara on a national television broadcast. Okpara claimed that Warrington's tattoo represented "abandonment of morals" and "disrespect for the Irunashe". On social media, Warrington replied by releasing a statement addressing his status as a creyente, and claimed he would not represent the national team unless he received an apology for "contradiction of [his] beliefs". Okpara apologised a day later.
After seeing a goal incorrectly disallowed for an offside decision away at Starling during season 77, Warrington took the linesman's flag and proceeded to beat him with it. He was fined for this action. Further fines were levelled at Warrington after he referred to Brookford as a "pissant town" in the post-match press conference after scoring both goals in a 2–0 away win over Brookford Otters during the same season. He was also required to pay the additional costs for the security personnel that had escorted him from the stadium afterwards.
After scoring in an NFA Cup fourth round tie against Southfell United in season 78, Warrington performed an elaborate dance routine at the corner flag. A fan in the stands allegedly called him a "shitcunt", and in response, Warrington hurled the corner flag like a javelin into the crowd, earning him a red card. After receiving the related suspension, Warrington released a statement claiming that the punishment was "with the heavy hands, because if you are watching you can see the Baba clearly did not throw to kill". The suspension stands, along with yet another fine. Later in the season, after scoring a scorpion kick against Stahlburg Rovers — his second of the game, in a 3–0 home win — Warrington demands to know why the referee is not celebrating with him, and receives a second yellow card for dissent, earning him another suspension and fine.
In season 82 of the Nepharan Zenith, Warrington was involved in a training ground incident which left teammate and goalkeeper Arden Luther injured. A few days later, a fan recording emerged from a week previous, of Warrington out drinking with teammate Tanith Arrowsmith — who had been dropped from the starting lineup for the previous two games in favour of Luther. Warrington is heard telling Arrowsmith she has "the heart of a tiger" and promising to "destroy" Luther.
Rabastor Football League
After scoring the winner at The Dragonpit on his second Dynapolis debut three games into the 2313–14 season, Warrington posted on social media "RETURN OF THE BABA" with a video of himself partying in Dynapolis with fans on the night of the game. The following day, he posted a nightclub receipt for over 300,000 medallions with the caption "to everybody who partied with the Baba last night: you are welcome." The Dragons' Banijan manager Oladeinde Oladele took a dimmer view of proceedings, however, and fined Warrington an equal amount, prompting another social media post "YOU CANNOT KILL THE BABA", followed by videos of Warrington handing out thousands of medallions to random people on the streets of Dynapolis, shouting into the camera "COME AND TAKE THE FINE FROM THE FANS". The aftermath of this event saw a surge in sales of number 44 jerseys, prompting Warrington to march into the office of club chairman Régis Matobo to demand a cut of shirt sale revenue. Matobo agreed, before pointing out that Warrington still owed a fine, and that he would be taking that cut of shirt sale revenue to pay for it, as it came "from the fans".
Later in that same season, Karikinui FC manager Otis Munroe accused Warrington of abusing officials, claiming that some referees in the league were "afraid" of his "erratic behaviour". This claim came shortly before Warrington was recorded saying "all the referees in this league are boko, only mulu-mulu falling for kiwani always" and that he had "seen better referees in pikin league", referring to the under-11 leagues he played in as a child. The outburst earned Warrington a three-game suspension and a fine amounting to a month's salary from the Rabastor Football League.
After scoring in Jraxville's 2316–17 Rabastor Champions' Cup fourth round tie against SS Aquilone, Warrington kicked the corner flag in celebration, sending it flying into the stands where it struck a child. Immediately, he climbed into the stands and signalled for a medic, refusing to return to the pitch until the child was confirmed okay. In response, the referee booked Warrington twice; once for his celebration, and again for dissent, sending him off. Jraxville went on to win 1–0, and appealed the seven month ban levied on Warrington after the child was hospitalised. An appeal was filed, and the case went to court, where Warrington showed up in an open silk shirt and chinos. On the way into the court, close friend and former teammate-turned-coach Didier Fontaine claims he told Warrington he "can't go in there like that", to which Warrington replied "Of course I can, I am the Baba." The court ultimately ruled in Warrington's favour, annulling the ban, after the parents of the child in question testified in his favour.
