"It all began in my primary school days" - Koku Damilola Talks About How Her Journey In Football Started

Koku Damilola started her football journey during her primary school years. At school, during break periods, she would enthusiastically join boys in playing football, even though she was the only girl on the field. Her mother initially disapproved of this, as she held the belief that football was exclusively for boys. However, her late father managed to convince her mother to reconsider and helped her see the value in giving the Ondo born striker a chance to pursue her passion.

Eventually, Koku Damilola’s mother relented and allowed to play football. Subsequently, a significant opportunity came when a football competition took place in her village, Isheu Epinmi, Akoko South East, Ondo State. During this event, Koku Damilola showcased her skills and talents, which caught the attention of scouts and opened new doors for her.

As a result, she received an invitation to Akure, the capital of Ondo State, Nigeria, providing her with a valuable platform to pursue her dreams. Koku Damilola went on to represent various football clubs, including Pelican Star FC (Calabar), Sunshine Queen’s FC (Ondo State), Confluence Queen’s FC (Kogi State), Osun Babes FC (Osun State), Ibom Angel’s FC (Akwa Ibom), Rivers Angels FC (Rivers State), FK Gintra FC (Lithuania), and Bayelsa Queen’s FC (Bayelsa State). Currently, she is a player for Bnot Netainya Football Club in Israel, continuing her remarkable football journey.

Futball Naija: Tell us about your Childhood memories:

Koku Damilola: There’s not much to talk about. All I can remember about my childhood memories is that after school, i spend most of my time helping and supporting my Mom one way or the other. We were just three then, myself, my cousin brother (of blessed memories) and my Mom. There was no much time for us to play.

Futball Naija: How did your football journey start?

Koku Damilola: It all began in my primary school days when I would regularly join the boys in playing football during our break periods, even though I was the only girl on the field. Initially, my mother disapproved of this, as she held the belief that football was exclusively for boys. However, my late father managed to persuade my mother to reconsider and helped her see why she should give me an opportunity to pursue my passion.

Eventually, my mother gave her consent, and I was allowed to play football. Later on, an opportunity arose when a football competition was held in our village, Isheu Epinmi, Akoko South East, Ondo State. During this competition, I displayed my skills and talents, which caught the attention of scouts and opened up new opportunities for me.

Futball Naija: What do you like most about yourself?

Koku Damilola: I love my personality.

Futball Naija: What’s your biggest achievement?

Koku Damilola: Playing in Europe is my biggest achievement.

Futball Naija: How would you describe your style of play?

Koku Damilola: I’m agile, i like to run alot and I like to fight for the ball. Thats my style, I’m an aggressive and hardworking player.

Futball Naija: You’ve played with many big names, who is your favorite teammate?

Koku Damilola: My favourite teammates are Famuditi Oluwakemi and Barnabas Blessing. They’re players who always believed In me no matter the situation.

Futball Naija: How would you like to be remembered?

Koku Damilola: I like to be remembered as someone who always makes a difference.

Futball Naija: What do you think it takes to be a successful football player?

Koku Damilola: It take a lot to be a successful footballer. I will only mention a few. They are; Prayers, hardwork, dedication, discipline, focus, tolerance, endurance and so on.

Futball Naija: What do you like most about playing football?

Koku Damilola: Football is what I have passion for so playing football makes me happy. In a nutshell, I love everything good about football.

Futball Naija: What are your greatest strengths as a football player?

Koku Damilola: My greatest strengths are my speed, my shot-power and I’m also good in the air.

Futball Naija: Which football club do you most admire and why?

Koku Damilola: It has to be Barcelona Football Club. Technically FC Barca are very good. They also play fast football. Barcelona also play as team, and most importantly, they always play to win.