Barnsley FC defender and ex-Cambridge United man Jubril Okedina keen to 'explode' in new chapter
Jubril Okedina shared his Barnsley ambition after helping the Reds pick up a point against Oxford United
Barnsley defender Jubril Okedina is keen to see his career “explode” following a difficult period.
A product of Tottenham Hotspur’s academy, Okedina jumped straight into senior EFL football when it became apparent there was no first-team pathway for him in North London.
He saw a loan move to Cambridge United made permanent and went on spend four full seasons with the club in League One, racking up over 100 appearances for the U’s.
A spell with Bohemians followed his Cambridge exit in the summer of 2025, but the 26-year-old left the Republic of Ireland having made just three appearances.
Jubril Okedina’s Barnsley goal
He has been given a fresh start in South Yorkshire, where the Malawi international is looking to lay down roots.
"100 per cent [I would like to make Barnsley a home],” Okedina said. "I feel like Barnsley is a massive club and it's a great opportunity for me. It's the type of club that I wanted to join, [the type] I've always imagined myself joining.
"I really want to take this opportunity and really explode in this part of my career.”
Unlikely hero in Oxford United draw
Okedina was an unlikely hero at the weekend, entering the fray from the bench after just 12 minutes in Barnsley’s 1-1 draw with Oxford United.
Jack Shepherd’s dismissal ushered Okedina into the thick of it and he was deployed at right-back by Reds head coach Daniel Stendel.
"I was ready to come on from literally any minute,” said Okedina. “I've seen Shep confronted by the referee, so I just got up straight away, did some sprints.
"I've come on in games before, so I was prepared to come on for this game as well."
Okedina has not yet started a league game for the Reds but undoubtedly staked a claim for a starting spot with his display against Oxford.
“I've gelled in well with the team, with the gaffer, the coaches,” he said. “And I've enjoyed every moment of it.
“Even though it's not been positive in results, we're all positive and we're working hard to change that for sure.”