Pius Nsabe
Aderonke Adesola, popularly known as Olori Sports, one of Nigeria’s rising female sports journalists based in Ibadan, recently returned from Morocco after covering the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)—her first international assignment. In this exclusive interview with The Journal Nigeria’s Pius Nsabe, she shares her experiences, challenges, and hopes for women in sports journalism and female athletes across Nigeria.
Congratulations on covering WAFCON and on your first international exposure. How did you get this opportunity, and what did it mean to you?
Thank you very much! Covering WAFCON was truly a milestone in my career. Many people think there are nominations involved, but that’s not how it works. I’ve been a CAF-accredited journalist since 2020. CAF has a dedicated media portal, and once a tournament is coming up, eligible journalists can apply. If your application is accepted, you’re cleared to cover the tournament. For me, getting that approval was the beginning of an exciting journey. It’s a dream come true to be on such a grand platform, reporting not just for Nigeria but as part of a global media ecosystem.
How has this experience impacted your career as a sports journalist?
This has significantly elevated my profile. Being on international ground, rubbing shoulders with journalists from all over Africa, accessing the media centre, attending press briefings—it’s a level up. Now I can proudly say I am an international sports journalist. The exposure opens doors for bigger opportunities, networking, and even mentorship roles. It has also helped me build more confidence in my voice as a journalist and storyteller.
What was the general experience like in Morocco, especially compared to life in Nigeria?
Morocco was quite an eye-opener. Though I was there for just three weeks, I noticed some key differences. First, there’s 24-hour electricity, good road networks, and efficient transport systems—things we’re still grappling with back home. However, the language barrier was tough. Not speaking French or Arabic made even basic communication challenging. And as someone who loves spicy food, adjusting to their cuisine wasn’t easy! Still, it was safe, clean, and well-organised. Morocco isn’t a bad place to live—it just doesn’t feel like home.
Did you get to see much of Morocco’s sports infrastructure? How does it compare to Nigeria’s?
My access was mostly limited to the football stadiums and media areas, but even that said a lot. The organisation, the layout, the professionalism around the media centres—it was clear they’ve invested heavily in sports infrastructure. Everything was structured and functional. In Nigeria, we still have a long way to go in terms of maintaining our facilities and providing journalists with the tools and space they need to do their jobs effectively.
Let’s go back to the Super Falcons. What was it like being there when they were two goals down against the Moroccans?
The atmosphere was incredibly tense. From the press box, we could feel the shift in energy. Nigerian fans were dead silent, while the Moroccan crowd roared like thunder. There was a sense of disbelief and frustration—not just from the supporters but even among Nigerian journalists. Everyone was on edge. But what stood out to me was how the players held their composure. You could tell they weren’t giving up, and that was powerful.
And then they came back. What changed in your opinion?
Honestly, only the team knows exactly what was said in the locker room. But I believe Coach Justin Madugu made some smart tactical adjustments. You could see the shift in the second half—the positioning, the urgency, the confidence. It was like watching a different team. That turnaround wasn’t accidental. It was a mix of leadership, strategy, and that Nigerian fighting spirit.
Were there any off-field challenges the team encountered in Morocco?
Yes, although the players themselves didn’t make much fuss publicly. From what I gathered, there were issues around allowances and welfare, but the girls were determined to stay focused on the prize. They wanted to win despite all odds, and they didn’t let external distractions get in their heads. That level of professionalism was inspiring. And then, like you may have heard, their allowances were eventually paid before the final game and of course you read about the gifts from the Federal Government through Mr. President. Quite encouraging if you ask me.
From your own perspective, what made this WAFCON tournament unique?
Personally, this tournament will always be special—it was my first international assignment, and I returned as a WAFCON-winning journalist. But professionally, what stood out was the fairness in officiating. Even though Morocco had home advantage, the final match wasn’t biased. VAR and the referees were objective, which isn’t always the case in African football. The atmosphere, the quality of the games, and the historic back-to-back finals for Morocco made it memorable.
Based on your journey, what advice do you have for young girls interested in sports journalism?
It starts with passion. Sports journalism can be physically and emotionally draining. You’ll work odd hours, travel, miss holidays—but if your heart is in it, you’ll push through. You also need to be resilient, hardworking, and constantly improve your personal brand. It’s not just about reporting scores—it’s about telling compelling stories. For girls coming from the grassroots, know that there’s space for you, but you must be ready to show up, stay committed, and never stop learning.
What should be done to improve female sports development at the grassroots level?
It starts with facilities. If we want girls to take sports seriously, we need to create safe and supportive environments. Schools and communities need to provide access to proper training grounds, mentorship, and competitions. Once girls see that sports is not just for boys—and that they can thrive in it—it becomes a viable path for them. More investment, both financially and emotionally, is crucial.
Finally, where do you see yourself in the next few years?
I’m not someone who lives by a script. I have dreams, but I also believe in divine timing. Ideally, I see myself covering global events—World Cups, UEFA Champions League finals, NBA, Formula One, Wimbledon, and even Halftime shows in American soccer. I want to be a global sports journalist, telling stories that resonate beyond borders. That’s the vision I’m working toward.