by Frank Marr
The Latvian Virslīga has a new king of the penalty area. Since arriving at FK Tukums 2000 on loan from FK Liepāja, Nigerian marksman Ede Oloko has been a revelation. With a clinical 11 goals in just 10 appearances, Oloko is responsible for nearly half of his team’s 24-goal tally.
Following a strong 2024 season at Jelgava, Oloko is now reaching new heights. Frank Marr sat down with the league’s most feared striker to discuss his “connection” with the Tukums midfield, his hat-trick against the champions, and why he looks to Robert Lewandowski for inspiration.
The Interview
Q > You’ve hit the ground running with 11 goals. As a team, Tukums has scored 24 goals total—meaning you’ve accounted for nearly 50% of them. What is the secret to this scoring rate?
A > To me, football is all about connection. Everything the coach tells us to do, we are trying to make it possible on the pitch. My teammates and I have a strong bond, and the tactical instructions are clicking. When the team morale is high and the “pattern of play” is right, the goals come naturally. Everyone in this squad believes we can achieve something special, and we are all pushing with maximum effort.
Q > You had a successful stint at Jelgava in 2024, also scoring 11 goals. How does this season at Tukums compare to your previous time in the Virslīga?
A > It actually feels quite similar. The pattern of play here at Tukums reminds me of what we did at Jelgava, which is why I’ve been able to adapt so quickly. I’m happy because ever since I arrived here, everything has been working perfectly. I feel I am maturing and just trying to do my job—which is to put the ball in the net as much as possible.
Q > You’ve come up against some tough teams. Which opponent has stood out to you the most so far this year?
A > I would say RFS. They are always a very difficult team to play against and they really stand out in terms of their quality. But generally, I don’t worry too much about who I am facing. Whether it’s a top team or a specific defender, I don’t get scared. I just believe that if I have my moment, I need to make use of the opportunity. I can hold the ball, run behind, or just be a poacher in the box—it depends on what the game needs.
Q > Speaking of top teams, you recently scored a hat-trick against the league champions, Riga FC, in a 3-3 draw. Was that a career first for you?
A > Yes, that was my first career hat-trick! I didn’t necessarily expect it going into the game, but I was so excited afterward. Taking a point from a team as strong as Riga FC is amazing for a club like Tukums. I even took the penalty in that game. The coach doesn’t have a designated name on the list for penalties, but I felt confident, I took the ball, and I did my thing.
Q > You’ve lived in Latvia for a couple of years now after a stint in the Czech Republic. How are you enjoying life away from the pitch?
A > Latvia is a very calm country, which I like. I enjoy the nature here, especially the forests. I like to go for walks in the woods with my girlfriend and my baby. I’ve also adapted to the weather. Czech Republic was my first time in Europe, so it was a shock, but Latvia is even colder! Training outside in the winter at Jelgava was difficult at first, but it toughens you up. Now, I’m just looking forward to summer so I can relax at the beach and get back to playing on natural grass—it’s much easier to play on than the 3G turf.
Q > Who are the players you look up to, and which club do you support?
A > My favorite club is Chelsea, even though they aren’t doing so well lately! For a role model, I look at Robert Lewandowski. He has incredible quality, he can use both legs, and his positioning in the box is world-class. I try to mirror those traits. My ultimate ambition is to play at the highest level possible.
Q > Finally, what are the goals for Tukums this season, and how do you feel about your parent club, Liepāja, struggling for goals while you are away?
A > Our target is the Top 4. We want that European qualification. As for Liepāja, they are my parent club and I’m a professional, so I follow their results. I believe they have the quality to do better and turn their season around. But for now, I am on loan at Tukums for the season, and my focus is 100% on helping this team finish as high as possible and hopefully winning the Golden Boot.
Ede Oloko: 2026 Season Stats (as of May 14th)
| Category | Statistic |
| Appearances | 10 |
| Goals | 11 (League Top Scorer) |
| Team Goal Contribution | ~50% (11 of 24) |
| Favorite Venue | Skonto Stadium |
| Loan Status | From FK Liepāja until Dec 2026 |
