Coach Adeleye Oluwatosin Olamiposi, the State Welfare Secretary of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association (NFCA) in Ogun State and a coach from Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, has spoken about her coaching journey, the challenges facing female coaches and her belief in the potential of indigenous coaches to lead Nigeria’s national teams.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sports247, Adeleye revealed that her journey into football coaching was strongly influenced by her father, Coach Olaseinde Bankole “Zico” as fondly called, a former Chairman of the Ogun State Football Coaches Association.
According to her, she was exposed to the coaching profession from an early age as her father regularly took her along to coaches’ meetings.
“My dad, Coach Zico as fondly called, is involved in football and is a former chairman of the Ogun State Football Coaches Association. Since I was a child, he always took me to coaches’ meetings so that I could gain exposure to the coaching profession,” she told Sports247.
She explained that her father also placed a strong emphasis on education, encouraging her to develop academically while pursuing her passion for football.
“He believes that education is just as important as sports. I am a graduate, and I am also a coach,” she added.
Adeleye said she has ambitions of reaching the highest levels of the coaching profession and draws inspiration from established female coaches.
She specifically identified Coach Wemimo, head coach of Bayelsa Queens, as one of the figures motivating her to pursue a bigger future in coaching.
“I look up to Coach Wemimo, who is the coach of Bayelsa Queens. Her career motivates me and makes me believe that I can also coach at the highest level,” she said.
While acknowledging the challenges that come with working in a profession dominated by male coaches, Adeleye said she enjoys her position as a female coach, particularly because of her previous experience as a footballer.
“I actually enjoy being a female coach, especially because I have also gone through the experience of being a footballer,” she explained.
She identified adapting to new environments and moving beyond familiar surroundings as one of the major challenges facing coaches.
On the debate over whether Nigeria should continue to rely on foreign coaches for its national teams, Adeleye expressed confidence in the ability of Nigerian coaches, particularly those working at the grassroots.
In her view, local coaches have a deeper understanding of the players, their backgrounds and the football culture within the country.
“I believe local coaches are better suited because they are constantly with the players. They understand their needs and also understand the Nigerian football DNA and culture better than someone coming from outside,” she said.
Adeleye also revealed how she responds to criticism and setbacks after matches. Rather than dwelling on defeat, she said she prefers to return home, analyse what went wrong, make the necessary corrections and begin preparations for the next challenge.
For upcoming female players and aspiring coaches, her message is centred on commitment and consistency.
“My advice is to be committed and consistent. Whatever you are doing, make sure you do it well,” she said.
Adeleye also disclosed her ambition to become one of the youngest female coaches in the country. Her involvement as a member of the Ogun State NFCA executive, she noted, has further strengthened her belief that there is a future for women in football coaching.
For Adeleye, the journey is still at its early stages, but with education, experience, consistency and the right opportunities, she believes more Nigerian women can rise through the coaching ranks and make their mark at the highest level.
