‘Grassroots coaches better understand the DNA of Nigerian football’ – Adeleye Olamiposi

Coach Adeleye Oluwatosin Olamiposi, State Welfare Secretary of the Nigerian Football Coaches Association (NFCA) in Ogun State and Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Coach, spoke about her coaching journey, the challenges faced by female coaches and her belief in the potential of indigenous coaches to lead the Nigerian national teams.

In an exclusive interview with Sports247, Adeleye revealed that her journey as a football coach was heavily influenced by her father, Coach Olaseinde Bankole “Zico” as he is fondly called, former President 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 to coaching meetings.

“My father, Coach Zico, as he is affectionately called, is involved in football and is a former president of the Ogun State Football Coaches Association. Since I was a child, he always took me to coaches’ meetings so that I could learn about the coaching profession,” she told Sports247.

She explained that her father also placed a lot of emphasis on education, encouraging her to develop academically while pursuing her passion for soccer.

“He believes that education is as important as sport. I have a degree and also a coach,” she added.

Adeleye said she has ambitions to reach 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 admire 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 coach, particularly given her previous experience as a footballer.

“I really enjoy being a coach, especially because I have also gone through the experience of being a soccer player,” she explained.

He identified adapting to new environments and moving beyond familiar environments as one of the main challenges coaches face.

On the debate over whether Nigeria should continue to rely on foreign coaches for its national teams, Adeleye expressed confidence in the capabilities of Nigerian coaches, particularly those working at the grassroots.

In his opinion, local coaches have a deeper knowledge of the players, their origins and the country’s football culture.

“I think local coaches are more suitable because they are constantly with the players. They understand their needs and they also understand the DNA and culture of Nigerian football better than someone who comes from outside,” he said.

Adeleye also revealed how she responds to criticism and setbacks after matches. Instead of dwelling on the defeat, he said he prefers to return home, analyze what went wrong, make the necessary corrections and begin preparations for the next challenge.

For future players and aspiring coaches, her message focuses on commitment and consistency.

“My advice is to be committed and consistent. Whatever you do, make sure you do it well,” he said.

Adeleye also revealed her ambition to become one of the youngest female coaches in the country. She noted that her involvement as a member of the Ogun State NFCA executive has further strengthened her belief that there is a future for women in football coaching.

For Adeleye, the journey is still in 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.