Gbemisola Yusuf has had a remarkable impact on the Nigerian football refereeing scene at the tender age of 21. Hers is an inspiring tale of overcoming adversity, following her heart, and succeeding in a field where men predominate. Even though female referees are still relatively rare in her country, Yusuf’s accomplishments show how women’s roles are changing in African football.
Forerunners among African female referees
While the number of female football referees has grown over the years, there is still a significant gender gap on a regional and international scale. There were 53 female Africans on FIFA’s roster of international referees, assistant referees, and futsal officials as of 2023. Though promising, its growth pales in comparison to that of men.
Support for gender equality in football has come largely from national associations and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Notable examples of African countries that have achieved substantial success in integrating women at the highest levels of officiating include Morocco and South Africa.
The Obstacles Nigerian Female Referees Face
Women in Nigeria, and throughout Africa, continue to face institutional, cultural, and societal barriers that prevent them from achieving parity with men in historically male-dominated professions. In instance, football has a long history of being associated with men due to strict gender norms that prevented women from pursuing careers in the sport.
There are already few openings for female referees in the male-dominated world of football administration and management. Officiating important matches is a male-dominated field, even though women are qualified to do so. Fans and players frequently verbally and physically harass female referees, making their journeys more difficult. This is especially true at grassroots levels where protection is typically inadequate.
Eighty percent of Nigerian referees surveyed by the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) said they had been victims of harassment or assault while working as officials. This chart highlights the challenges that referees, particularly women, encounter when trying to keep the peace on the field while addressing disruptive spectators.
The Consequences of Not Using VAR Technology
Even though he faces these obstacles, Yusuf remains optimistic. She thinks there’s nothing to worry about if she sticks to her values while playing. She is determined to give her all in every match and lets destiny take its course.
The Arena in Agege: Yusuf’s Career’s Center
The Agege Stadium in Lagos is more than just a location; it is the same spot where Yusuf’s career began. She is now studying human kinetics and education at the University of Lagos, therefore, she is no longer involved in selling drinks at the stadium. However, her memories of the location are still very strong.
Central to her story is the stadium, which signifies the beginning of her journey as a referee. She felt empowered to follow her passion of being a football referee after her experience here.
The CAF African Schools Football Championship: A Comeback After All These Years
Making it to the 2023 CAF African Schools Football Championship was a major accomplishment for Yusuf. Her experience as a match referee in Tanzania for both the regional qualifying and the finals gave her priceless exposure to the international scene. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet international referees and expand my linguistic horizons.
For referees who want to work at the biggest events, like the Olympics or the FIFA World Cup, being fluent in more than one language is an asset. Yusuf was able to meet notable people throughout the competition, such as Janny Sikazwe of Zambia, who has officiated at the FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.
Career Guidance and Support for Yusuf
Yusuf has been fortunate to have Dele Atoun and other seasoned referees as mentors and guides during her career. She has been able to overcome the obstacles she has encountered in her career with the help of his and other members of the refereeing community.
The narrative of Yusuf is an inspiring tale of perseverance and strength. Her perseverance in the face of adversity has encouraged other young women in Nigeria and throughout Africa to follow in her footsteps and become football referees.
Gbemisola Yusuf’s bravery and perseverance have been on full display during her career as a female referee in Nigerian football, in which she has helped to break barriers in. Her achievement is a source of motivation for generations to come in a nation where women in leadership positions confront many obstacles. Female football referees like Yusuf are paving the way, shattering glass ceilings, and demonstrating that the sport is a place where all genders belong.
