TRAILBLAZING STUDENT-ATHLETE: A CONVERSATION WITH OLASUBOMI OGUNDELE; FISU Student Ambassador & Remo Stars Ladies Player
Meet Olasubomi Ogundele a rising star in Nigerian sports. Shes a student-athlete at the University of Lagos, a FISU Student Ambassador, and now a newly signed Remo Stars Ladies footballer. Beyond her sporting achievements, she also runs a shoe-making business, proving that young women in sports can excel on and off the field. In this exclusive interview with NUGA Media Rep and Communications Strategist, Ogechi Stella Mmeka, Subomi shares her journey, challenges, and dreams, inspiring the next generation of student-athletes to aim high.
EARLY DAYS & FOOTBALL JOURNEY: How did your journey into sports begin? I started playing football in secondary school when I joined the schools team. At first, it was just for fun, but as I participated in tournaments and won awards, I realized how much I loved the game. Playing for the University of Lagos was a major turning point for me because it exposed me to a higher level of competition, discipline, and teamwork.
INSPIRATION & PURSUING A CAREER IN FOOTBALL: What inspired you to pursue football seriously? Football has always been more than just a game for me its my passion. Watching other female footballers break barriers and achieve great things made me believe I could do the same. Thats what keeps me going.
BALANCING SCHOOL, FOOTBALL & SHOE-MAKING: How do you manage being a student, athlete, and entrepreneur at the same time? Its definitely not easy, but Ive learned to manage my time wisely. I have a structured routine that allows me to balance my training, lectures, and business. It gets overwhelming sometimes, but having a strong support system helps me stay on track.
SUPPORT SYSTEM & ROLE MODELS: Who are your biggest supporters and role models? My biggest supporters are my mother and siblings theyve always believed in me. I also have amazing coaches, teammates, and friends who push me to be better. As for role models, I look up to female footballers who have paved the way for the younger generation.
NEW TITLES & ACHIEVEMENTS: What do these new roles: FISU Student Ambassador and Remo Stars Ladies player mean to you? Being a FISU Student Ambassador is a huge responsibility and an opportunity to advocate for student-athletes like myself. Signing with Remo Stars Ladies is another milestone that means the world to me. Its proof that hard work pays off, and it motivates me to keep pushing for greater things.
CHALLENGES & OVERCOMING OBSTACLES: What challenges have you faced in your football career, and how did you overcome them? There have been so many challenges injuries, balancing academics with training, and the lack of recognition for womens football. But Ive learned to stay persistent, work hard, and keep a strong mindset. My faith and determination keep me going, no matter what.
REPRESENTING UNILAG & IMPACT ON PERSONAL GROWTH: How has representing UNILAG in various competitions shaped you as an athlete? Playing for UNILAG has given me so much exposure and confidence. Competitions like NUGA and FASU have helped me grow, both mentally and physically. Recently, I was made captain in a tournament, and that experience really helped me develop my leadership skills.
ADVICE FOR OTHER FEMALE ATHLETES: What advice do you have for young female athletes who want to pursue sports? My advice is simple believe in yourself and dont give up. There will be challenges, but consistency is key. Surround yourself with the right people, stay focused, and never let anyone tell you that you cant achieve your dreams.
SUPPORT FOR WOMEN IN SPORTS: What changes would you like to see in the sports industry to support women? I would love to see more investment in womens sports better funding, media coverage, and equal opportunities. We also need more female coaches and administrators who can mentor and guide young women in sports. Representation matters, and it can inspire the next generation.
GOALS WITH REMO STARS & FUTURE PLANS: What are your goals with Remo Stars Ladies, and what do you hope to achieve in the future? With Remo Stars Ladies, I want to make an impact whether its scoring goals, making assists, or improving my overall game. My long-term goal is to keep growing and making a name for myself in Nigerian football and beyond.
This insightful conversation with Olasubomi Ogundele showcases her resilience, ambition, and passion for football, academics, and entrepreneurship. Her journey is a testament to the power of time management, a strong support system, and unwavering belief in ones dreams. We hope her story inspires current and aspiring student-athletes to aim higher, work harder, and keep pushing boundaries both on and off the field.