Fast-growing female referee, Yemisi Eunice Akintoye, has shot her thoughts back in time to recall how she transformed into an arbiter after initially trying out as an active footballer, Sports247 reports.

Akintoye, who recently hit international limelight as the centre referee for this year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) semi-final clash between Algeria and Malawi, revealed that it all began for her as a student at the National Institute for Sports (NIS).

The amiable ref made this revelation while speaking during the ‘Hot Seat’ segment of Sports247’s television programme, ‘Inside Naija Sports,’ which streams online via YouTube and airs every Saturday at 12 pm on NTA News 24.

READ ALSO: Yemisi Akintoye Opens Up on Her WAFCON Breakthrough | Sports247 Nigeria

She started by thanking everyone who gave her a resounding reception at the airport on the day she returned from Morocco, where she was a centre referee in two WAFCON 2026 matches as well as fourth official in three.

Akintoye gleefully retorted, “I would like to use this opportunity to give kudos to my very close friend and FIFA ref, Hope Igho. He was the one who organised a very big welcome back home reception for me.

“I was not expecting anything like that, and it was a very pleasant surprise for me. Although he earlier called me and said he would be at the airport to pick me up, he never told me he would be there with a crowd.

“So, I really appreciate him for that, and I told him so immediately I saw them. In fact, it was a very warm welcome, which I don’t think has ever happened like that in Nigeria. So, I appreciate his effort very well.”

The graduate of Human Kinetics from the University of Lagos and founder of Female Young Girls Bootcamp (FYGB) project then went back in time with details of her advent into refereeing, because it was a course she had to pass at the NIS.

“It all began when I was a student at NIS, before I went to the University of Lagos. I was actually initially a footballer, and I even played in the Nigerian Women’s Football League, NWFL.

“I started with Taiwo FC, then went to Jagunmolu Babes and later Little Queens in Ibadan. I then went to NIS because my dad is someone who likes education, and he encouraged me to study.

“He insisted that I should return to school, and I felt I could train to be a coach, because I wanted to remain in the game. As it would happen, during my NIS days, there was a course called officiating.

“I knew about playing football, but I did not know anything about officiating. It was a four or six-unit course, and I just had to pass it before I could graduate.

“I was shocked when I went online to check the laws of the game and saw over 200 rules of football. This surprised me, and I felt it was too much for me. I felt that I needed a referee who would explain the laws to me.

“I eventually went to the office of the Lagos State Referees Council, where I met the secretary, Mr Sonibare. I told him I needed someone to help me with the laws of the game because I wanted to make Grade A in the course.

“He was the one who suggested that I should become a referee so that I could understand more about officiating. I was initially reluctant, but I later joined them, mostly because I wanted to pass the exam,” Akintoye admitted.

The FIFA-badge referee, who is also the CEO of Mitsy Photography Studio, concluded by revealing the difficulties she went through in the early days of her switch from playing football and seeking a career in coaching, especially as she had to combine three busy ventures at the same time.

“I eventually got the A Grade that I wanted in the course, but I also realised that I really enjoyed the period that I spent with them. I found it very interesting and I decided to continue with them.

“After graduating from NIS, I went into active refereeing, but I soon found out that it’s a long process for you to advance in it. It was really tough for me while I was still a student at UNILAG.

“I was also working at that time. I did not want to drop my job at Grange in Ikoyi, but it was not easy at all. I had three big things that I was working hard to combine and shuffle, but I kept going – and see where God has brought me up to,” Akintoye enthused.

The post Yemisi Akintoye Goes Back In Time: How I Switched From Playing Football To Become A Referee appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

The 2026 NWFL Nationwide Competition got off to a spectacular start in Aba, Abia State, with four opening-day fixtures producing 24 goals as the participating clubs began their quest for promotion to the 2027 NWFL Championship.

Sports247 reports that there were no draws across the four groups, with every opening-day fixture producing a winner.

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The biggest result came in Group B, where hosts C2E Sports Academy delivered a stunning attacking display to thrash Bayelsa Princesses FC 10-1.

