Ethiopia: CBE women’s team coach defends signing of three Nigerians

Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) women’s team coach Birhanu Gizaw defended the club’s decision to sign three Nigerian players. For the first time in the history of Ethiopian women’s football, three foreigners will be playing in the Horn of Africa nation’s league.

The reigning Ethiopian champions signed striker Olamide Bolaji, defender Opeyemi Sunday, and goalkeeper Faith Omilana. Omilana’s last club was Edo Queens while Bolaji was the leading goal scorer for Remo Stars Ladies. The 27-year-old Sunday has been playing for Remo Stars Ladies.

The decision to sign the three Nigerian players was not well received by women’s football fans in the country. Gizaw, who has led CBE to multiple league titles, defended the transfer. Gizaw told EBC that the three players will add experience to his side. “CBE is a strong club in East Africa. We managed to play in the CAF Women’s Champions League last season and lost all of our games. Our team needed experience, so the reason we brought the players is to add experience,” said Gizaw.

Gizaw further noted that the three players have experience playing at the top level with the senior and youth national sides of Nigeria. The coach outlined that the transfer of the three players can be taken as CBE’s long-term plan to be competitive in African women’s club football.

CBE have kick-started their preseason preparations as they aim to return to the Women’s Champions League and retain their league crown. East Africa’s CECAFA region will begin their qualifying tournament for the Champions League on September 4 in Nairobi, Kenya