Peace Abbey, a two-time Nigerian Women’s Football League (NWFL) champion, approaches Valentine’s Day with the same dedication and focus she applies to her football career. For her, the day holds no special significance beyond her usual training regimen, a sentiment she attributes to the demanding nature of her profession. While acknowledging the importance of expressing love, Abbey’s Valentine’s Day celebrations are typically low-key. She recalls a past Valentine’s Day where a friend, understanding her commitment to training, gifted her a significant sum of money instead of a traditional outing. This gesture, she reveals, remains a cherished memory. Beyond this, tangible Valentine’s Day gifts are a rarity in her experience. She prefers to keep the details of the most memorable gift she has ever given private, only revealing that it was presented to her best friend.
Abbey’s striking appearance often leads to comments about her not fitting the stereotypical image of a footballer. These remarks, once a source of mild annoyance, are now met with indifference. She no longer feels the need to justify her appearance or passion for the sport, directing skeptics to her social media presence and match performances for proof. While she acknowledges the compliment of being dubbed the “most beautiful player” in the NWFL, she believes that beauty is subjective and celebrates the attractiveness of all female footballers. She appreciates that social media has provided a platform for players to showcase their diverse personalities and styles, both on and off the pitch. Abbey’s personal life remains private. She deftly sidesteps questions about her relationship status, revealing only that she handles romantic advances, often from fellow footballers, by politely declining them. She addresses the stereotype of female athletes being lesbians, stating that while such judgments exist, she hasn’t personally experienced discrimination based on this assumption.
Abbey’s passion for football developed organically from watching others play. Initially involved in athletics, representing her school in various events, she eventually transitioned to football following encouragement from those who witnessed her street football skills. This decision, however, met with initial resistance from her family, who struggled to accept her career choice. She believes their perspective is gradually evolving as her success becomes evident. Winning back-to-back NWFL titles with Delta Queens and Edo Queens holds immense significance for Abbey. The feat is made even more special by the fact that the latter victory marked the first league title for Edo Queens. Now playing for Bayelsa Queens, a team currently undefeated and leading their group, Abbey is optimistic about securing her third consecutive NWFL title. While some might attribute her success to a “lucky charm,” she emphasizes the team’s hard work and dedication as the primary drivers of their performance.
Abbey’s journey to professional football began with the encouragement of those who recognized her talent during informal street games. They persuaded her mother to support her pursuit of the sport, leading her to shift her focus from athletics to football. This decision, however, was initially met with disapproval from her family, who were apprehensive about her venturing away from home and pursuing a traditionally male-dominated career path. Despite their initial reluctance, Abbey persevered, and she is confident that their apprehension will continue to ease as her achievements accumulate. The consecutive NWFL titles with Delta Queens and Edo Queens are milestones that highlight her resilience and talent. The latter victory, being a historic first for Edo Queens, holds a special place in her heart. Now with Bayelsa Queens, an undefeated team at the top of their group, Abbey hopes to add a third NWFL title to her impressive collection.
Winning consecutive NWFL championships with two different teams is a point of pride for Abbey. The victories are a testament to her adaptability and contribution to each team’s success. The first, with Delta Queens, cemented her status as a champion. The second, with Edo Queens, was a landmark achievement, bringing the club its first-ever league title. Now with Bayelsa Queens, who are currently unbeaten and leading their group, Abbey aims to extend her winning streak and secure a third consecutive NWFL title. While acknowledging the possibility of a “lucky charm” contributing to her success, she emphasizes the importance of teamwork, dedication, and consistent effort as the key factors driving their performance. Looking ahead, Abbey aspires to further elevate her career by participating in more prestigious competitions and representing her country on the international stage. She recognizes the role of hard work, dedication, and continuous improvement in achieving these goals.
Abbey’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. She recently recovered from an ankle injury, a setback she navigated with characteristic focus and determination. This experience underscores her resilience and commitment to her sport. Looking to the future, she envisions herself competing at higher levels, both club and international. Representing her country is a driving ambition, and she is determined to continue working hard to realize her full potential. These aspirations, coupled with her past achievements and current performance, paint a picture of a dedicated athlete committed to excellence both on and off the field.