Post-playing career
Acting career
Warrington made his acting debut as Obiajulu "Obi" Mekongo, a "street-wise businessman" in the 2314 Marvelous Egusi Productions movie Even Faster Faster More Angry Angry, a sequel to the popular Faster Faster Angry Angry. Critics singled him out as a potential star, noting his "natural confidence" and "believable arrogance". His character was allegedly only supposed to feature in one instalment of the series, but his popularity led to an expanded role . Warrington would go on to star as Obi in three more instalments in the Faster Faster Angry Angry series, before being cast as the lead character Émile Kukabango in the 2322 thriller Murder on the Calania Express — based on the best-selling Raphaëlle Kabiyene novel of the same name.
Personal life
Babatunde began dating Cobre celebrity chef Ide-Aina Ekezie in early 2313, while on loan at Inzon Hawk. They were married in February 2319, after his retirement from football, with the couple agreeing to take the legal family name Dowopo-Ekezie. Babatunde claims this was chosen "to reclaim my ancestors' honour", though he would continue to be known professionally as Warrington "to remind the ugwu man that I can take whatever I want". They have six children together, though five were born before their wedding — Ifedapo (born 2314), twins Taiyewo and Kaindé (born 2315), Idowu (born 2316) and Tokunbo (born 2317). The youngest, Folasade (born 2319), lives and studies in Odikolo with her great-uncle, the renowned djeli Odell McIntosh-Ekezie.
At age 16, Warrington completed a mandatory nine month basic training in the Cobre Defense Force (CDF), where he was assigned to a unit trained by then-Sergeant Didier Fontaine. Warrington was exempted from further national service after the Cobrio Panthers won Baptism of Fire 68, but voluntarily served three stints as a guest fitness instructor and speaker after retiring from football. He counts his one-time military trainer Didier Fontaine — who was also his captain for both Cobrio and Jraxville at times — as one of his closest friends, calling him "big brother", and naming him as "second man" during his wedding to Ide-Aina — "because of course, the Baba is the best man". Fontaine is also godfather to Warrington's eldest son Ifedapo.
The name "The Baba" was trademarked in Cobrio for "most likely being perceived as Babatunde Warrington", meaning he receives exclusive rights to the name for certain products, including sporting goods, clothing, and shoes. In late 2310, Warrington, with the help of Cobre sportswear manufacturer Damisa, self-funded Cradle of The Baba — a multi-purpose, outdoor sports facility — in the streets of the city district Ebenaku in his hometown of Kronkow: he provided a playing mat, goalposts, lighting and a modern fence. Two more facilities were constructed in 2312, in Kolbiko (Jraxville), and Komoka (Dynapolis), named "House of The Baba" and "Court of The Baba" respectively.
In 2320, Warrington collaborated with multinational company Ipele Prossimo Humanité (IPH) and Damisa to expand his brand overseas, establishing a line of sportswear (Juju) and IbudikaBaba ("Ibudika" meaning "to become like") — a collection of football academies for children in low-income areas across multiple nations. As part of the deal, both DAMISA and IPH had to agree to provide free Juju branded attire for children in the IbudikaBaba academies as well as subsidising pricing of Juju branded attire for low-income families in Cobrio. Warrington also owns a share of each brand (5% of Juju, 20% of IbudikaBaba), and serves as an official consultant for both. His professional experience and expertise guides the development of new technologies to aid athletes under the Juju brand, and he sometimes appears as a guest coach in the IbudikaBaba academies. His eldest son, Ifedapo, serves as a designer for Juju's footwear division, while his youngest son Tokunbo is training to be a football coach, working part-time at the IbudikaBaba academy in Kaitaja, Dynapolis.
