In August 2020, Serie B club SPAL signed former Holy Cross student Abdulmalik Justin Owolabi-Belewu to a 4 year contract. The left-footed center back has agreed a long-term deal with the Biancazzurri following a successful trial and excellent performances in two friendly matches against Modena and Hellas Verona.
It was rumoured that Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Sunderland, OGC Nice, AS Roma, and Hertha Berlin had shown interest in Owolabi-Belewu before he traveled to Italy to showcase his qualities.
Born in the United Kingdom, he is eligible to represent the national teams of Canada and England, and was called up to a training camp with the Nigeria U17s last year but did not attend.
The HPA program is very proud of Justin’s accomplishments and wish him all the best as he continues his athletic development in Italy.