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UNSCRIPTED: Damilola Ogunbote Takes Girl Child Empowerment From UK, China, USA To Surulere

Published

3 months ago

March 7, 2026

A Nigerian woman who was born in Lagos but grew up in London and studied to be a lawyer in the United Kingdom, Damilola Ogunbote was recently in Surulere, Lagos to organize an empowerment project for students of junior secondary schools in the area.

The dates were Tuesday, February 24th and Wednesday, February 25th, 2026; with Union Bank’s The Stable Sports Complex, along Bode Thomas Road, Surulere as venue for the two-day programme tagged Goals For Girls Leadership Summit.

It was the first of its kind programme to be staged within the Surulere axis and Lagos State as a whole, with 300 female students from 10 different schools shared equally across both days that involved leadership training and football drills.

Sports247 was present LIVE on both days and got an exclusive interview with the convener, Damilola Ogunbote, who disclosed that she brought the programme to Nigeria in her position as the executive director of a USA-based female gender development initiative known as ‘Goals For Girls.’

Subsequent checks online revealed that Ogunbote is not only a lawyer, she is also a trained and certified football coach who has worked for top clubs in England (first with Arsenal) and China.

She is also an administrator, whose line of experience includes serving as head of women football at Burnley FC of England, which meant Surulere was privileged to have a highly esteemed personality on ground for those two days in February.

Sports247 now presents a paraphrased package of an interview Lola Ogunbote (no relation of veteran indigenous coach, Gbenga Ogunbote) had eight years ago with an online newspaper during her days in China…

Q: What was your experience like during your time in China?

A: I helped establish and sometimes travel to different parts of the country to play competitively. In my spare time, I run the website www.chinesesuperleague.com. Previously, I was a full time coach for China Club Football and Arsenal FC within its community department.

Q: What are your qualifications in football coaching and management?

A: I have my FA Level 2 in Coaching and aim to begin my UEFA B in a few years’ time. I also possess an undergraduate and post-graduate in Law and I am a qualified barrister in the U.K.

Q: How did you get into coaching?

A: My passion has always been football orientated. However, I didn’t always have the support I felt I needed at a young age. I was strongly encouraged to pursue my academics and ended up studying Law, but continued playing football during my leisure time.

Eventually, having practised law for over eight years, I figured life was too short not to pursue my dreams. I found the courage to quit my job and researched coaching pathways. The week I quit, I saw a job ad for a coaching programme with Arsenal Football Club, and I knew it was meant to be.

I was interviewed, got the job and was taught how to coach the basics in football. After a year I worked for Arsenal and travelled to Australia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique coaching on the club’s behalf.

I received a coaching award after my time with Arsenal which was presented to me by the players (and as an Arsenal Fan this was a dream come true) I definitely made the right decision and haven’t looked back since.

Q: What is your training focus with your current teams?

A: Football as a school sport is relatively new in China and so focusing on the fundamentals and basic skills are essential. Dribbling, shooting, passing and maintaining a formation throughout the game is essential.

More recently, I have introduced several possession SSGs to help create more of a team dynamic to prevent the more dominant players excluding others. China as a whole is very academic focused/driven.

Which means that sports sometimes take a back seat. Therefore, one of the most important things I focus on is ensuring that my players have fun and enjoy the sessions.

Q: What’s been the best thing for your personal development?

A: Learning and observing from others. I’m fortunate that I have excellent mentors around, who are willing to share experiences, answer questions and engage in debates on the game and various coaching styles and methods. It has been crucial to my development and has impacted my own journey in becoming a coach

Q: Any challenges?

A: Working within a predominately male environment (as a female) can be challenging. Fortunately, I encountered the same as a Lawyer and this was good practice for my career path now.

I quickly learned how to navigate around certain issues and grow thick skin. The game is constantly changing and I’m pleased to see more women pursuing Football in general and coaching pathways.

