Mercy Akide Udoh made history as the first African woman to play professional football globally.
Her groundbreaking achievement came when she joined the now-defunct Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA) league in the United States, recognized as the world’s inaugural women’s football league.
Akide’s entry into the sport marked a significant milestone for Nigeria and African women’s football, earning her recognition from FIFA as “The most renowned figure in African women’s football and one of the most formidable attacking players of the previous decade.”
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Born in Port Harcourt in 1975, Akide began her football journey by playing with boys in her neighborhood before progressing to join a local team. She later moved to Lagos to play for Jegede Babes.
Her talent shone brightly during the 1999 World Cup in the United States, earning her a four-year scholarship to Milligan College in Tennessee. At Milligan, Akide’s prowess was unmatched, setting multiple football records and spearheading the team to its most successful season.
Following her collegiate career, Akide played for the Hampton Roads Piranhas and the San Diego Spirit in the W-League and WUSA, respectively, further solidifying her status as a football icon.
In 2001, she became the inaugural recipient of the CAF Best Female Player of the Year Award.
After retiring from professional play, Akide ventured into coaching and was recognized for her contributions to the sport, receiving accolades such as the FIFA World All-Star and induction into the United Soccer Leagues’ Hall of Fame.
In 2021, her expertise was acknowledged once again when she joined the football advisory panel of the International Football Association Board.
Off the field, Akide married football journalist Colin Udoh in 2004, and they currently reside in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with their two children.