African Women Making Waves in Football Club Ownership

usa, italy, portugal - Nigerian singer Tems joins a growing number of African women owning soccer clubs abroad, including Akosua Puni Essien and Eniola Aluko.

Nigerian Singer Tems Joins San Diego FC Ownership Group

Nigerian singer Tems recently became the first African woman to own a professional team in the USA after buying a stake in San Diego FC. Her move adds to the trend of African women taking ownership roles in football clubs outside Africa. She expressed her excitement in joining SDFC and emphasized the power of football in uniting communities.

Akosua Puni Essien - FC Como, Italy

Akosua Puni Essien, wife of former football star Michael Essien, made history by becoming the first African woman to own a European football club when she acquired Italian third division club Como in 2017. Despite facing challenges, her ownership of FC Como marked a significant milestone in African women's football club ownership.

Eniola Aluko - FC Como Women

Former England women's player Eniola Aluko also ventured into football club ownership by acquiring a major stake in FC Como women's team in 2024. Through her investment, Aluko aims to revolutionize women's football and attract new audiences to the sport.

Nneka Ede - Lusitano SAD, Portugal

Nigeria's Nneka Ede made history as the second African woman to own a foreign football club when she purchased Portuguese third division club Lusitano Ginasio Club Futebol SAD in 2020. Ede's acquisition of the club not only solidified her place in football ownership but also aimed to create opportunities for young talent in the sport.