Ex International, Ayisat Yusuf Heads To Germany As Head Coach Of Girl Power Summer Camp
By Saheed Afolabi
Ex Nigeria international, Ayisat Yusuf is excited to headline the Girl Power Summer Camp in Germany as head coach to be held at the VFL Wolfsburg Stadium.
The former Super Falcons star who’s the first Nigeria woman to bag a UEFA B coaching license brings her wealth of experience, expertise as an accomplished player, coach and advocate of women’s football in mentoring the next big global stars in women’s football.
Yusuf was ecstatic about her new role in elevating women’s football while assuring to leave a positive indelible mark in the faces of the young players.
“I’m leaving Finland and making my way to Germany for the Girl Power Summer Camp, and I’m truly grateful to be part of this journey as Head Coach,” she said.
Yusuf, who represented Nigeria at the 2003, 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2008 Beijing Olympics and multiple African Women’s Championships, has built a strong reputation both as a player and later as a coach and community leader based in Finland.
She holds a UEFA B coaching licence and has worked extensively with youth teams while founding the SheFootball Initiative to empower girls through football, mentorship and education.
Yusuf said what inspires her to take on the job creating an impact in communities globally and building women and girls in sport.
“What makes this experience special for me is not just the football, but the people, the relationships and the community we continue to build around women and girls in sport.”
The Girl Power initiative focuses on using football as a tool for empowerment, particularly among young women and girls, including those from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Yusuf has previously been involved in related Girl Power activities, including coaching roles that promote inclusion, leadership and development through the game.
She however looks forward to sharing her experiences with the emerging youngsters.
“I’m looking forward to reconnecting, learning, sharing experiences and creating more memories with this amazing community.”
Yusuf became the first African to win the FIFPRO award in October 2022 through her exceptional advocacy work using her non profit platform SheFootball Initiative to drive positive change among the Girl-Child.
Yusuf enjoyed an illustrious 13-year international career (1996–2009) earning 68 caps for Nigeria as a versatile defender winning four WAFCON titles, known then as Africa Women’s Championship including two All Africa Games Gold in Abuja 2003 and Algiers 2007.
Germany legend and Goalkeeper Coach, Almuth Schult is also part of the Girl Power Summer Camp where she brings stunning achievement as 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist in Rio de Janeiro, 2013 UEFA Women’s Euro Champion, and 2014 IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper.
Schult made global headlines for her fierce advocacy regarding parental rights in sports. After giving birth to twins in 2020 and a third child in 2023, she successfully returned to the elite level each time.
She spoke about the systemic hurdles and lack of support European football clubs still present to players who are mothers.
