Akintoye Yemisi Eunice, a 400L final year student of the University of Lagos, has been badged as a official FIFA referee in a badging ceremony that took place on Thursday 4th of February, 2021 in Abuja.

Yemisi, born on the 25th of December, 1995 (25yrs), is a 400L student in the prestigious University of Lagos studying Human Kinetics and Health Education for her first degree. She also holds a diploma in Human Kinetics and Health Education which she achieved in 2018.

Speaking to Glitzsport.com Yemisi expressed her joy at becoming a badged centre referee by the Federation of International Football Association and achieving such feat at her age.

Photo Credit: Vandrezzer Fc

“Let me start from appreciating God for his grace. Sincerely speaking, I didn’t see the badge coming because I have lots of seniors ahead of me. But then hard work, performance alongside God’s Favour doesn’t fail,’ she said.

“Getting the badge at young age is a very big encouragement for me to do more matches and go far in the career before retirement,” she added.

Yemisi was  among the Women referees invited across in Nigeria to take part in the FIFA Listing exercise involving Medical and Physical Fitness Tests, at the National Stadium, in November last year and she clearly passed.

When quizzed about the journey to where she currently is and how difficult or easy it has been, combining her education with being a professional referee, she spoke about determination and sacrifice being key to achieving success.

“It is not an easy task but when you’re determined, dedicated and discipline your self to achieve a goal, nothing is impossible. Sometimes I skip classes to honor my matches and sometimes I skip matches to attend my classes. Balancing both is my number one priority. I need to be educated yet I want to be a good referee,” said the newly badged referee who already swung into action after being on reserve referee duties in the Nigeria Professional Football League game between giants Enyimba and Plateau United in Aba.

Photo Credit: Vandrezzer Fc

She obtained her Grade One certificate in 2018 and has since officiated in Nigerian Women League as well as the Nationwide League. Yemisi was also in charge of the Lagos State FA Women Cup final and was part of the 2020 FIFA MA Course even as she emerged the Best Referee in the Ikorodu Society of the Lagos State Council in 2019.

Also worthy of note is that the 25yr old is also a Physical Education teacher as well as a skilled photographer, videographer and photo editor.