The Sun News On-line

What was growing up like for you?
Growing up was fun, especially in a football-loving environment in Navy Barracks, Ajegunle. I was always hanging around the opposite sex and I had the opportunity to play football with them.

Would you let us into your football background?
I have played for quite a number of teams in Nigeria from a very tender age. I have played for clubs like Ufuoma Babes, Pelican Stars of Calabar, where I spent the better huge part of my career, FCT Queens of Abuja and Bayelsa Queens.

In these teams, God richly blessed my career with so many laurels like the National Sports Festival Gold Medal in 1998, Super League Gold medals in 1996-2001 for Ufuoma Babes of Warri and Pelican Stars of Calabar and 2006/07 with Bayelsa Queens.

I also won Gold medals in the National FA Cup in 1999-2001 with Pelican Stars and 2007 with Bayelsa Queens. I have also won silver medals in both the League and FA Cup. The All Africa Games Gold medal in 2003, AWC Gold medal 2004 and Olympic team appearance in 2004.
I enjoy playing from the attacking midfield position and loves scoring goals.

Why did you choose to play football?
I found football to be one of the most exciting sports on the planet earth. But my involvement in football is as a result of the talent given to me by the Father of all good gifts (God).

What amount of support did you get from your parents?
Like most parents, initially they were against it, but with time they understood my undying love for the game and they supported me. My father of blessed memory played a huge part in my being successful today as he always advised me to get education alongside football. He allowed me to play and taught me to always make out time to study while others were asleep. That I will always remember.

Who bought you your first football boots?
Coach Fredrick Odili bought my first boot.

You speak good English compared to some of your peers. How did you combine football and schooling?
I made out time to continue my education despite the stress of coping with training and I tried as much as I could to endure the stress of having to combine schooling and study.
I enjoy reading good books.

How have you been able to combine football and your matrimony or are you planning to quit the game?
I’m blessed to be married to the cutest and most understanding man in the world. I call him my delight, because he has brought so much joy and sunshine into my life.
Combining family and sports has been by God’s wisdom.
For me, it has been family first as I try my best to spend quality time with my husband whenever I am free. I have had to make out that time despite my tight schedule. Our marriage is built on the word of God and we have absolute Faith in Him that we cannot fail. That is why our love has been renewed daily by God as the new wine. He has always encouraged me in my career and even makes out time and watch me train.

What informed your brief stint in the Super Falcons team?
I think every coach in Nigeria know what they want in a player they invite into the National team. As a player I strongly believe in doing the best I can and leave the rest for God. I did not make it to the AWC in 2006 and when I was called up last year for the All African Games, I could not honor the invitation because I was expecting my baby.

Are there dreams you have not realised as a player?
As a player I don’t think there is any dream that cannot be realised. So I don’t have any.

Do you think the issue of lesbianism in Female Football has made some of the Falcons players to stay unmarried?
I don’t appreciate going into other people’s privacy, nevertheless; I don’t think it has hindered any. But on the contrary, I think the practice of Lesbianism among Female Footballers It is a shame. God made woman for man and not a woman for woman. I think it has to do with proper planning and for female players to know what they really want.

Players should not be scared of being classified as being “Old” because they are married.
Or the tendency of coaches not wanting to sign them on into their teams or being refused National call up because they are married. A good name is better than great riches and I strongly believe that there is more to life than playing and burning out one self to please a coach that already has his own family going.

What is your impression about female football development in the country?
This is one aspect I have always pondered on. To be frank, so many ladies are getting into football across the nation. But in terms of development I think there is still a lot to be done. Since the exit of Pepsi, we have not had any sponsor for the women’s league or FA Cup. Many thanks to all past sponsors, especially Pepsi and De-United Food (Indomie Noddles) who gave sunshine to women’s soccer and succeeded in raising the standard of almost every player and their aspiration.

But with the recent loses we suffered in the hands of both Algeria and Ghana; shows that other countries are catching up us fast. I believe that gone are the days when Nigerians only sat back and expected the women’s national team to dominate in Africa when there is no proper preparations before a major tournament. Like the last World Cup; the Falcons had less then a week to travel on a training tour of Germany and many Nigerians did not appreciate their performance. It beats my imagination to see how the Super Falcons are neglected. Sometimes I wonder if women’s football is even wanted in Nigeria.

For the game to be developed, I think the super Falcons should be treated better in terms of incentives and preparation. More so, they should be well packaged and the league should have a sponsor at least. It is indeed painful to know that even the U-17 boys are treated better than the Super Falcons.
I sincerely wish that female football would be treated with seriousness and players treated well and held in high esteem.

What does the future hold for you in the game?
I believe no one can live your dream for you. I am excited playing football and do know that the game is not an end itself, but a means to an end. I have fallen in love so much with this beautiful game and will continually contribute my quota. I will like to take my time to really order my priorities at this point of transformation from being a woman to a mother. But in all, I will live this dream of being the best in all that I do and appreciate God for all that He blesses me with.