 Opabunmi scored a goal to help Nigeria win the African U-17 Championships in 2001.With Collins Osunwa out with injury he became Nigeria's key player at 2001 FIFA U-17 World Championship where he scored a hat-trick against Australia and won him the Silver Shoe as second highest goalscorer and also the Bronze Ball as third best player in the tournament, helping Nigeria to reach the final where they lost to France.He attracted attention from clubs such as Manchester United, Lyon and Celta Vigo.