Young Nigerian Female Referee Breaking Barriers on the Football Field!

At just 21, Gbemisola Yusuf has already made a mark as a female football referee in Nigeria, a role that comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. "Controlling 22 players on the field is amazing," Yusuf told BBC Sport Africa from the Maracana pitch in Ajegunle-Lagos, where she is part of a growing but still underrepresented group of female referees in the country. Despite the rising number of women referees in Africa, women remain a minority in the profession at both the continental and global levels. As of 2023, 53 African women were listed as international referees by FIFA, a significant improvement thanks to efforts by organizations like the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Yusuf's journey began at the township stadium in Agege, Lagos, where she grew up selling drinks with her mother to players and fans. Inspired by the vibrant atmosphere, she transitioned from playing football to officiating, under the guidance of Dele Atoun, a retired referee who became her mentor.

Though refereeing in Nigeria, especially as a woman, comes with the risk of verbal and physical abuse from disgruntled fans and players, Yusuf has remained resilient. She started refereeing at 14 through a CAF youth program, advancing quickly through the ranks despite the hostility she witnessed. "I will say refereeing is the hardest job in the world," she said, noting the pressure of making split-second decisions on the field. One pivotal moment came when Yusuf, just 18 at the time, was asked to officiate a state league match after the scheduled referees failed to show up. Her performance earned her recognition, and she has since officiated matches in the Nigerian Women’s Premier League. Female referees in Nigeria face significant safety challenges. Incidents of abuse are common, with some referees, like a female official in Kano in 2021, being chased by angry fans. Despite these obstacles, Yusuf remains focused. "I just give my best and leave the rest to God," she said.

Agege Stadium, where she once sold drinks, holds a special place in Yusuf’s heart. Now a student at the University of Lagos studying human kinetics and education, Yusuf looks back fondly on the role the stadium played in building her confidence. Her recent participation in the CAF African Schools Football Championship, officiating matches across regional qualifiers and finals in Tanzania, was a career milestone. She dreams of reaching international levels, where skills like speaking multiple languages are essential for top referees. Yusuf’s mentor, Dele Atoun, is proud of her accomplishments. "Her story is one of resilience and determination," he said.