Sherifat Oyesanya shared her journey as a former professional footballer and a devoted mother. She addressed the common stereotype in Nigeria that suggests women should step back from sports after becoming mothers, challenging these outdated notions with her own story of perseverance and success.
Sherifat, a student at the National Institute of Sports (NIS), is determined to continue her passion for football and coaching despite the challenges of motherhood. Currently enrolled in the advanced coaching in football program, Oyesanya shared that she originally played professionally before stepping back to focus on her family. “My major at NIS is football. I came here purposely to be a certified coach, and right now, I’m doing the advanced coaching in football program,” she told Sports247.
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“I played football professionally, but I had to stop partially because I have two kids. I now play in local competitions and run my clothing business, which helps support my passion for football,” she said.
Oyesanya explained that she played football professionally until she had to scale back due to motherhood. “I have two kids, so I stopped playing professionally outside Lagos. Now, I play with academies and participate in local competitions while running my clothing business and working on international projects,” she added.
Reflecting on her early days, she recalled, “I started at the Pepsi Academy—that was my grassroots. Later, I represented the Ogun State team at festivals, and my last competition with Ogun State was EKO 2012. Then I moved to COD United, played for Bayelsa Queens, and eventually returned to COD in Lagos.”
Addressing the stereotype that motherhood ends a female athlete’s career, Oyesanya shared, “I personally faced that kind of situation when I was at COD. Coaches changed their attitude, but I never gave up. Motherhood is challenging, but it shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your passion. If I can still play and prove myself, then why should it end my career?”
She emphasized the need for support from both government and coaches, saying, “The government can put in policies that help, but it starts with us coaches. We need to focus on what we know and work on our strengths. I believe in continuing my career—if I stop playing, I’ll be a coach tomorrow and keep learning.”
Oyesanya’s determination to overcome challenges and her commitment to grassroots development serve as an inspiration. “I came here to learn and to continue my career. We must encourage every mother to keep going; our journey doesn’t end when we have kids,” she concluded.
Her words underline a growing movement among female athletes in Nigeria who are breaking down barriers and redefining success in sports.
