Super Falcons and former AS Saint Étienne goalkeeper, Yewande Balogun has announced her retirement, officially closing the curtain on an illustrious career where she got to achieve her dreams of playing professional football and representing Nigeria.
The experienced shot-stopper revealed the news of her retirement on her official Instagram page: “My body is telling me it’s time to close this chapter and hang up the boots, but I thank God for every step of this journey. I’m forever grateful to the beautiful game and all it has given me, so here’s to continuing to find ways to give right back. Thank you for all of the love and support along the way,” she said.
Born in Prince George’s County, Maryland, Balogun discovered her passion for football at a very early age due to her father who infected his children with his love for the game. Due to his influence, she began playing football as a center back and it was not until she was 13 before she made the transition to being a goalkeeper.
Balogun went on to represent the U14 youth national team of the United States where she got noticed by the coach of the University of Maryland who convinced her to accept the recruitment proposal of the University.
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After graduating from college, Balogun made the decision to complete a transition into coaching due to a serious injury she sustained while playing and the unavailability of female leagues in the United States at the time.
Despite transitioning into coaching, Balogun was adamant that her playing career was not over, however, the chances to return back to playing were slim due to the lack of opportunities.
In the summer of 2021, Balogun eventually got the chance she had been waiting for. During this time, UC Davis where Balogun worked as an assistant coach were to play against California Storm, however, the opponents did not have a goalkeeper, as such, the match was delayed.
In order to continue the match, the head coach of UC Davis gave Balogun the go-ahead to play with the opponents as their goalkeeper and despite initial protests, Balogun delivered an excellent performance in goal, prompting the Head coach of California Storm to sign her on a temporary deal.
Shortly after signing the contract, the Super Falcons were poised to face the U.S women’s national team alongside Jamaica and Portugal in a friendly tournament organized in Texas.
Due to COVID restrictions and VISA issues, some Super Falcons’ players were unable to make the trip to the U.S. In response, Coach Randy Waldrum reached out to his contacts in the U.S for eligible players who could represent Nigeria during the friendly.
Fortunately, Balogun got an unexpected call inviting her to the Super Falcons’ camp as one of the players who would represent the nation during the friendly tournament. From that moment onwards, Balogun’s career experienced a turnaround as she became a goalkeeper for the Super Falcons and eventually moved to AS Saint Ettienne in the summer.
Her determination and unrelenting attitude eventually landed her a spot in the Super Falcons squad for the 2023 FIFA World Cup in Australia and New Zealand where Nigeria lost in the Round of 16 to England after a penalty shootout.
As she bids farewell to the pitch, Yewande Balogun can be proud of a career where she has demonstrated resilience, determination and unwavering passion for the game. She is a shining example of grit and perseverance and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players.
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