Lola Ogunbote, a Nigerian football administrator, has joined Chelsea Football Club Women as the new head of women's football. In her new role, Ogunbote will oversee the club's women's football operations. She announced her appointment on her LinkedIn page, expressing her excitement to work with one of the world's most successful teams. Ogunbote's move to Chelsea marks a significant step in her career and highlights growing Nigerian influence in elite European women's football administration.
Ogunbote joined Chelsea after almost nine years as Burnley's first Head of Women's Football. During her time at Burnley, she played a central role in building the women's programme, overseeing recruitment, player development, and operations. Her efforts helped the team win the FA Women's National League Northern Premier Division title and secure promotion last season. This experience has prepared her for her new role at Chelsea, where she will be responsible for leading the club's women's football operations.
In her first three months at Chelsea, Ogunbote has been involved in several key initiatives. The team has delivered a pre-season tour in Australia and New Zealand, taken all home league fixtures to Stamford Bridge, and welcomed Champions League home games at AFC Wimbledon. The team has also delivered Champions League and WSL matchdays and kicked off an impressive league campaign. Ogunbote has described her start at Chelsea as a "whirlwind."
Ogunbote has expressed her gratitude to Chelsea's leadership for trusting her with the new role. She also thanked her mentors, allies, and safe spaces that helped her make the decision to join Chelsea. As the new head of women's football, Ogunbote is proud to serve the club, players, and staff every day. Her appointment is seen as a significant addition to Chelsea's women's football team.
Chelsea is looking to return to the top of the women's game after finishing third in the WSL last season behind Manchester City and Arsenal. The team has been working hard to improve its performance, and Ogunbote's appointment is expected to make a positive impact. With her experience and expertise, Ogunbote will play a key role in helping Chelsea achieve its goals.
Although born in Nigeria, Ogunbote was raised in East London after moving to Britain as a baby. She has remained involved in efforts to create opportunities for girls through football, particularly in Africa. Ogunbote is an executive director of the United States-based Goals for Girls, an organisation focused on using football to promote leadership and opportunities for girls.
Ogunbote's appointment at Chelsea highlights the growing influence of Nigerian administrators in elite European women's football. Her success at Burnley and now at Chelsea serves as an inspiration to young Nigerian women who aspire to work in football administration. With her new role, Ogunbote will be at the centre of Chelsea's women's football operations, helping to shape the club's future success.
Key points
- Lola Ogunbote becomes Chelsea's new head of women's football.
- Ogunbote joined Chelsea after almost nine years at Burnley.
- Chelsea is looking to return to the top of the women's game after finishing third in the WSL last season.
