Benedict Olusola Popoola

With profound sadness and hearts full of gratitude for a life exceptionally well lived, we announce the passing of Benedict Olusola "Ben" Popoola, who entered into eternal rest on July 2, 2026, at the age of 73.

Born on April 15, 1953, in Nigeria, Ben was the son of Chief Olanipekun Joseph Popoola and Modupe Veronica Popoola of Effon-Alaye, Ekiti State. Raised in a devoted Christian home and in the Catholic faith, he served as an altar boy during his youth, developing the values of faith, discipline, and service that would guide him throughout his life.

Ben began his education at St. Michael Catholic School in Akure, in present-day Ondo State, where his passion for soccer first took root. Like many young boys, he spent countless hours playing street football in front of his family home while also representing his primary school. His natural talent quickly became evident and continued to flourish during his years at Aquinas College, Akure. Playing center forward, Ben became widely known for his exceptional skill and exciting style of play, earning the nickname "Benepo" and receiving national recognition as one of Nigeria's brightest young footballers.

After completing secondary school, Ben played for several prominent Nigerian clubs, including Water Corporation Football Club of Ibadan and Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin City. His outstanding performances earned him selection to the Nigerian National Team, then known as the Green Eagles, where he proudly represented his country in competitions both at home and internationally for several years.

Recognizing his extraordinary talent and potential, the Nigerian government awarded Ben a scholarship to attend Clemson University in South Carolina. From 1977 to 1980, he enjoyed an outstanding collegiate career, earning Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Player of the Year honors as a freshman—an early indication of the excellence that would define his life's work.

Following college, Ben played professionally for the Memphis Rogues, Cleveland Force, Chicago Horizons, and ultimately the Kansas City Comets of the Major Indoor Soccer League. Arriving in Kansas City in 1981, he quickly made his mark during the 1981–82 season, appearing in 25 matches while recording 11 goals and seven assists.

While Ben's accomplishments as a player were impressive, his greatest legacy was forged on the sidelines as a coach, mentor, and leader. In 1983, he became the head coach of the Park University men's soccer program, where he built one of the premier NAIA programs in the nation. During his tenure, he compiled a remarkable record of 201-63-5, winning multiple conference championships and establishing a culture of excellence.

Never one to shy away from building something new, Ben founded the Park University women's soccer program in 1988. Over the next eight seasons, he transformed the program into a national contender, compiling a record of 287-143-22 while earning NSCAA Midwest Coach of the Year honors in 1993 and 1994. His influence extended beyond the soccer field as he also served as Park University's Athletic Director from 1984 through 1996.

Ben continued his coaching career at Appalachian State University, leading the women's soccer program from 1997 through 2008. He became the first coach in school history to surpass 100 victories, finishing with a career record of 102-105-15. His teams enjoyed multiple winning seasons, Southern Conference Tournament appearances, and produced numerous All-Southern Conference student-athletes. In 2002, while at Appalachian State, Ben returned to the international stage by serving as an assistant coach for the Nigerian Women's National Team, further demonstrating the respect he had earned throughout the soccer world.

In 2009, Ben returned home to Kansas City, where he dedicated himself to youth soccer through KC Blaze Soccer Club, serving as Director of Coaching and Club President. There, he continued doing what he loved most—teaching, mentoring, and inspiring young athletes. His influence reached far beyond wins and championships. He developed character, built confidence, and shaped generations of players, coaches, and families whose lives were forever changed by his guidance.

Those who knew Ben knew one thing without question—he loved to win. But more importantly, he loved developing people. He challenged every player to give their best, compete with integrity, and understand that success was always about something bigger than themselves.

Above every accomplishment, Ben was devoted to his family. He was a loving husband, proud father, cherished brother, uncle, mentor, and faithful friend whose greatest victories were found in the relationships he nurtured throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Olanipekun Joseph Popoola and Modupe Veronica Popoola; his brothers, Oladele Sylvester Popoola and Olusegun Emmanuel Popoola; and his sister, Kehinde Justina Owoeye.

Left to honor and celebrate his life are his devoted wife, Christine Popoola; his beloved daughters, Amber Popoola and Marissa Popoola; his brother, Oladipo Michael Popoola (Gwendolyn); his sisters, Omolola Cecilia Odewumi (Yomi), Adebola Valentine Itam (Eugene), and Taiye Josephine Popson; his sister-in-law, Felicia Popoola; his brother-in-law, Patrick McKim (Damien Timms); his nephews, Dapo Popoola, Ayodele Odewumi, Kehinde Popoola, Tunde Popoola, Tunde Popson, Ayomide Owoeye, Tyson Loudermill, Travis Loudermill, and Dele Popoola (Penny); his nieces, Tokunbo Popoola, Tolu Odewumi, Taiye Popoola, Margaret Ediale (Martins), Marriam Popson, Modupe Popson, Temidayo Owoeye, and Bolajoko Owoeye; his great-nephew, Theodore Popoola; his great-niece, Sunny Popoola; Penny McKim, mother-in-law and countless former teammates, players, colleagues, and lifelong friends across Kansas City, throughout the United States, and in Nigeria.

Ben's impact cannot be measured simply by victories, championships, or awards. His true legacy lives on in the hundreds of players he coached, the families he encouraged, the colleagues he inspired, and the countless lives he shaped through his unwavering belief that excellence is achieved through discipline, teamwork, humility, and love.

As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life of extraordinary purpose and enduring influence.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. — John 14:1–3

Coach Ben's final whistle has sounded, but his legacy will continue in every player who competes with passion, every coach who teaches with integrity, and every life lived in service to others.

His game was never just about soccer—it was always about people.

A gathering for friends and family will be from 1-2pm Monday, July 13, 2026 with a Celebration of Life service to follow at the Johnson County Funeral Chapel, 11200 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS 66210.

To livestream the service use this link or follow the direction below this obituary that is titled "Register for the Live stream".

https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=b0c8cd9e-6cfa-4d83-b865-ba8de846ffdf