My name is Mairo Obruthe. I am a 17-year-old alumni of Almond College, and I am deeply passionate about creating meaningful experiences for others. One of the most defining aspects of my life for the past 12 years has been my love for sports—especially football.
I began playing football at the age of six. At school, we had various after-school clubs to choose from, and I was naturally drawn to football. From the very first session, I knew I had found something special. At the time, I played mostly with boys, which helped me build resilience, strength, and confidence from a young age.
Before starting secondary school, I was part of the Barcelona Academy, where I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Spain and play with their main team. This experience expanded my vision and deepened my commitment to the sport. Later, I joined the Juventus Academy, and it was during this period that I realized football was more than just a passion—I wanted to pursue it as a career.
After two years, I joined the City Sports Academy. This move marked a turning point in my journey. I continued training and playing with boys, which significantly enhanced my stamina, endurance, and mental toughness. While at the academy, I had the opportunity to participate in two major competitions. The first took place in England, where we played against West Ham—an experience that gave me a glimpse of what my future could look like. The second competition was in Germany, where I represented Nigeria in an international tournament. I was the only female participant, and this moment not only challenged me but also empowered me.
Throughout secondary school, I participated in various competitions with my school team—these were some of the few occasions I played alongside other girls. Eventually, I received the incredible honor of being called up to the national team. This was a life-changing moment for me, one I had prayed and worked hard for. Balancing school with national team training was demanding, but I learned how to manage both with discipline and determination.
One of the most unforgettable experiences in my career was being selected to attend the World Cup in the Dominican Republic. Although I didn’t get the chance to play, I was honored to be part of the squad. We finished fourth, and I left the tournament full of hope, knowing that my time would come. Just a month later, I was called up again to play and represent Nigeria at the WAFU B tournament in Ghana, where we finished as runners-up. These tournaments were pivotal in shaping not only my career but also my mindset. They taught me patience, resilience, and the value of staying focused on long-term goals.
Football has introduced me to people from all walks of life and given me countless learning experiences. I have grown stronger, both mentally and physically, and my love for the game continues to grow every day.
If there is one message I would like to share, it is this: be true to yourself. There were times when I was the only girl on the pitch, and not everyone welcomed that. But I kept showing up, working hard, and believing in myself. Eventually, those around me recognized my dedication and ability.
Hard work, focus, and faith are the keys to reaching your goals. Never forget the importance of believing in yourself, appreciating those who support you, and always staying connected to your values—and to God.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story.