I think there is more onus to prove yourself as a woman in Football and some individuals still believe there is no place for a woman in the Men’s (or indeed women’s) game.

I have always been an advocate for empowering women in the workplace (irrespective of the career) and so where possible, I try and encourage more females to participate in Football.

I volunteered for an American organization called Goals For Girls. Its mission is to use Football as a tool to teach young women (from often disadvantaged backgrounds) life skills on how to be agents of change in their local communities.

Q: Has anything developed you more than if you were working in UK?

A: As a qualified coach, my view is that had I remained in the U.K. It would have taken me much longer to secure a position as “Head of Soccer” within a School or Academy.

There is validity in the argument that the duration of coaching, makes you more able to perform at a higher level.

However, I also feel that sometimes it’s not just the quantity (amount of years). It’s rather the quality (actual hours of coaching, match experience, coaching style/philosophy and so on) that adds to your overall coaching ability.

Q: Has your development as a coach been hindered by not being in the UK?

A: The only hindrance is not being able to use any of my coaching experience here in China towards my FA licences back home.

Q: Do you feel you need to move abroad to coach, to work in football?

A: I think it depends on your overall objective as a coach. I think it helps broaden perspective and observing different coaching “cultures” around the world is a cool experience. However, I do not think it is absolutely crucial. I love travelling and Football and so I really do feel like I have the dream job.

Q: How do you feel British coaches abroad are perceived?

A: I think British Coaches are perceived positively abroad. That doesn’t mean we know it all, but we have established a good global reputation.

Several coaches want to complete their badges in the U.K. which is an indication of how well we are regarded. I do think we can learn a lot from other FIFA/UEFA governing bodies around the world.

Q: What’s next for you?

A: My dream (other than the one I’m living now) is to create my own Football Academy for girls in West Africa. The aim would be to attract the best talent and offer education in addition to a football pathway.

That would allow players to apply for scholarships in the U.K or U.S.A. Short term though, I’d like to secure a Female Football Development role either at home in London or abroad.

Q: Where do you get your inspiration from?

A: Mostly I get my inspiration from early female pioneers of the game. I grew up with a Mia Hamm poster on my wall (she is an all-time American great). I met and had a training session with Rachel Yankee in London another fantastic female player and coach in the U.K.

It may sound weird, but I never miss MOTD (Match of the Day). I love the post-match analysis and commentary. I also read a lot of football auto/biographies.

Non-football related wise I’m inspired by Nelson Mandela and was fortunate to visit the home he grew up in during my time coaching in Johannesburg South Africa.

Q: Thanks for speaking with us…

A: Your are welcome.

*Culled from original content provided by Britishfootballcoaches – also known as British Football Coaches Network and BFCN, part of Azteca Football LTD.

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1xBet Nigeria’s Nnanna Chigozie Ewuzie Calls for Better Player Education at Responsible Gaming Symposium

Published

6 minutes ago

June 13, 2026

Bryce Mullins

Nnanna Chigozie Ewuzie, Compliance Manager at 1xBet Nigeria, took part in the Responsible Gaming Symposium, where he focused on one of the biggest challenges for safer gambling in Africa: players need to understand protection tools before they can use them effectively.

At the Symposium, Nnanna presented 1xBet’s view on player education as a core part of responsible gambling. His remarks were built around insights from 1xBet’s research – Independently Commissioned Player Protection Index, which shows that in many African markets betting is still often seen not only as entertainment, but as a possible source of income.

Education before warnings

Nnanna stressed that responsible gambling tools remain important, but they are not enough on their own. Deposit limits, self-exclusion and time-outs can only work when players understand why these tools exist and how they can help.

“If we want safer play, we must teach, not only warn the players. A tool only works when a player understands it. A limit means nothing if a player does not know why it helps,” Nnanna said.

This was the central idea of his contribution: education turns responsible gambling from formal messaging into a practical choice. When players understand the risks, odds, limits and available protection tools, they are more likely to stay in control.

