Ayisat Yusuf’s Super Falcons return has brought a respected European-based coach into Nigeria’s national-team spotlight after years abroad.
Yusuf joins Augustine Eguavoen’s interim technical crew alongside Christopher Danjuma and goalkeeper trainer Olatunji Baruwa, giving Nigeria another former international with deep women’s football experience.
The former defender earned 68 Nigeria caps and represented the Super Falcons at four Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, three FIFA Women’s World Cups and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Her playing career also took her through clubs in Nigeria, Finland and Sweden before she retired in 2009.
Since leaving active football, Yusuf has steadily built a coaching reputation in Finland, where she developed players across grassroots, youth and women’s football.
She has coached FC Pohu, FC Gnistan, FC Viikingit and the Monaliiku women’s team, while Tikkurilan Palloseura appointed her to lead its T2014 and T2015 girls’ competitive teams.
Yusuf also holds a UEFA B coaching licence, strengthening the credentials behind her latest national-team appointment.
Her European journey has placed her around some of football’s biggest names and institutions, adding an international dimension to her experience.
During the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Yusuf met global football stars Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho, while she also recalled meeting basketball legend Kobe Bryant.
She has also appeared alongside former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and UEFA vice-president Laura McAllister, while her work with the UEFA FARE Network has expanded her involvement beyond coaching.
Yusuf has also created her own platform for developing female footballers through the SheFootball Initiative and Ayisat Yusuf Football Academy.
The programmes focus on skill development, confidence, leadership, inclusion and opportunities for girls, with the initiative reporting participation from more than 1,000 female footballers.
Her experience therefore extends beyond tactics into mentorship, player welfare and grassroots development.
Now, her biggest assignment is helping the Super Falcons recover their competitive edge and secure qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Nigeria will face Comoros in both Olympic qualifying legs at Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, on October 9 and 13.
Yusuf is expected to strengthen communication with players, contribute tactical ideas, identify weaknesses and help create a disciplined, confident squad.
Her understanding of Nigerian football and European coaching culture could prove valuable as the Falcons pursue Olympic qualification and begin rebuilding trust with supporters.If you want
