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By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Ayisat Yusuf |
Ayisat Yusuf, a former football player and Olympian, has launched a female football academy in Iworo, Badagry, Lagos State.
The hostel for the player was opened alongside a gym centre on Sunday, January 5th, 2025.
Ayisat said the project is to empower women and the girl child, which is solely done by her, and she is open to partnerships and support.
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| Ayisat Yusuf and her students |
She said, "Today remains the most memorable day in my life. This project is from my sole efforts. I couldn't get support or funding from anyone, and hopefully I pray it becomes bigger because it's all about girl children and supporting women, using football as a tool to develop young girls and take them from the street, because I know most of them have aspirations they only need support and motivation.
"I believe most of these young girls are the vulnerable, and when you talk about equality in sport, in Nigeria I don't think we have so much. This is not about the girls alone it's also part of the community development. I just want these girls to believe in themselves and see us as role models, setting a good legacy.
She added that she has set up the foundation to bring hope and development to Badagry and to leave a lasting legacy.
Video Report: Ayisat Yusuf launches Football Academy Hostel and Gym Centre in Badagry, Lagos State
"I strongly believe in development, and I like to look at the angle called rural development. I don't want to be a leader that doesn't have something to show. If you call yourself a role model or legend, you should have something to show for that. Obviously, you could be a celebrity with a bad influence, I believe touching life is very important," Ayisat said.
She added that her vision for the girls is to help them achieve their dreams of becoming great players.
Sarah Kelly, FIFA referee from Austria, said, "Ayisat has done a lot for the community and girls to put them in her footsteps."
Hans Clemo, from Switzerland, "I'm very happy with Ayisat for what she has done for the youths in Nigeria for the last many years. Many former players have forgotten where they came from, but Ayisat did not forget where she came from, which is commendable."