A group of Nigerian female lawyers playing for Unity Bar Amazons Football Club, Abuja, has shared the inspiration that drew them into the world of football, revealing how the sport has become a platform for camaraderie, fitness, and a way of life for them while practicing the legal profession.
The Unity Bar Amazon Female Football Club emerged victorious at the just concluded football competition held at the sideline of the Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association.
This is the third consecutive year that the team would be crowned champion of the competition.
Speaking to THE WHISTLER after they were crowned champions at this year’s AGC held in Enugu, Enugu state, the professionals explained that their love for the game was fueled not just by an interest in sports, but also by a desire to create balance between their demanding careers and personal wellness.
One of the team members, Chigozie Mkparu, said football is not only a hobby for her but a form of lifestyle that has been incorporated into her existence.
She said, “Football isn’t just a chore, profession, or hobby to me. Football is a lifestyle. Like any other lifestyle, I have successfully incorporated it into my whole existence.
“I cannot specifically pinpoint the exact time or reason why I developed interest in football because unlike most households my dad wasn’t a fan of a particular club so naturally we don’t watch football matches in my home.
“I, however, found myself playing football in school during recess and most especially during inter house sports (that was my best school event).”
Chigozie said, growing up, aside from mandatory events like inter house sports, girls generally enjoyed other extracurricular activities involving less contact and sweat, but she resolved to play football with the boys as it was more fun.
“So I kept playing. I didn’t have older brothers or cousins, so I played mostly at school with friends. Fast forward to secondary school, I, still playing for fun, found out that I was good at it and was approached by my games master/ coach for a possibility of going pro.
“I loved the idea because why not? Making money while playing or doing something fun is everyone’s dream. Football is a disciplined sport. It teaches you how to multitask. Brain and Limbs working in sync as any hesitation can cost you and your team.
“Football also teaches synchronization with teammates, team bonding, ability to read unsaid thoughts, and anticipate moves. Footballers have a gift, they are analytical and creative, it’s what the job entails. Lawyers who are footballers make the best of both worlds.”
Another female lawyer, Ikoko Ezinwa-Amaka, who is a member of the team, told THE WHISLTER that she usually has an amazing time when she plays.
She stated that her best friend inspired her to start playing football, adding that she saw how passionate he was about it and decided to give it a trial”.
Asked who her Nigerian female footballer is, she said that michelle Alozie inspires her because of the beauty and how she plays.
She also said that her favourite female footballer is Trin , because she also delivers.
She emphasized that she loves football because it’s a great sport, as it boosts her confidence and strength as well.
“There’s a joy that comes with winning matches,” she added.
Another female lawyer, Emiene Loretta Idoga, who is a member of the team, stated that “If I wasn’t a lawyer, I would have been a footballer. Growing up, football was my greatest source of fun and passion”.
She said that the game gave her joy, discipline, and sense of belonging.
Loretta stated that the legal profession not only values intellect but also encourages sports and wellness.
She added, “That opened the door for me to join the female lawyers’ football team. Playing there has been more than just a pastime. It has created opportunities to socialize, meet like-minded colleagues, and build networks across different areas of law.”
She noted that on the field, “we are teammates, but off the field, those same connections have helped me explore new perspectives and deepen me practice as a lawyer.
“Football is not just a game; it is a bridge, between passion and profession, between competition and camaraderie”.
Also speaking to THE WHISTLER, one of the female lawyers, Sandra Uzondu, who is a team member, said she has always had passion for sports and that she loves engaging in sporting activities.
She stated, “As a lawyer, football doesn’t stop me from pursuing my career. I was not really inspired by anyone, I just grew up playing football.”
Sandra stated that her favourite female Nigerian footballers are Rashidat Ajibade, Desire Opara Anozie, and Esther Okoronkwo, adding that she loves the way they play football and their commitment to their team.
She added, “They are always very impactful and skilful players. Most important is that they know how to make use of the round leather.”
She added, “I derive joy whenever I play football, I tend to forget my problems I’m facing at the moment when I’m on the pitch.”
She emphasized that footballers are energetic, adding that they practice a healthy lifestyle due to regular training.