“Education turns a warning into a choice. It helps a player move from betting for hope to betting with control,” he added.

What the data shows

The Player Protection Index research by 1xBet also points to a wider shift in the industry. According to the findings referenced by 1xBet, 69% of operators now agree that a safer player is more profitable over time. This suggests that player protection is increasingly being seen not only as a regulatory requirement, but as part of long-term business sustainability.

The research also shows that 84% of respondents believe player education is the foundation of safer gambling. At the same time, Simon Westbury, Strategic Advisor to 1xBet, has highlighted that only a small share of operators strongly believe players fully understand what “Positive Play” means.

For Simon, this shows a clear gap between the tools available and the way players understand them.

“Player education was the foundation of safer gambling. Positive play is when the player is educated and informed of their decisions,” Simon said.

He also connected safer gambling with long-term trust between operators and players.

“If you can retain a player and give a player a safe, fun environment to gamble, then they are going to stay with you longer,” he said.

Africa needs local and practical solutions

The discussion also reflected the specific realities of African markets. Regulation, payment habits, languages, digital access and retail betting culture differ across countries. This means safer gambling standards cannot simply be copied from other regions.

The Player Protection Index by 1xBet points to a 56% / 44% split in views on how consistent player protection standards are across markets. For Nnanna, this reinforces the need for a common base that can be adapted locally.

That base should be simple: set limits, understand odds, take breaks and ask for help when needed. Each market can then adapt the language, examples and delivery channels to its own context.

In markets where many players rely on cash or in-person betting, education may need to come through voice, video, visual formats, local languages and shop staff, not only through long text or formal disclaimers.

“Simple words and pictures travel further than long text,” Nnanna noted.

From compliance to real understanding

Both Nnanna and Simon pointed to the same conclusion: safer gambling in Africa must move beyond small print and generic warnings.

The industry still faces real barriers. Simon has noted that 49% of respondents see commercial considerations as a blocker to player protection, while 67% of players are apathetic towards safer gambling and player protection tools. This is why education matters: many players do not use protection tools because they do not see how those tools apply to them.

For Nnanna, operators and regulators need to agree on what good player education looks like. He pointed to three practical steps: a shared standard for education, room to test what works and honest data-sharing.

“We cannot build trust if we only show the good numbers,” Nnanna said.

For Simon, collaboration is also essential. The research shows that 96% of respondents believe safe gambling is only possible through cooperation between operators and regulators. This cooperation should help turn player protection from a compliance requirement into something players can understand and use.

1xBalance and the next step

1xBet’s responsible gambling work also includes 1xBalance, a dedicated project and website focused on education, self-checking and helping players better understand their betting behaviour.

Through the 1xBalance website, players can access simple educational materials, take a self-assessment test and use a budget calculator to better understand their spending habits. The idea is to make player protection softer, clearer and less intrusive.

Instead of treating responsible gambling as a clinical or distant topic, 1xBalance presents it as something practical: a way for players to check themselves, understand their behaviour and make more informed decisions.

This reflects the main message of the Responsible Gaming Symposium: safer gambling will depend on education, cooperation and tools that players can actually understand.

For 1xBet Nigeria, Nnanna Chigozie Ewuzie’s participation showed that responsible gambling in Africa is not only a regulatory issue. It is also a communication challenge, an education challenge and a trust challenge.

The next step is clear: teach better, explain earlier and help players turn protection tools into real choices.

The post 1xBet Nigeria’s Nnanna Chigozie Ewuzie Calls for Better Player Education at Responsible Gaming Symposium first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.

The post 1xBet Nigeria’s Nnanna Chigozie Ewuzie Calls for Better Player Education at Responsible Gaming Symposium appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

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Atlanta 96 Hero Dosu Joseph Shares His Sincere Take on Ex Internationals Cup

Published

6 minutes ago

June 13, 2026

Elliot Michael

Joseph Dosu has described the Ex Internationals Cup competition as an important reunion platform for former Nigerian internationals.

