Present position:Gbemisola Yusuf: Nigerian's path from water vendor to Caf referee >>Text
Gbemisola Yusuf: Nigerian's path from water vendor to Caf referee
Credit Card Protection Policies34524Have read
About 'Controlling 22 players on the field is amazing'Image source, Gbemisola YusufImage caption...
'Controlling 22 players on the field is amazing'
- Published
Gbemisola Yusuf is a woman who likes to be in charge.
And, aged just 21, she is already refereeing football games in Nigeria.
“Controlling 22 players on the field is amazing," she told BBC Sport Africa from the Maracana pitch in Ajegunle-Lagos.
This is no small feat, as Yusuf is amongst a relatively small group of female referees in her country.
Although the number of female match officials in Africa and world football has grown over the years, women remain underrepresented as referees at both continental and global levels.
As of 2023, 53 African women are on world governing body Fifa's international referees list. This includes assistant referees and futsal referees, and represents a significant increase from previous decades.
This steady rise has been largely driven by efforts from organisations like the Confederation of African Football (Caf) and national associations to promote gender inclusivity.
South Africa and Morocco are two countries with a larger proportion of women officiating at the highest levels versus others in the continent.
Female referees in Nigeria and across Africa face a variety of challenges that stem from social, cultural and institutional factors.
The influence of rigid gender roles often limits women’s participation in certain fields, especially sport.
Moreover, the male-dominated nature of football administration and management means women are less likely to be appointed for key games, despite their qualifications.
Yusuf’s journey to refereeing started not too far away from the pitch.
Born and raised in the densely populated and bustling community of Agege in the mainland area of Lagos, the vibrant atmosphere of the township stadium meant everything to her and her family.
As a child, she would regularly go to the local stadium with her mother. There, they would sell drinks to players, coaches and fans alike.
It was during that time that she nurtured a passion for the football scene.
After starting out as a footballer, Yusuf’s decision to switch to refereeing was met with both curiosity and support.
Her mentor, Dele Atoun, a retired referee and current general secretary of the Lagos State Referee Council, vividly recalls her early days.
He told the BBC her life has been "intertwined with the stadium since childhood".
“She built so much courage despite seeing referees attacked, stoned and abused - but she also saw them excel," he added.
Facing down verbal and physical abuse
Yusuf started her refereeing career aged 14 when she joined a programme which Caf had launched to identify, train and provide opportunities for young match officials in youth competitions.
She quickly realised the path she had chosen was not an easy one.
The world of making sure footballers keep to the rules, especially in Nigeria, is fraught with challenges - including verbal and physical abuse from disgruntled fans and players.
In a survey conducted by the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) about 80% of respondents said they had experienced some form of harassment or violence during their officiating careers.
Most of these incidents happened at grassroots level and lower league matches, where security is often inadequate.
Yusuf witnessed this first-hand but was undeterred.
“I will say refereeing is the hardest job in the world,” she said.
“You make decisions in a few seconds, whether you are right or wrong.”
Instead of being discouraged by the negativity, she has focused on the positive.
A pivotal moment came during a state league match when Yusuf was just 18.
The referees failed to show up and, only minutes before kick-off, Yusuf - who was helping her mother sell drinks at the stadium at the time - was asked to officiate the game.
“She was near perfect in that game, and it caught the attention of many people," Atoun said.
This unexpected opportunity showcased her talent and composure under pressure, earning her recognition within the refereeing community.
Referee, cop and mother – Morocco’s Karboubi
- Published1 February
My tips for the top - pioneering referee Mukansanga
- Published21 July 2023
Yusuf quickly advanced through the ranks, eventually officiating in the Nigerian Women’s Premier League.
Officiating at this level comes with its own set of safety challenges, particularly for women.
Assaults on referees in Nigeria, including female referees, are not uncommon and can range from verbal abuse to physical attacks.
