Gbemisola Yusuf, a fast rising Nigerian female football referee, has made significant strides in her career by officiating at the 2024 African Schools Football Championship in Zanzibar. Despite being an undergraduate at the University of Lagos, Yusuf’s exceptional skills and dedication have set a new standard for young referees in Nigeria.
Yusuf officiated five matches at the CAF Africa Schools Championship, culminating in a standout performance during the semi final between Uganda and Morocco. Her exemplary officiating has drawn comparisons to prominent female referees such as Salima Mukansanga of Rwanda and Morocco’s Bouchara Karbouri.
Her journey is a testament to the effective training provided by the Lagos State Football Referees Council, which has a history of producing top notch referees like the late Bolaji Okubule, Mazi Linus Mba, and Chukwudi Chukwujekwu. Modern referees from Lagos making waves internationally include Jelili Ogunmuyiwa, Olayinka Olajide, Igho Hope, and Akintoye Yemisi.
Editorial
Gbemisola Yusuf’s remarkable achievements in Zanzibar highlight the progress and potential of young Nigerian referees on the international stage. Her journey, marked by dedication and exceptional skill, serves as an inspiration for aspiring referees in Nigeria. As a nation, we can take immense pride in her accomplishments and the broader implications they hold for the development of football officiating in Nigeria.
Yusuf’s success underscores the importance of robust training programs and support systems, such as those provided by the Lagos State Referees Council. These institutions play a critical role in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for young referees to excel. The positive ripple effects of such achievements are manifold, encouraging more young people to pursue careers in officiating and contributing to the overall improvement of the sport.
The recognition of Yusuf’s abilities at an international tournament like the African Schools Football Championship is not just a personal triumph but a collective one for Nigerian football. It showcases the country’s capacity to produce world class referees capable of handling high-pressure matches with poise and precision. Her story is a powerful reminder of the potential that lies within our young referees and the importance of providing them with platforms to shine.
As we celebrate Yusuf’s success, it is essential to continue investing in the development of referees and ensuring that they receive the necessary support and opportunities. The future of Nigerian football officiating looks promising with talents like Gbemisola Yusuf leading the way. Her journey sets a benchmark for others to follow, and we look forward to seeing more young Nigerian referees make their mark on the global stage.
Did You Know?
- Gbemisola Yusuf is also a fashion designer and morality speaker, showcasing her diverse talents beyond football officiating.
- The African Schools Football Championship aims to promote football at the grassroots level across the continent, providing a platform for young athletes and referees.
- Salima Mukansanga, one of Yusuf’s inspirations, made history as the first woman to officiate as a centre referee at the men’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2021.
- The Lagos State Football Referees Council has a legacy of producing some of Nigeria’s best referees, contributing significantly to the development of football officiating in the country.
- The inclusion of female referees in high-profile matches reflects the growing recognition and support for gender equality in sports.