C2E raced into an early lead through Ohuche Agnes in the second minute before Nwaboghogu Oluchi scored twice in the 28th and 30th minutes. Temple Glory added another before half-time, with C2E continuing their dominance after the break.

Ohuche completed a remarkable individual performance with further goals in the 48th, 52nd and 62nd minutes, while Ngozi Miracle and Ogu Stella, who scored twice, completed the ten-goal rout. Amameniye Naomi scored a consolation for Bayelsa Princesses in the 81st minute.

In Group A, Solo Wonders Babes FC secured a 2-1 victory over Spunky Blazers FA, with Ndiribe Chinenye scoring twice inside the opening 18 minutes. Spunky Blazers responded through Enabulele Mercy in the 54th minute but could not find an equaliser.

Onimarg FC also started their Group C campaign with a 3-1 victory over NAF Queens. Yusuf Islamiat struck twice in the opening 22 minutes before Ogunlari Adewunmi added a late third. NAF Queens’ only goal came through an own goal by Olufisayo Daleborah.

The most dramatic contest came in Group D, where Obosa Queens edged Plateau United Queens 3-2.

Obosa built a three-goal advantage through Nnachi Chinemerem, Oprah Emmanuel and Aliu Rofia, before Plateau United Queens mounted a late comeback through Okoloko Juliet, who scored twice. Obosa’s Oliwo Towin was sent off in the 86th minute after receiving a second yellow card.

With 24 goals from four matches, the NWFL Nationwide has delivered an explosive opening day.

The promotion race is officially underway, and if Matchday 1 is anything to go by, Aba could be set for a thrilling competition.

The post NWFL Nationwide: C2E Fire 10 Past Bayelsa as Aba Opening Day Produces 24 Goals appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Young attacking talent Ekeh Smart announced himself in style at the ongoing Femmco Football Championship 2026, scoring twice to inspire Sharp Striker FA to an impressive 4-1 victory over Radiance FA in their opening U-15 encounter at the NUD Playing Ground, Olose, Ifo, Ogun State.

READ ALSO: “I Dream of Playing for Nigeria Like Osimhen” — Femmco U-10 Star Tella Boluwatife

Smart was at the heart of Sharp Striker’s attacking display, producing a clinical brace to help his side begin their campaign on a winning note. His goals came at crucial moments as Sharp Striker overcame a competitive first half before taking control of the encounter.

Speaking exclusively with Sports247 after the match, Smart expressed his excitement at the victory while revealing his determination to continue contributing to the team’s success.

“I feel so excited and determined to win more games,” Smart said.

Despite Sharp Striker facing difficulties during the opening half, the young forward revealed that he never doubted his team’s ability to secure victory. According to Smart, his confidence remained intact from the moment the match kicked off.

“Despite struggling in the first half, I had the mindset that we were going to win from kickoff,” he explained.

His belief was eventually rewarded as Sharp Striker found their rhythm and produced a convincing second-half performance to complete the 4-1 victory.

Smart was also quick to acknowledge the source of his football ability, describing his skills as a gift from God while recognising the importance of continued learning and development.

“My skills are God-given,” he stated.

The young footballer draws inspiration from one of the most decorated players in modern football, Cristiano Ronaldo, whose career and mentality have made a strong impression on him.

Following his brace, Smart revealed that he regularly watches videos of the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward as he seeks to learn from the Portuguese superstar’s movement, finishing and approach to the game.

Beyond his individual ambitions, however, Smart has set his sights on representing Nigeria.

“A moment of greatness would come when I represent the nation,” he declared.

The Sharp Striker youngster understands that reaching that level requires patience, discipline and continuous improvement.

His message was simple but ambitious: “The sky is the limit. I am learning better and I will keep learning.”

With a brace already under his belt, Smart has made an early statement at the Femmco U-15 Championship.

The challenge now is to maintain his form, continue learning and help Sharp Striker FA push deeper into the competition.

The post “Ronaldo Inspires Me” — Ekeh Smart Fires Sharp Striker to U-15 Victory with Stunning Brace appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.