Improving wages and ensuring job security, upgrading the status of women footballers just beyond the street and the field are key elements of the Ayisat Yusuf Aromire Foundation plans to develop Women’s Football in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
The former Super Falcons player said this at the 2020 She-Football Conference held at the Lagos State SWAN Secretariat hall, Surulere, Lagos.
Women’s football is at a developed stage in only a handful of Africa nations and Ayisat Yusuf Aromire has used her initiative over the years to further help improve the game in Africa.
She said: ” We have discovered the need to upgrade the status of female footballers beyond just the street, the field, the training grounds, the schools or the communities.
It is our responsibility to create bonds among people and communities through football which has become number one tool across the globe.
” SheFootball Conference is one of those ways we consider necessary to enlighten, advocate and garner more support for women’s football.
” The Initiative has the motive to turn things around for a better game and people, thus, we are striving hard to:
turn football into much more than just a competition, with belief that the program must be characterized by activities, giving a good time and the feeling of being part of something very special.”
Former Falcons player and Atlanta 1996 female long jump Gold Medalist Chioma Ajunwa appreciated the host Ayisat Yusuf Aromire for the good initiative and task young aspiring women footballers to stay disciplined and focused.
” We never had this opportunity during our days as footballers. I want to thank and appreciate Ayisat Yusuf Aromire for this innovation. If I can achieve in this sports and beyond, then you can do better. I won Gold for Nigeria at the Olympics because I was hardworking and dedicated to what I do. Victory begins when you start believing you can do it. You have to believe in yourselves.” She concluded.
Also speaking at the event as panelists, former Super Falcons Goalkeeper Ann Chijiene and her teammate back then Vera Okolo advised women footballers to marry early and not to neglect their Marital life totally over their career. They shared their experiences with the younger ones at the event.
“ I got married at the age of 18 but was discouraged by my teammates, who thought I wouldn’t be able to hangout with them again. My first daughter is 24 and I don’t have any regrets. I urge women footballers to get married in time.” Chiejine Said
” I got pregnant at the age of 18 and was asked to leave the Falconets Camp because I already had a baby, but today, my daughter is a graduate from the Obafemi Awolowo University and just finished her compulsory one year National Youth Service. I have no regrets at all.” Okolo revealed.
Founder of Ladies In Sports Tega Onojaife, Founder of SheCanNigeria Ezinne Ezeani and Diana Ashak(PhD) also advised female footballers present at the conference to combine education with their football career.
“ Football is not just about scoring goals, but what you do outside the pitch. Education is key in women’s football.” Onojaife said.
” Women’s Football is all about making positive impact in the society. There is dignity and honour in everything you do as a woman, no doubt education is key.” Ezinne emphasized.
” Combining Education with football was a choice I took on my own. I decided to take the decision because of my future and am happy I did.” Asak concluded
Nigeria got the Second Round of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France for the first time in many years and have also won 9 African Women Cup of Nations Championship. African countries have not been able to make it to the semi final of the World Cup but the First Vice President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi was of the view that Super Falcons can easily win the World Cup ahead of their Super Eagles counterpart due to their immense success in Africa.
” Its easier for us to win the World Cup with the Super Falcons than with the Super Eagles, because we the talents to do that”. Akinwunmi said.
SheFootball Conference is one of the iniatitive of the Ayisat Yusuf-Aromire Foundation which was set up to primarily empower women through Football. The focus of the foundation is to promote women footballers through social empowerment and skills acquisition.
Ayisat played for the Super Falcons from 2000 to 2009 and retired in early 2010. She is happily married with kids and is involved in many advocacy programs for women’s football in Finland.
