Raliat Anako Abdulsalam: Championing Women’s and Youth Football Development in Nigeria
Oru Leonard
Chief Mrs. Raliat Anako Abdulsalam is increasingly establishing herself as a prominent voice in Nigerian football administration, with more than 28 years of professional experience and a strong record of commitment to grassroots sports, women’s football and youth development.
A sports administrator, business analyst, marketer, accountant and social entrepreneur, Abdulsalam brings a broad professional background to football administration. Her career spans football and triathlon, oil and gas, information technology, entertainment and finance, giving her a diverse combination of managerial, organisational and business expertise.
Her approach to sports development is anchored on the belief that football should extend beyond competition to become a tool for discovering talent, empowering young people and creating opportunities within communities.
As Lagos State Chairman for Female Football Development, Abdulsalam has been actively involved in efforts to strengthen women’s football in the state. Through grassroots programmes, training initiatives and developmental activities, she has worked to provide young female footballers with opportunities to improve their skills and gain visibility.
A particularly notable aspect of her contribution is her involvement in club ownership and football academy development. Abdulsalam owns and operates Lekki Junior Strikers Football Club and Academy, creating a structured environment where young players can receive training, develop their abilities and pursue careers in football.
Her involvement with Lekki Junior Strikers reflects her philosophy that sustainable football development begins at the grassroots. Rather than focusing solely on competitions, her model places emphasis on early talent identification, player development and creating pathways for young footballers to progress.
Her work through the Raliat Anako Abdulsalam Foundation (RAAF) has further expanded her contribution to sports and community development. The foundation focuses on areas including education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, youth development and community advancement.
One of its major initiatives is the annual RAAF Lagos Female Unity Cup, which provides female footballers across Lagos State with a platform to compete, develop their abilities and attract greater attention to their talents.
Beyond the sporting aspect, the tournament reflects Abdulsalam’s broader vision of using football as a vehicle for empowerment, networking, talent discovery and social development.
Her commitment to women’s advancement also extends beyond football. As President of Empowering Women Inspiring Prosperity Initiative and Vice President of EWIP, she has remained involved in initiatives designed to expand opportunities for women and young people.
Abdulsalam’s sports administration experience is complemented by a substantial corporate and public-sector background. She has served as Senior Legislative Aide to the Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly and has occupied various leadership positions in the private sector.
Her professional portfolio includes roles as Managing Director of First Opti Plus Logistics Ltd., Chief Executive Officer of Kiddies Talent Show Nigeria and Chief Operating Officer of RT Independent Oil & Energy Limited.
The combination of corporate leadership, public-sector experience and grassroots football administration has given her a broad perspective on management, governance and organisational development.
Academically, Abdulsalam holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration in Marketing and is currently pursuing a PhD. Her academic training complements her professional experience, particularly in the areas of finance, management, marketing, strategy and organisational development.
Her contributions to sports, community development and women’s empowerment have also attracted various recognitions and awards.
More importantly, her career reflects the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian football administrators who recognise that the long-term future of the game depends on investment in grassroots structures, youth development and women’s football.
From football academy ownership to female football competitions and development programmes, Abdulsalam has maintained a practical connection with the grassroots and the challenges facing young players.
At a time when Nigerian football is seeking stronger development structures and broader opportunities for women and youth, her model of administration offers an example of how sports can be combined with empowerment and community development.
Chief Mrs. Raliat Anako Abdulsalam’s record therefore goes beyond occupying administrative positions. It demonstrates a sustained effort to build platforms, identify talent, nurture young players and create opportunities for others.
With more than two decades of professional experience and a growing presence in football administration, women’s empowerment and youth development, Abdulsalam remains an important stakeholder in the continuing effort to strengthen the foundations of Nigerian football.
