Ex-Super Falcons Star Appointed Head Coach At European Club

Ex-Super Falcons Star Appointed Head Coach At European Club 

By Niyi Busari 

Former Super Falcons defender Ayisat Yusuf has been appointed Head Coach of Tikkurilan Palloseura (TIPS FC) in Finland, where she will oversee the club’s T2014 and T2015 girls’ competitive teams, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The ex-Nigerian international, who holds a UEFA B coaching license, expressed her excitement at the new challenge, describing it as “an honour to serve and guide a talented, motivated team.”

 “I’m delighted to share that I have been appointed Head Coach of the T14/T15 Girls Competitive League at TIPS FC,” Yusuf said. “It’s a true honour to lead such a talented and motivated group of young players, supported by an excellent coaching staff. Together, we aim to foster growth, teamwork, and excellence both on and off the pitch.”

A Distinguished Career On and Off the Field

Yusuf earned 68 international caps for Nigeria, representing the Super Falcons at the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and two FIFA U-19 Women’s World Cups (2002 and 2004). She also won three gold medals across the African Women’s Championship and the All-Africa Games.

Beyond her achievements on the pitch, Yusuf has become a prominent advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment in sports. In 2018, she founded the SheFootball Initiative, a platform designed to support and inspire female footballers across Africa. In 2024, she launched the Ayisat Yusuf Football Academy in Lagos, Nigeria, further expanding her commitment to youth development.

A long-time member of the UEFA FARE Network (Football Against Racism in Europe), Yusuf was recognised with the FIFPRO Merit Award in 2022, becoming the first African woman to receive the honour for her efforts in promoting women and girls’ participation in football.

In 2025, she was also selected to coach at the FIFA Summer Camp Tournament in Zurich, representing GirlPower Afghans United among an international group of youth coaches.

Club Backs Yusuf’s Appointment

In an official statement, TIPS FC praised Yusuf’s appointment, highlighting her wealth of experience and passion for player development.

 “We’re proud to have Ayisat Yusuf in our ranks,” the club said. “Her expertise, leadership, and dedication to youth football will be instrumental in the continued growth of our girls’ teams.”