EduGirls To Super Falcons

Obasanjo Fajemirokun, Nigeria

Obasanjo Fajemirokun is the Founder and Executive Director of Brace-Up The Young and runs Huracán FC EduGirls Nigeria, a football program dedicated to empowering young girls through sport and education. Based in Ota, Ogun State, the program offers training, mentorship, and academic support to help girls grow both on and off the field. Obasanjo’s work aims to break gender barriers in football and create more opportunities for girls in Nigeria.

The Huracan Foundation is an organisation which supports projects led by teachers from the Teach For All network who are working in underprivileged communities across the globe. Since 2013, 41 projects in 17 countries have impacted more than 3,000 children, helping improve children’s educational outcomes around the world through the power of football.

My name is Obasanjo Fajemirokun, a 31-year-old social entrepreneur residing in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. As the Founder and Executive Director of Brace-Up The Young, I am deeply involved with Huracán FC EduGirls Nigeria. I am the Project Lead, overseeing program design, football sessions, academic mentorship, community engagement, and partnerships.

Huracán FC EduGirls Nigeria is a flagship project of Brace-Up The Young Foundation, a social enterprise I co-founded to raise young leaders through education, mentorship, and sport.

While I occasionally play football with my community team EduGirls Nigeria FC, my primary interest lies in the managerial aspects of football. My future ambition is to own football clubs both within Nigeria and internationally.

My football journey began at the age of five and continued through my primary and secondary education at Mawo International School, Minna. Over the years, I progressed through various levels of play, participating in local leagues and scoring goals for my teams. Currently, I focus on football team management, driven by my fascination with how effective management can inspire team success.

What did you try to show with the photos? Was there any wider meaning with the photos?

The photos were taken on the school field, in the classroom, and during football training sessions. Girls from the EduGirls project are featured in the photos.

I want to show the world the resilience of girls and break the gender stereotypes in Africa that girls belong in the kitchen only. The group photos (of girls in black and white uniforms) were of our girls who successfully transitioned to secondary school from primary school through our project support. This shows that if girls are supported and mentored they will be able to fulfil their potential.

What is your favourite photo? Why?

My favorite photo was captured during a school event on St. Michael Primary School field in Ota, Ogun State. This image represents the culmination of a year’s effort by Huracán EduGirls FC. It features six girls who were previously in primary school and uncertain about their future educational prospects. Thanks to our project, these girls have successfully transitioned from primary to secondary school, with additional support for their education.

It is particularly significant because it illustrates a victory over the financial barriers and cultural biases that often prevent girls in Ota, Ogun State from continuing their education. In many cases, girls face the harsh reality of not advancing to secondary school due to financial constraints and traditional gender roles that prioritize boys' education. This photo serves as a powerful testament to breaking cultural biases and emphasizing that every girl deserves an education.

What role does Huracán FC EduGirls Nigeria play in your community?

Huracán FC EduGirls Nigeria plays a pivotal role in Ota, Ogun State, by providing a platform for girls to engage in football. It promotes physical health, teamwork, and discipline while challenging traditional gender barriers associated with football. By supporting educational and personal development, the program empowers girls to excel both on and off the field.

What impact has football and Huracán FC had on you?

Football and Huracán FC have significantly impacted me. Engaging with the project over the past year has reinforced my belief in the possibility of change. From recruiting girls who had never played football to training them for friendly matches and witnessing their aspirations to become future football stars, the experience has been transformative.

A highlight was visiting Argentina in October 2023 to watch a Huracán FC match, which inspired me to envision my girls playing in front of large crowds and fostering team spirit and leadership within our local school and residential community in Ota.

What does football mean to you? What ambitions do you have for the future?

Football embodies life for me, uniting people from diverse backgrounds to achieve common goals. It fosters passion, teamwork, and perseverance.

My future ambition is to establish an EduGirls Football Academy, training girls from low-income communities to become professional players for the Nigeria Super Falcons and inspiring the next generation of football players.

I also aspire to own a football club that serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment for girls, creating safe, inclusive, and impact-driven spaces where talent is nurtured and dreams are realised. My vision goes beyond the pitch; I want to build a movement that transforms lives through football.

I want to ensure every girl has the tools to succeed in sport and life. We will aim to build confident, purpose-driven young women who lead with courage and create ripple effects of opportunity in underserved neighbourhoods. For me, it is not just about owning a football club, it is about owning a future where every girl knows she belongs, leads boldly, and plays without limits.

What is the future for football in Nigeria? What would you like to change?

The future of football in Nigeria holds significant promise for growth and development. I hope to see increased access for individuals from humble backgrounds to represent the national team. Additionally, I anticipate greater support for grassroots football programs, improved infrastructure, and expanded opportunities for young players. These changes will enhance the quality of football and foster a more inclusive and dynamic football community.