The sun set on a significant era in Nigerian women’s football on July 31, 2024, with the passing of Coach Joy Etim. Known as the first coach of the national women’s team, her legacy is deeply etched in the annals of the sport.
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As word spread, the football community was enveloped in a wave of sorrow, reminiscing about the indelible mark she left on the game and countless lives.
Coach Joy’s journey was nothing short of revolutionary. Starting her career in a male-dominated sport, she faced obstacles with a resilience that would come to define her. Her early days saw her advocating for better training facilities and equal pay for female athletes. She fought not just for victories on the pitch, but for respect and recognition off it.
Under her leadership, the national team achieved their first major international victory, a triumph that is still celebrated today. Nkechi Okafor, one of her former players, shared, “She was more than just a coach; she was a mother, a friend, and a guiding light. Her belief in us gave us the strength to believe in ourselves.”
Coach Joy’s influence extended far beyond the football field. She became a vocal advocate for women’s rights in sports, her voice echoing in corridors of power where change was long overdue. Her relentless pursuit of equality paved the way for future generations, making her a true pioneer.
As the news of her passing spread, Olajide Royal, the Public Relations Officer for the Association of Nigeria Women Football Club Coaches (ANWFCC), found himself reflecting on the profound impact Coach Joy had on both the sport and its players. Coordinating messages of condolence from around the world, Olajide acknowledged the deep loss felt by all who knew her.
The President of ANWFCC, Mrs. Olajumoke Adeyemi, also shared her thoughts, her voice tinged with emotion. “Joy was a trailblazer in every sense of the word. Her dedication to the sport and her players was unparalleled. Her passing is not just a loss to us but to the entire sporting community. Her spirit and determination will continue to inspire us all.”
The football fraternity, the ANWFCC, and the entire nation mourn the loss of Coach Joy Etim, a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of perseverance. As they bid her goodnight, they hold onto the hope that her soul rests in the bosom of the Lord, forever at peace.