In 2021, a female referee in Kano was chased by fans after officiating a heated local derby. The incident drew widespread condemnation from the Nigeria Football Federation and highlighted the need for tougher security measures at matches, especially those involving female officials.
Data shows that women make up less than 10% of registered referees in Nigeria, and many cite fears of abuse and lack of respect as key reasons for leaving the profession or not pursuing it altogether.
As of 2023, no Nigerian league, including the top flight Nigeria Premier Football League, has implemented video assistant referee (VAR) technology. This puts Nigerian referees at a disadvantage when officiating in international competitions where such tools are the norm.
Yusuf believes that as long as she does the right thing on the field, she has nothing to fear.
“I just give my best and leave the rest to God," she said.
'The stadium girl'
For Yusuf, the Agege Stadium in Lagos is more than just a place, it represents the foundation of her career.
Though she no longer sells drinks at the stadium because of her academic commitments at the University of Lagos, where she is studying human kinetics and education, her memories are deeply ingrained.
“Everything about my life is the Agege Stadium,” she said.
“That’s where I got the confidence to even join the referees, and the surroundings have helped me a lot.”
Her participation in this year's Caf African Schools Football Championship, where she officiated matches in both regional qualifiers and the finals in Tanzania, was a significant milestone in her career.
"It was a dream come true. The experience was amazing," she added.
“Moving from one country to another, interacting with different referees, and trying to learn new languages was really good for me."
Fluency in multiple languages enhances a referee’s authority on the field. For referees who want to reach the top, such as the Fifa World Cup or the Olympic Games, speaking multiple languages is often essential.
"It was valuable because I never thought I would meet some of the people I did," she said.
The championship not only provided Yusuf with international exposure but also allowed her to connect with the likes of Zambia's Janny Sikazwe, who has officiated at the World Cup.
Meanwhile, the guidance, support and encouragement of mentors like Dele Atoun have helped Yusuf navigate the challenges of her chosen profession.
“I’m proud of her achievements,” Atoun said with a smile.
"Her story is one of resilience and determination.”
Tags:
Reprinted :Welcome friends to share to the network, but please explain the source of the article“Credit Card Protection Policies”。http://aqntz.feilaokan.com/en9bf6.html
Related articles
Sky's Angel Reese becomes first player in WNBA history with 20 rebounds in three consecutive games
Gbemisola Yusuf: Nigerian's path from water vendor to Caf refereeSky's Angel Reese becomes first player in WNBA history with 20 rebounds in three consecutive games...
Read more
Huge boost for Arsenal — Star player set for Manchester City clash after injury scare
Gbemisola Yusuf: Nigerian's path from water vendor to Caf refereeHuge boost for Arsenal — Star player set for Manchester City clash after injury scareVishal Bhawani...
Read more
With $172 million star struggling, Phillies might make ‘extreme’ playoff correction
Gbemisola Yusuf: Nigerian's path from water vendor to Caf refereeWith $172 million star struggling, Phillies might make ‘extreme’ playoff correctionPeter Chawaga...
Read more
Top Article
- WNBA Power Rankings: Chelsea Gray's return has Aces back on track, Liberty maintain top spot
- 2024 NBA free agency: Kentavious Caldwell
- Where Lions' Aidan Hutchinson ranks in pass
- Champions League cult heroes: Gaizka Mendieta
- WNBA free agency: Former MVP Tina Charles signs with Dream in one of offseason's biggest surprises
- 2024 NBA Draft: Alex Sarr goes No. 2 overall to Wizards; international players selected 1
Latest News
WNBA expansion: Plans to bring team to Portland have collapsed, per report
College football picks, predictions against the spread for Week 4, including USC
Former USMNT coaching candidate Jesse Marsch addresses Canada drone scandal ahead of USA friendly
Georgia's Smael Mondon, Bo Hughley arrested on reckless driving charges in latest traffic
Caitlin Clark told her coach Team USA 'woke a monster' by not picking her for Olympic team
Cardinals could move on from former MVP after disappointing 2024