FIFA 4-Nation Summer Camp:
Breaking boundaries, Ayisat Yusuf stands as the lone African woman coach at FIFA’s 4-Nation Summer Camp in Switzerland
Ayisat Yusuf—once a star on the pitches of the African Women’s Championship, FIFA Women’s World Cup, and Olympic Games—is now carving her legacy beyond the field.
Now based in Finland, the former Nigerian international has broken new ground as the only African and female coach chosen for FIFA’s prestigious 4-Nation Summer Camp Tournament in Zurich, Switzerland. From June 10–15, the event will unite Europe’s elite youth teams, promoting leadership, skill, and the future of women’s football.
Currently head coach of GirlPower Afghans United—a multicultural women’s team in Finland—Ayisat fosters a squad defined by passion, resilience, and diversity. Her selection for the FIFA-hosted camp now positions her among elite clubs, including:
- - Grasshopper Club Zurich (Switzerland)
- - FC Wolfsburg (Germany)
- - FC Winterthur (Switzerland)
The tournament brings together around 40 players from nations like Germany, Denmark, Portugal, England, and Switzerland, mentored by eight elite handpicked coaches. Among them, Ayisat shines as the only woman and the sole African—proudly flying the flag for Nigeria and her adopted home, Finland.
‘I give all glory to God,’ Ayisat said, reflecting on her rise from Nigeria’s pitches to the global coaching stage. ‘This selection isn’t just an honor—it’s proof that African women belong at football’s highest levels, leading, inspiring, and redefining the game’s future.’
Born March 6, 1985, Ayisat Yusuf boasts an illustrious playing career, having represented Nigeria at the highest levels - including the 2004 African Women's Championship, 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup, and 2008 Beijing Olympics. Now, she channels that championship experience into mentoring future stars while championing gender equality and sporting excellence worldwide.
As the summer camp kicks off, the world will be watching FIFA's grounds - not just for the football talent on display, but for the groundbreaking significance of Ayisat's presence. Her role serves as a powerful statement: true football leadership transcends both gender and borders.