“Know Who You Are!” Mary Egunje Warns Young Female Athletes Against Pressure in Sport

Former Nigerian volleyball player Hon. Rabi Mary Egunje has urged young female athletes to understand their worth, remain focused, and resist pressures that could undermine their sporting careers.

Egunje said mentorship from retired sportswomen could help young athletes navigate challenges both on and off the field, including menstrual health, inappropriate conduct and the demands of competition.

Speaking with Sports247 on the second day of activities for the maiden AGM of the Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria (AFFAN), she explained that AFFAN was established to address the lack of support available to women after retirement and create a platform for experienced athletes to guide the next generation.

“Before now, there was nothing for women after sports. And we just thought coming together, it’d be able to help and mentor the young ones coming ahead,” she said.

According to Egunje, former athletes understand some of the challenges young sportswomen face because they have experienced them during their own careers. She said menstrual periods should not automatically prevent athletes from taking part in competitions, even when they fall on important tournament days.

“It doesn’t matter. You will still go to your tournaments, compete even when you are having it,” she said, stressing the need to counsel young athletes on issues affecting women in sports.

She also warned against sports harassment and the pressure some athletes may face from people in positions of influence. Egunje said young women should not believe that compromising themselves is the route to becoming champions.

“It’s not after going with your coach that makes you a champion. No, you must know who you are, and you must know what you want. And you must be prepared to train,” she said.

During her career, Egunje represented Nigeria at the All African Games and competed in NUGA, school competitions and National Sports Festivals for Edo State. She also took part in an international championship qualifier, although her team did not qualify for the main competition.

She maintained that the experiences and collective support of former athletes could help younger sportswomen make better decisions and build successful careers both within and beyond sports.

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