For so long in history, societal norms dictated what women could do, especially in sports. Many believe sports are only meant for men because it requires physicality and emotionality.
However, these genders are challenging the status quo by finding their footing in all aspects of sports.
From playing football, rugby, and basketball to also becoming the coaches of their respective teams, they are setting the standard and showing the weight the women carry.
So in this article, Sporting Tribune writes about 10 of these iconic women who are into coaching.
Florence Omagbemi
A legendary former captain and coach of the Super Falcons. She holds the rare distinction of being the first African woman to win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as both a player and a head coach (2016).
Ngozi Eucharia Uche
A pioneer in the field, she was the first female head coach of the Super Falcons to lead them to a WAFCON title (2010). She currently serves as a FIFA and CAF instructor, mentoring the next generation.
Perpetua Nkwocha
A four-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Nkwocha has transitioned into coaching in Sweden and has frequently been involved in the Super Falcons’ technical setup as an assistant.
Ann Chiejine
The former star goalkeeper has become one of Nigeria’s most respected assistant coaches. She has served in the technical crews of the Super Falcons, the U-17 (Flamingos), and the U-20 (Falconets).
Mercy Akide-Udoh
Based primarily in the United States, the former “Marvelous Mercy” is a highly respected youth coach and has been a vocal advocate for the development of female coaches within the Nigerian national system.
Joy Etim
A veteran of the Nigerian coaching scene, Etim has a long history of managing domestic clubs and has served on various national assignments for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Grace Towobola
A rising star in the coaching world, Towobola founded the Women Football Development Initiative (WFDI) and was selected for the IOC Young Leaders Programme to empower women to pursue coaching careers.
Rena Wakama
Made history in 2023 as the first female head coach to lead the D’Tigress to an AfroBasket title. She is widely credited with modernising the team’s tactical approach and bringing home their fourth consecutive continental crown.
Mfon Udoka
A former professional and WNBA player, Udoka has served as an assistant coach for the D’Tigress, bringing her extensive international playing experience to the national team’s technical bench.
Blessing Funmilayo Aladeyelu
While a captain during the 2025/26 cycle for the Green Falcons (Rugby League), Aladeyelu is a prominent figure in the “player-coach” transition, leading training tours and youth development programs to establish a coaching pipeline for women’s rugby in Nigeria.
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