Cole Temitope Omotayo, a dedicated player with Phoenix Queens and a student at Yabatech, generously shares her journey as a female footballer.
Her words reveal the vast opportunities football offers to young athletes – opportunities for learning, skill improvement, career growth, and above all, an exhilarating experience in the world of sports.
“When I set out in my youth,” Omotayo reflects, “my dream was to play football professionally, explore the world, and establish a team that would support, motivate, and uplift fellow footballers. Football, to me, is more than just a game; it’s a source of joy. On the pitch, worries fade, and you experience pure freedom. It’s a beautiful game.” She told Sports247 in an interview.
With eyes firmly fixed on victory, Omotayo anticipates each upcoming match. “Being a champion is our aspiration,” she asserts. “No one wishes to celebrate failure. The spotlight shines brightest on winners, and that’s what we all strive for.”
Omotayo is quick to emphasize the extensive opportunities within football, and how perceptions about women in football have evolved. “Even those who once belittled women in football are now proud to say, ‘I want my daughter to play football.’ Football exceeds our expectations, even for us players.”
For young aspiring footballers, her message is clear: “If you aspire to turn football into a career, you must be dedicated, self-disciplined, bold, confident, and self-encouraging. Football, like life, presents obstacles. These challenges come from coaches, fans, teammates, and sometimes your personal background. But by overcoming these challenges, the world will celebrate with you.”
Cole Temitope Omotayo’s words echo a spirit of dedication, resilience, and empowerment, illustrating the profound journey that football can be for those willing to embrace it.