‘I’m buzzing to get into the new season.’

As the Lionesses storm through to the final 16, Sarah Becker talks to local female footballer 23-year-old Favour Omenazu

Favour I hear that you have some good news?

 “This week I signed a contract with Stourbridge FC Women – I’m no longer with Northampton Town.  I’m playing semi-professionally as I’m still working. As champions of the FA Women’s National League Division Midlands, Stourbridge are in tier 3 of the Women’s football pyramid  - I am now playing in the national league premier division.”

How did this transfer come about?

“Stourbridge were in the league against Northampton last season and we played against them and apparently they had their eye on me and I hadn’t realised there was an opportunity to negotiate something. I’m excited at the chance to play at tier three. Moving up a level is always a good challenge, and I just want to keep on improving my own football. Manager Andy Fisher asked me to meet the team and everyone was very nice and welcoming.”

 When I last spoke to you in April, you had an incredibly busy schedule – you were working in the fraud department at Barclaycard and studying for an MA in psychology at the University of Northampton as well as playing football semi-professionally for Northampton Town -  the extra commute must make your schedule even more punishing?

“The move has meant that twice a week, straight after work at 4.30pm, I travel two hours by public transport to Stourbridge and won’t be back until 11pm. Then there are match days on Sunday. Away matches take me all over the country – we went to Manchester last week. Outside of football, I’m finishing my masters degree in psychology in September as well as still working at Barclaycard.”

I understand your training schedule takes up a lot of time as well, is that right?

“I’m on an elite athlete’s training scholarship programme at the University of Northampton which supports my football. I train at Waterside campus on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday where I undertake strength and conditioning programmes which are specifically tailored.

“My day normally starts at 6 a.m. when I get up and shower and pray with the family before heading off to a strength and conditioning programme at the university before work. If it’s training day at Stourbridge, straight after work, I’ll head up to Dudley by public transport where I train with the team before heading back, have something to eat and go straight to bed.

 “I’m going to focus next year on football whilst I’m still 23 and still have that advantage and my career is still there coming along with me.”

Favour and her dad at her graduation

How long were you playing with Northampton Town Women and what were your best matches?

“I joined the team last summer and played in central midfield. I made 23 appearances and scored three goals in the team’s first season at tier four.  My best sporting achievement was at Sixfields stadium in November 2021 in a match against Lincoln city. I scored the winning goal – the cheers that erupted after that were deafening!”

How did you first start playing football?

“I’ve been playing football all my life since moving to the UK from Nigeria at the age of four. I started playing at an early age in primary school with my dad coaching me and all my siblings – I am one of six. I have three sisters and two brothers – all my siblings play football, even my mum who plays in defence. My sister Blessing used to play for the Cobblers from the age of 14 to 16 and I went along with her to the training sessions.

“In primary school, I started playing for a girl’s team, but in my spare time I used to play with the boys. It was a great way to release energy and used to lift me up if I went into a really good tackle and left a guy on the floor.  The boys would underestimate me – it was almost as if I was proving myself.”

Women’s football is becoming more and more popular. Do you think you are helping to reverse stereotypes about gender and race within football?

“It has never crossed my mind about stereotypes. Growing up there weren’t many black athletes in the women’s football games and there aren’t that many in the higher levels.  I do notice it but never in a bad way. I’ve always been playing football and I’ve never felt out of place.”

Tell me about your family life.

“Both my parents are clergymen. It’s our own church branch from Nigeria. My mother is an evangelist. We go to church every Sunday. From church, I’ll go straight to the football pitch. I’ll often go in my heels and my family will say, “Don’t play in those Favour!”

“The whole family goes everywhere together. If one person needs to be picked up, everyone goes along, even if we have to take two cars!”

How do you rate England’s chances in the World Cup?

 “I’m watching the Women’s World Cup with my whole family at the moment.  We are missing quite a few key players but it’s still a strong squad.

“The girls are showing their grit and with other players being out, everyone wants to show themselves off and take the opportunity to shine when they play. It’s always an opportunity when a regular player goes out and somebody new gets that chance to show what they can do. We still have a strong chance as we have a strong squad.

“I still think we can make it to the finals – it’s just how much everyone wants it and keeps pushing for it.”