Former FC Porto attacker Philip Chidi Onyemah led the tributes following the death of Joy Nnenna Etim, Nigeria’s first woman to become a qualified football coach. Etim, who made history in 1995, received an outpouring of condolences from various football figures.
Joy Nnenna Etim was the first Nigerian woman to become a professional football coach. One of her early roles was at the Surulere centre of Pepsi Football Academy, where she coached a young Onyemah. Etim played a significant role in shaping the face of female football in Nigeria and provided a foundation for many players’ growth.
Onyemah recalled Etim’s impact on his development and her contributions to many young players. Coach Chijioke Gabriel Osuagwu, who worked with Etim at Puma FC, also expressed his condolences, highlighting her importance to Nigerian female football. Jamiu Mohammed Isah, a coach mentored by Etim, and Ariyo Ashiwaju, a female football enthusiast, paid their respects.
Etim was a former member of the Super Falcons’ coaching crew and contributed significantly to female football development. She was also the mother of Emmanuel Etim, a renowned sports commentator at Nigeria Info FM, Lagos.
Editorial
The passing of Joy Nnenna Etim marks the end of an era for Nigerian football. As the first woman in Nigeria to be certified as a professional football coach, Etim was a trailblazer who broke barriers and set a precedent for future generations of female coaches in the country. Her contributions to football, especially at the grassroots level, have left an indelible mark.
Etim’s journey and accomplishments underscore the importance of inclusion and diversity in sports. By becoming a certified coach in 1995, she paved the way for other women to enter the field, demonstrating that gender should not be a barrier to achieving professional qualifications and success in sports.
The heartfelt tributes from former players and colleagues highlight Etim’s profound impact on their lives and careers. Her work at the Pepsi Football Academy and her influence on young talents like Philip Chidi Onyemah are testament to her dedication and passion for developing football in Nigeria. Etim’s commitment to nurturing young talents has contributed significantly to the growth and success of Nigerian football, particularly in promoting female participation.
Etim’s legacy extends beyond her coaching achievements. As a mentor and role model, she inspired many to pursue their dreams in football, fostering a spirit of resilience and excellence. Her influence on players and coaches alike has shaped the landscape of Nigerian football, making it more inclusive and dynamic.
As we mourn her passing, it is essential to celebrate her life and legacy. Joy Nnenna Etim’s contributions to football will continue to inspire and guide future generations. Her pioneering spirit and dedication serve as a reminder of the importance of breaking barriers and championing diversity in all fields.
Did You Know?
- Joy Nnenna Etim became Nigeria’s first professional female football coach in 1995.
- She played a pivotal role in the early development of many young footballers, including those at the Pepsi Football Academy.
- Etim was a former member of the coaching crew for Nigeria’s national women’s team, the Super Falcons.
- She co owned Puma FC of Surulere with her husband, contributing to the growth of local football clubs.
- Etim’s son, Emmanuel Etim, is a well known sports commentator at Nigeria Info FM, Lagos.