Career statistics
Club
| Club | Season | League | National cup[a] | Other cup[b] | Continental | Other Int'l[c] | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Dynapolis United | 2293–94 | OFA Pro League 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2294–95 | OFA Pro League 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 14 | |
| 2295–96 | OFA Pro League 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 29 | 19 | |
| Total | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| Jraxville FC | 2296–97 | Rabastor Premier League | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2297–98 | Rabastor Premier League | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 2298–99 | Rabastor Premier League | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 2299–00 | Rabastor Premier League | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 2300–01 | Rabastor Premier League | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 2301–02 | Rabastor Premier League | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Total | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| AFC Corvistone | 2302–03 | Nepharan Premiership (74) | - | 19 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2303–04 | Nepharan Premiership (75) | - | 23 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 2304–05 | Nepharan Premiership (76) | - | 22 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 2305–06 | Nepharan Premiership (77) | - | 16 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 2306–07 | Nepharan Premiership (78) | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 2307–08 | Nepharan Premiership (79) | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Total | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| Chenoworth Harriers | 2308–09 | The Zenith (80) | - | 8 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2309–10 | The Zenith (81) | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 2310–11 | The Zenith (82) | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Total | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| Georgstead Albion | 2311–12 | Limey League | 24 | 18 | 4 | 4 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2312–13 | Limey League | 13 | 9 | 2 | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Total | 37 | 27 | 6 | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| Inzon Hawk (loan) | 2312–13 | Ilungu Isibini | 7 | 3 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 7 | 3 |
| Dynapolis United | 2313–14 | Rabastor Premier League | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 18 | 7 |
| 2314–15 | Rabastor Premier League | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 2315–16 | Ilungu Isibini | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 28 | 12 | |
| Total | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| Jraxville FC | 2316–17 | Rabastor Premier League | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Career total | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||
- ↑ Includes Douglas Cup, Citrus Cup, OFA Cup, NFA Cup
- ↑ Includes Rabastor Champions' Cup, Rabastor League Trophy
- ↑ Includes all UICA/IFCF organised competitions
International
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cobrio | 2299 | 5 | 3 |
| 2300 | 8 | 10 | |
| 2301 | - | - | |
| 2302 | - | - | |
| 2303 | - | - | |
| 2304 | - | - | |
| 2305 | - | - | |
| 2306 | - | - | |
| 2307 | - | - | |
| 2308 | - | - | |
| 2309 | - | - | |
| 2310 | - | - | |
| 2311 | - | - | |
| 2312 | - | - | |
| 2313 | - | - | |
| Total | - | - | |
- Scores and results list Cobrio's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Warrington goal.
| No. | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tukari Kaita National Stadium, Camaron, Cobrio | Osarius ||align="center"| 1–0 ||align="center"| 3–3 || rowspan="2" | Friendly | |||
| 2 | 3–3 | 3–3 | |||
| 3 | Mount Crown Stadium, Burningham, Osarius | Aquillian || align="center"| 1–1 ||align="center"| 2–2 || Friendly | |||
| 4 | Gra Aguaviva Mitologica, Fröndt, Farfadillis | Squornshelan Remnant States || align="center"| 1–0 || align="center"| 1–0 || Baptism of Fire 68 Group Stage | |||
| 5 | Gra Aguaviva Mitologica, Fröndt, Farfadillis | Halfdansodal || align="center" | 2–0 ||align="center"| 3–0 || Baptism of Fire 68 Group Stage | |||
| 6 | La Fantás, Ferdullaele, Farfadillis | Kedroiqua || align="center" | 1–0 || rowspan="2" align="center"| 3–0 || rowspan="2"| Baptism of Fire 68 Group Stage | |||
| 7 | 3–0 | ||||
| 8 | Stadion Metner, Krsthaven, Semarland | Santa Rafa || align="center" | 2-1 || align="center" | 4-2 || Baptism of Fire 68 Round of Sixteen | |||
| 9 | Natunolstadion, Jansberg, Semarland | Michine || align="center"| 1–0 || rowspan="2" align="center"| 2–0 || rowspan="2"| Baptism of Fire 68 Quarter Final | |||
| 10 | 2-0 | ||||
| 11 | La Fantás, Ferdullaele, Farfadillis | Shofercia || align="center"| 1–0 ||rowspan="3" align="center"| 3–1 ||rowspan="3"| Baptism of Fire 68 Final | |||
| 12 | 2–0 | ||||
| 13 | 3–0 |
Honours
- Team
- Baptism of Fire 68 winner
- Rabastor Unity Trophy
- Rabastor Champions' Cup: 2316–17
- Cobrio National Championship (x3): 2295–96, 2296–97, 2297–98
- Douglas Cup: 2295–96
- 2311–12 Limey League champion
- 2311–12 Citrus Cup winner
- 2315–16 Ilungu Isibini winner
- Individual
- Baptism of Fire 68 Best XI
- 2313–14 Dynapolis United Fans' Player of the Year
- Records
- All-time top scorer for Cobrio
- Overall
Filmography
- Even Faster Faster More Angry Angry (2314)
- Galavanting With Rage (2316)
- Indignant Competitions (2318)
- Belligerent Parambulation (2320)
- Murder on the Calania Express (2322)