Ayomide shines in Calabar, scores twice in her first major tournament

Taiwo Ayomide, a rising talent from Wazbak International FC, made a strong impression during the Nigerian Women Football League NWFL Championship play offs in Calabar. The young forward scored two goals in a single match, marking her first brace in a major tournament.

Despite the setback of a 6-0 defeat against Osun Babes, Ayomide and her team finished the competition on a high note with a 6-1 victory over Kaduna Queens. Ayomide expressed her joy at the accomplishment, especially as it was her debut appearance in a major championship.

Reflecting on her performance, Ayomide said, I’m thrilled to have scored two goals in one match. It’s my first time achieving this. She added that while she didn’t score in subsequent matches, she remains proud of her efforts.

Ayomide also celebrated the fact that Wazbak FC avoided relegation, maintaining their position in the second division of the NWFL. Though we didn’t secure a promotion, staying in the championship is an achievement for us. Next time, we can aim for promotion, she said.

In discussing the tournament, Ayomide acknowledged the valuable lessons she gained, particularly the importance of trusting her coach’s advice about facing tough opponents. However, she expressed some dissatisfaction with the officiating, noting inconsistent decisions by the referees.

Still, Ayomide remained grateful for the opportunity to compete and thanked the officials and referees, while expressing hope for more success in future competitions.

Editorial

We are immensely proud to witness the rise of young talents like Taiwo Ayomide in Nigerian women’s football. Her performance in Calabar during the NWFL Championship reflects the resilience and potential of athletes who may not yet be in the spotlight but are clearly on the path to greatness.

Ayomide’s story is one of perseverance and ambition. Scoring two goals in her first major tournament is no small feat, especially when considering the level of competition she faced. Her joy in helping her team avoid relegation and her determination to improve are traits we should celebrate.

However, her comments on the officiating raise an important issue. Poor officiating can have a significant impact on the morale and performance of players. In a league striving to promote the growth of women’s football, consistency and fairness in officiating are crucial. Referees must maintain the integrity of the game and uphold the rules, ensuring that all teams have a fair chance to compete.

The fact that Wazbak FC did not get relegated is also a positive takeaway. As Ayomide pointed out, staying in the second division gives the team a platform to grow and challenge for promotion next season. We believe that with continued hard work and the right support, Wazbak FC and players like Ayomide have a bright future ahead.

In women’s football, the development of young talents must be nurtured through opportunities, support, and the elimination of obstacles such as inconsistent officiating. If the game continues to grow in a positive direction, more stories like Ayomide’s will emerge, showcasing the incredible potential of Nigerian women’s football.

Did You Know?

1. The Nigerian Women Football League NWFL was founded in 1990 and is the top-level women’s football league in Nigeria.
2. Calabar, where the NWFL Championship took place, is one of Nigeria’s oldest cities and a hub for sporting events.
3. The NWFL has three tiers: the Premiership, the Championship, and the Nationwide League.
4. Women’s football in Nigeria gained international prominence with the success of the Super Falcons, the national team, which has won nine Africa Women’s Cup of Nations titles.
5. Many Nigerian women footballers have gone on to play in top European leagues, highlighting the growing talent in the country.