Sports
Women in Gaming: Sportingbet’s Siddiqa Samsoodien on defying discrimination while smiling
As part of South Africa’s Women’s Month, Clarion Gaming continues to advance the role of women in the industry across the region and internationally with vital insights from some of the industry’s key female figures ahead of this year’s ICE Africa, which takes place on 24 and 25 October at the Sandton Convention Centre, South Africa.
Exploring the challenges facing women in the industry, Siddiqa Samsoodien, CS Supervisor at Sportingbet South Africa, explained: “As a young woman, I have personally faced many challenges in the workplace environment and these challenges grew increasingly difficult once I became a mother. Being in a sports environment, a lot of men automatically assume that they know more than you.
‘Who scored the first goal in the game?’, ‘What is the meaning of handicap?’, men ask women these questions all the time in the hope that they will have the opportunity to correct us as we will probably, in their opinion, get it wrong. This is wrong!
“In the face of this, our response has to be with confidence, as we know that our understanding is always on guard,” she continued. “We make it our mission to strive and prove that we are worthy of being part of the gaming industry as women. On more than one occasion once I open my mouth and discuss the transfer window or Chelsea’s chances of winning the league, men will look at me with shock – surprise!”
Commenting on the path to her current role at Sportingbet, one of Africa’s fastest growing online sportsbetting platforms, Siddiqa said: “It has been a constant challenge to earn respect from men and especially male customers – there is a feeling of having to prove yourself in order to be respected in your position. It should be known that I would not be in the position I am in if I didn’t not only know the material but also have a passion for it. Most times, we as women have to deal with the bias and discrimination on a daily basis and we have to do it while smiling.
“It is unfair, but I have learnt how to handle this and learnt I don’t need to be able to throw some banter around the office to be taken seriously – it does help though. The best advice I could give myself in the past is to let your work do the talking. I know who I am and what I am capable of and this is a lesson I hope to teach my female colleagues and daughter one day. I am essentially very lucky to be a young professional in this day and age and, more importantly, I am lucky to have supporting male colleagues who not only believe in me but also invest in me. Having a support system that encourages your growth and listens to your ideas makes the world of difference for women in the working world.”
Discussing the day-to-day challenges within the industry, she stated: “Sometimes, I still sit back when I have an idea and think to myself, ‘is this going to add value’? I think this is one my biggest challenges and something that I personally try to overcome on a daily basis. Yes, I have worked with men who have undermined me in the past, but I am now working with, and surrounded by, great male and female colleagues and, even though it’s a slow personal development, there is improvement. A woman and her self-doubt kill more dreams than men ever could.”
She continued: “As women, we need to cut the self-doubt in half and double the confidence, as it plays a big role in success. Everyone has to earn credibility, but, realistically, it is much tougher for women. Luckily, we know how to work hard and look good doing it. We practically have to put in twice the amount of effort to get the same amount of acknowledgement from our male co-workers. Unfortunately, this seems to be the all-round reality, but it is important to look at a challenge and use it as your motivation to grow.
“As women and mothers, we have to face a great deal of challenges and, as exhausting as it can be, it is good, because this helps build character. It promotes personal and professional development. We as women need to realize that we have so much to offer and times aren’t just changing, they have changed. Even though the bias is still there, and will probably always be, the way we deal with it is so important. I am very fond of the saying ‘you are your own worst enemy’ – we as women are already facing so many challenges, let’s not add self-doubt to that.”
Siddiqa concluded: “My advice to aspiring young professionals and especially young females in a mostly male dominated industry is to NOT GIVE UP. Always stay true to yourself. Work hard and always put your best foot forward.
“Even when you are being undermined or doubted, it is important to not let the opinions and predisposed thoughts of others hinder you from doing, and being, the best. Set goals for yourself and do not let anyone get in the way of you achieving them. Don’t be afraid to speak up and share your opinions. Don’t be afraid to say ‘no’.”
