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Mercy Akide-Udoh clamours for more women in coaching
By: Monsurah Olatunji
Former Nigeria international Mercy Akide Udoh, has clamoured for more women’s coaches on the in the women’s game to train the next generation of global stars during the Gothia Cup in Sweden.
Akide-Udoh, who represented Nigeria at three Women’s World Cups, and the Olympic was speaking as assistant director of Steel United and the Virginia Beach team coach during the youth tournament in Gothenburg.
With her pool of experience, Mercy selected the CCL Soccer Club team at Gothia Cup after trials and the Nigeria legend, who has been coaching ever since laments lack of women on the sidelines.
According to her, being around the young players who have a passion for the game, which includes her daughter, is one favourite thing she loves about coaching.
“Making the transition from player to coach was really difficult, I’m not going to lie,” Akide said.
“There is not a lot of women coaching because when we’re done, we just want to have families. But because I have so much passion I want to stay in the game, I choose to give back to the young ladies.
“I love to see women excel, it is not every woman that is in my position or the position to come to this big event. I tell them about what I do when I’m down, how to get out of my own head. I give them a lot of wisdom.
“It is very exciting! I’m looking forward to watching the game. I will try to watch it on my phone somewhere, even if I’m on the pitch I’m going to try.
“I played in the World Cup and at the Olympics, but this is amazing! The opening ceremony wowed me, the only place that I have seen that is in the Olympics.”
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