There was a time when I thought I would become a table tennis star.
As a young girl, I loved the game. The sound of the ball hitting the bat was music to my ears. In secondary school, I would grab every chance to play. I was not a champion, but I had passion. Then life happened.
I am omo Alfa. In those days, many people believed sports were not for girls from religious homes. There was also nobody to advise us properly. Nobody told us that a girl could pray, wear her hijab and still become a sports star. So, like many dreams in African homes, my table tennis dream quietly packed its bags and left.
Today, whenever I see women succeeding in sports, I smile and ask myself, “What if?”
The truth is that women in sports are breaking records every day, but many of their achievements are celebrated in whispers. They do not always make the front pages. Their victories often pass like a gentle breeze, even though they deserve loud applause.
Take our own Asisat Oshoala, for example. The girl from Ikorodu did not just play football; she conquered it. She became one of Africa’s greatest footballers, won multiple African Women’s Footballer of the Year awards and played for some of the biggest clubs in the world. Yet, many young Nigerians can mention the names of male footballers more quickly than hers.
Then there is Tobi Amusan, the woman who made the world stand still when she became the world champion in the 100-metre hurdles. Her tiny frame carries the heart of a lion.
We cannot forget Blessing Oborududu, Nigeria’s wrestling queen and Olympic silver medallist. Nor should we overlook Ese Brume, who has jumped her way into global recognition in long jump.
Across Africa, women continue to rise. South Africa’s Caster Semenya has fought battles on and off the track while proving herself as one of the finest middle-distance runners. Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon keeps rewriting history in athletics, while Ethiopian legends Tirunesh Dibaba and Meseret Defar have inspired millions with their long-distance victories.
Beyond Africa, the list becomes even longer.
Serena Williams changed women’s tennis forever. Simone Biles showed the world that gymnastics is not just about medals but also about courage and mental strength. Katie Ledecky has ruled swimming pools like a queen. Megan Rapinoe became a symbol of excellence in football and advocacy.
And yes, the daughter of the great boxer Muhammad Ali also made her mark. Laila Ali stepped into the ring carrying a famous name but built her own legacy. She retired undefeated and proved that greatness can run in the family while still creating its own identity.
These women have one thing in common: they refused to stay on the sidelines.
Sadly, many African girls still face obstacles. Some are told sports are for boys. Others are discouraged by culture, religion, poverty or the fear of injury. Some parents would rather buy a child a smartphone than a pair of running shoes.
That must change.
Sports teach discipline, teamwork and confidence. They build leaders. They create opportunities. The next Asisat Oshoala may be kicking a ball in a dusty street in Kano or Lagos. The next Tobi Amusan may be running barefoot in a village somewhere.
Women in sports are not asking for special treatment. They simply want recognition and support.
As for me, my table tennis dream may have ended many years ago, but every time I watch these women succeed, a small part of that young girl in secondary school smiles again.
Their victories remind me that dreams never truly die. Sometimes, they simply change jerseys and continue playing through someone else.
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