Robo Queens’ Teen Star Kemi Adegbuyi Shines in Win Over Ibom Angels

Robo Queens secured a 2-1 victory over Ibom Angels in a Matchday 5 encounter at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, with 14 year old Kemi Adegbuyi delivering another standout performance. The young winger opened the scoring in the 60th minute, continuing her impressive form since the start of the season.

Six minutes later, God’s Gift inadvertently put the ball into her net, giving Robo Queens a two-goal cushion. Despite a late effort from Ibom Angels, the Lagos-based side held on for the win, bouncing back from their previous draw against Naija Ratels FC.

Adegbuyi, an SS2 student, has been a revelation in the Nigeria Women’s Football League NWFL, recently winning the Player of the Month award for January. Her consistently brilliant displays have sparked transfer interest from clubs abroad, but Robo Queens’ owner and coach, Emmanuel Osahon, insists she is not for sale until she completes her secondary school education.

Osahon emphasized that Robo Queens follows a unique development model, combining education and vocational training with football.”In our team, we combine education with football, or you take up a trade. We have shoemakers, tailors, and hairdressers. We don’t just train them to play football,” Osahon stated.

Despite growing speculation over Adegbuyi’s future, the club remains focused on securing a Super Six spot in the league, with Osahon adopting a game by game approach for his squad.

Editorial

Kemi Adegbuyi’s meteoric rise in the NWFL is a testament to the immense talent within Nigeria’s women’s football system. At just 14 years old, she is already making headlines, proving that age is no barrier when raw talent meets the right environment.

However, her case also highlights the importance of player development beyond the pitch. Robo Queens’ education-first policy is a rare but commendable approach in African football, ensuring that players have alternative career paths should football not work out. Many former stars struggled post-retirement due to a lack of education or vocational skills, making Robo Queens’ model one that should be adopted by other clubs.

From a sporting perspective, keeping Adegbuyi at Robo Queens for too long could slow her professional growth. While completing her education is important, there should be a balanced approach that allows her to continue football at the highest level while studying. European and American clubs offer academic scholarships alongside professional training, which could be a solution if managed properly.

The Nigeria Football Federation NFF must also step in to monitor and guide young talents like Adegbuyi, ensuring they receive the best support, exposure, and mentorship. If handled correctly, she could follow in the footsteps of Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade, who transitioned from the NWFL to become global stars.

Nigeria has a goldmine of young football talent, and structured player development policies will determine whether these prospects fulfil their potential or fade away.

Did You Know?

1. Kemi Adegbuyi is one of the youngest players to win the NWFL Player of the Month award, achieving the feat at just 14 years old.
2. Robo Queens produced Asisat Oshoala, who went on to become a multiple-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year and a UEFA Women’s Champions League winner.
3. The Nigeria Women’s Football League NWFL was established in 1990, making it one of Africa’s oldest women’s leagues.
4. Education and football development programs are common in Europe and the United States, with clubs like Barcelona and PSG integrating academic studies into their youth academies.
5. Nigeria’s Super Falcons have won the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations AWCON a record 11 times, making them the most successful women’s national team in Africa.