Nigerian students Oluwagbenga “Benga” Awoleye and Florence Nna came to America with high hopes.
As track stars in their native country, they had won numerous awards and honors, but, as Benga said, they “came to America to run with the best” and get an education.
The high school sweethearts were separated in 2003. In January of that year, Benga came to Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, with a full track and field scholarship.
The following December, Florence enrolled at the University of South Alabama, where she had a full scholarship. Although they were in separate states, the couple planned to be married after completing their education.
While competing for their respective schools, Benga and Florence had an even more ambitious dream. They wanted to represent the United States in the 2008 Olympics.
Their outstanding times in previous track competitions made them leading contenders if they continued training.
Redefining dreams
After spending the summer of 2004 together, however, all their dreams seemed doomed when Florence found out she was pregnant.
The pregnancy would mean she could not compete and would lose her scholarship. If Benga left Tarleton to join Florence in Mobile, he would also lose his scholarship.
With student visas, if they dropped out of school to work — even temporarily — then they could be deported. Their situation looked bleak.
Benga said the pressure of losing their scholarships and trying to meet financial needs was overwhelming. The couple decided abortion was their only choice.
But God had another plan for them. Going to the building they thought was an abortion clinic in Mobile, the couple instead entered the reception area of Sav-A-Life, a crisis pregnancy center.
It was a “mistake” they say was God’s intervention.
Florence and Benga met with a counselor, learning what happens in an abortion and viewing a video about it. Florence’s reaction was immediate. “I said, ‘No, no, no, no, I cannot do that.’”
Benga agreed. No matter what the consequences, they would not choose abortion. That’s when their challenging journey of faith began.
Both had been raised in a Christian home and made a profession of faith at an early age.
Florence dreaded telling her parents she was pregnant. She knew her news would disappoint them.
But both families encouraged and supported the couple through the experience.
Florence said when her mother told her, “God has a plan even for this and He’ll make a way,” she began to feel peace and calm about the situation.
Ed Litton, pastor of their church, First Baptist Church, North Mobile, in Saraland, counseled them, and in January 2005, Litton married the couple. They dedicated themselves to raising their child in a Christian family.
‘God is great’
Their son, Oluwagtobi “Tobi” Awoleye, was born in March. Florence is quick to say that Tobi’s name means, “God is great.”
She returned to school only 10 days after his birth, and Benga transferred to South Alabama to be near his new family
The couple’s decisions have proved costly. Both lost their scholarships and are now working to pay their tuition.
Transferring schools means a one-year imposed waiting period before Benga can compete for the United States, but a scholarship is possible in the future.
Florence also hopes to resume competition but will not be considered for a scholarship before the spring 2006 semester.
Gayle Hill, who worked at Sav-A-Life when the couple first came in, has befriended them and helped them. Florence calls Hill her “shepherd.”
Sav-A-Life, two churches and various friends have provided a crib, clothes, diapers and other supplies for the baby, as well as helping with living expenses.
In the meantime, they continue to train as time and child care permit.
This past summer, Benga worked full time for a local industry and will continue part-time work during the school year. Florence works in the First, North Mobile, nursery on Sundays and Wednesday evenings.
Benga and Florence are currently seniors. With two years of Olympic eligibility remaining, Benga will enroll in graduate school next year while continuing to train. Florence plans to work as a personal trainer after graduation while she also trains.
The couple takes their confidence from God now. Their faith journey continues as they trust God for provision and leadership in their future.
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