By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Chief Mrs. Raliat Anako Abdulsalam has emerged as a prominent voice in Nigerian football administration, with more than 28 years of professional experience and a strong commitment to grassroots football, women’s empowerment and youth development.
Abdulsalam, a sports administrator, business analyst, marketer, accountant and social entrepreneur, has built a career spanning football and triathlon, oil and gas, information technology, entertainment and finance.
Her diverse professional background has equipped her with extensive administrative, managerial and organizational experience, which she has brought to bear on sports development.
At the centre of her philosophy is the belief that football should go beyond competition to become a platform for empowering young people, creating opportunities and strengthening communities.
As Lagos State Chairman for Female Football Development, Abdulsalam has contributed to efforts to promote women’s football across the state through developmental programmes, training sessions and grassroots initiatives designed to help young female footballers improve their skills and gain exposure.
She has also distinguished herself as one of the few Nigerian women to own and operate a football club and academy. Through Lekki Junior Strikers Football Club, she provides young players with a structured environment to learn, develop their abilities and pursue careers in football.
Her approach to football administration, according to her profile, centres on early talent identification, player development and the creation of pathways through which grassroots talents can progress to higher levels of the sport.
Abdulsalam’s commitment to social development is also reflected in the activities of the Raliat Anako Abdulsalam Foundation (RAAF), which focuses on community development, education, healthcare, women’s empowerment and youth development.
The foundation organizes the annual RAAF Lagos Female Unity Cup, a competition aimed at providing opportunities for female footballers across Lagos State.
The tournament has become part of Abdulsalam’s broader strategy of using football as a tool for talent identification, player development, networking and the empowerment of young women.
Beyond football, she serves as President of Empowering Women Inspiring Prosperity Initiative and Vice President of EWIP, where she continues to support initiatives focused on improving opportunities for women and young people.
Her experience also extends to the corporate and public sectors. She has served as Senior Legislative Aide to the Speaker of the National Assembly and held leadership positions, including Managing Director of First Opti Plus Logistics Ltd., Chief Executive Officer of Kiddies Talent Show Nigeria and Chief Operating Officer of RT Independent Oil & Energy Limited.
Academically, Abdulsalam holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration in Marketing, and is currently pursuing a PhD.
Her academic training, combined with her professional experience, has strengthened her expertise in management, finance, strategy and organizational development, areas considered vital to the growth and professionalization of sports administration.
Her contributions to community development, women’s empowerment and sports management have also earned her several recognitions and awards.
Abdulsalam’s activities reflect the growing role of women in Nigerian football administration and the importance of deliberate investment in grassroots football, particularly for women and young players.
From owning and operating a football academy to organising competitions and supporting development programmes, she has remained actively involved in creating platforms through which emerging football talents can develop.
At a time when Nigerian football continues to pursue stronger development structures and expanded opportunities for women and youth, Abdulsalam’s work represents an approach to sports administration built around participation, inclusion and talent development.
With more than two decades of professional experience and a sustained focus on football, women’s empowerment and youth development, Abdulsalam continues to position herself as an important stakeholder in the development of Nigerian football.