The 1996 Olympic football gold medalists, Dosu Joseph added that it is also creating opportunities for younger players to show their talent.

The former Super Eagles goalkeeper spoke on Friday after FC Dosu’s elimination from the competition following a 3-2 aggregate defeat to FC Babington in the Round of 32 at the Rehab center Isheri football field.

FC Dosu played out a 1-1 draw in the second leg at the Rehabilitation Centre Field in Isheri, but FC Babington progressed after securing 2-1 victory in the first leg at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Reacting after the match, the former Nigerian international expressed appreciation to the organisers, particularly the Bet9ja Foundation and the competition’s leadership, for sustaining a platform that reconnects ex-footballers.

“We have to thank the organisers, Bet9ja Foundation and the honourable chairman for creating a very good platform for ex-internationals and also the young ones,” Dosu told Sports 247.

“We knew it was going to be difficult, but we gave everything we had. Unfortunately, we could not get the result we wanted. It would have been better if we progressed to the next round, but congratulations to the winners.”

Dosu also highlighted the emotional value of the tournament, noting that it has reunited many former players who have not seen each other in years.

“Yes, it is a reunion platform. I have seen some people I have not seen for ages,” he said.
“Seeing everybody together again at both the first leg at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena and here today goes a long way for us. It is a very good platform and we are enjoying it.”

FC Babington advanced to the Round of 16 after surviving a late FC Dosu comeback in a fiercely contested second-leg encounter.

Peter Emmanuel gave FC Babington an early lead before Ayatu Akindele converted a stoppage-time penalty to earn FC Dosu a 1-1 draw on the day, although it was not enough to overturn the aggregate deficit.

Goalkeeper Alabi Sulaiman produced several crucial saves during the encounter to help FC Babington secure qualification to the next round of the Lagos Ex-Internationals Cup.

The post Atlanta 96 Hero Dosu Joseph Shares His Sincere Take on Ex Internationals Cup first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.

The post Atlanta 96 Hero Dosu Joseph Shares His Sincere Take on Ex Internationals Cup appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

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Chekas United Write Lagos FA, NLO After Playoff Defeat to Hephzibah SC

Published

6 minutes ago

June 13, 2026

Logan Mclaughlin

Chekas United Football Club have officially written to the Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) and the Lagos State Football Association following their narrow 1-0 defeat to Hephzibah SC in the Alade Stadium Winners’ Playoff.

Hephzibah SC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chekas United on Thursday to qualify from the Alade Stadium playoff series in Lagos.

In a letter signed by the club’s chairman, Engr. Chekwube E. Uzoegbo, Chekas United expressed appreciation to the NLO, Lagos FA, match officials, participating clubs, and stakeholders for what they described as a successful 2025/2026 campaign.

The club acknowledged their disappointment at falling short in the playoff clash but stated that they were proud of their performance throughout the competition.

“Although our journey ended with a narrow defeat to Hephzibah SC in today’s playoff match, we remain grateful for the opportunity to compete and showcase our footballing philosophy on such a respected platform,” the statement read.

Chekas United also commended the organisers for maintaining professionalism and creating opportunities for young football talents to develop and excel.

The club praised match officials for their professionalism and commitment, noting that their efforts contributed to the smooth conduct of matches during the season.

Chekas further congratulated Hephzibah SC on their victory and wished the team success in the next stage of the competition.

“While we are disappointed not to have progressed beyond the playoffs, we leave with our heads held high, knowing that we gave our best and represented our club with pride,” the letter added.

The Apapa-based side concluded by reaffirming their commitment to football development and vowed to return stronger in future competitions.

The post Chekas United Write Lagos FA, NLO After Playoff Defeat to Hephzibah SC first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.

The post Chekas United Write Lagos FA, NLO After Playoff Defeat to Hephzibah SC appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.