Gbemisola Yusuf: Nigerian’s path from water vendor to Caf referee

For Yusuf, the Agege Stadium in Lagos is more than just a place, it represents the foundation of her career.

Though she no longer sells drinks at the stadium because of her academic commitments at the University of Lagos, where she is studying human kinetics and education, her memories are deeply ingrained.

“Everything about my life is the Agege Stadium,” she said.

“That’s where I got the confidence to even join the referees, and the surroundings have helped me a lot.”

Her participation in this year’s Caf African Schools Football Championship, where she officiated matches in both regional qualifiers and the finals in Tanzania, was a significant milestone in her career.

“It was a dream come true. The experience was amazing,” she added.

“Moving from one country to another, interacting with different referees, and trying to learn new languages was really good for me.”

Fluency in multiple languages enhances a referee’s authority on the field. For referees who want to reach the top, such as the Fifa World Cup or the Olympic Games, speaking multiple languages is often essential.

“It was valuable because I never thought I would meet some of the people I did,” she said.

The championship not only provided Yusuf with international exposure but also allowed her to connect with the likes of Zambia’s Janny Sikazwe, who has officiated at the World Cup.

Meanwhile, the guidance, support and encouragement of mentors like Dele Atoun have helped Yusuf navigate the challenges of her chosen profession.

“I’m proud of her achievements,” Atoun said with a smile.

“Her story is one of resilience and determination.”