John C. Nwosu, governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has hailed the Super Falcons for lifting the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s African Cup of Nations (WACON) held in Morocco for the 10th time, after a dramatic outing in Rabat, capital of the North African nation.
The Nigerian female team came from behind after a 2:0 lead they were handed down by the Atlas Lionesses at half time to turn the tide in a dramatic fashion, marked by energy, resilience, determination and skill, slotting in three goals in less than 30 minutes.
A totally enthralled Nwosu declared that feat clearly showed how with determination and focus, the most difficult tasks could be achieved and toughest challenges could be surmounted, adding that the feat embodied a lot of life’s lessons.
“What we saw today is the can-do spirit of that Nigerians are known for. It is a spirit that has broken many barriers and achieved great things. I particularly noticed the teamwork and synergy among the girls and their determination not to give up. It shows the reward of unity of purpose.
“As I watched our girls lift this beautiful trophy up, my spirit was also lifted. I am sure I am not alone. This spectacular achievement today shows how much we can achieve in Nigeria when we de-emphasise those things that divide the nation and emphasise the things that unite us.
“This is the focus of the ADC. We take it as a task to unite Nigeria by promoting unity, equity, justice and fair play in all facets of the society, knowing that together, working individually and collectively, we wake the sleeping giant.
“It is particularly so as we make deliberate moves to recreate a new Anambra where the government and the people will form an environment of common vision and move in the same direction, achieve a common goal. That vision has gained a strong fillip by this wonderful feat in Morocco.”
Well done girls. Once again, you have put smiles on millions of Nigerians, both home and abroad. May this joy continue to resonate everywhere in the life of our dear nation, now and in future.
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has congratulated the Super Falcons of Nigeria on their 10th Women African Cup of Nations, WAFCON, title, saying that they demonstrated the resilience of the Nigerian spirit.
The Super Falcons, who fell behind by two goals in the first half, staged a memorable comeback in Rabat in the second half, beating their Moroccan counterparts before their huge crowd of home fans to lift the WAFCON 2025 trophy courtesy of goals delivered by Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini.
Mbah, who took to his verified social media handle, @PNMbah, to celebrate the impressive Nigerian side wrote, “Congratulations, Super Falcons, on your well-deserved WAFCON 2025 triumph.
“Coming from two goals down to beat the Moroccans to the trophy underscores the resilience and invincibility of the Nigerian spirit and what we can achieve as a people by working together in oneness of mind.
“We are super proud of you.
“Again, congratulations, girls, and keep flying higher.”
Sports
Mbah Receives EPL Trophy, Seeks Guinness’ Partnership to Grow Sports in Enugu
…Why we choose Enugu- Guinness, reports SANDRA ANI
The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed his eagerness to partner with Guinness Nigeria PLC to accelerate his administration’s sports development effort, describing the state as the home of sporting legends, who have ruled the world of sports as well as home of abundant talents for the future.
Mbah spoke when a team of Guinness Nigeria’s management showcased the English Premier League, EPL, trophy, to him at Government House, Enugu, on Friday.
It is recalled that Guinness Nigeria and the Premier League partnered to bring the iconic silverware for display in Enugu on Friday, May 16 and in Lagos on Saturday May 17 and Sunday, 18 to give EPL’s teeming fans in Nigeria the rare opportunity to experience the trophy.
Speaking during the presentation of the trophy at the Lion Building, Enugu State Government House, Mbah noted that beside putting in place legislative frameworks for sports development, his administration was also embarking on a massive reconstruction of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and Awgu Games Village preparatory to hosting the 2026 edition of the National Sports Festival.
“Like Guinness, we regard sports as a positive force in Enugu. We are not surprised that the Guinness flagship event is being held here in Enugu. Just like Guinness, we also see sports as a platform to foster social cohesion. We are not just paying lip service to sports; we actually have our skin in the game.
“We believe that the EPL is quite a spectacle with audiences across the world and you couldn’t have chosen a better city for the flagship event than Enugu.
“Again, since here is the home of Rangers and since we have also recognised that this is where it all happens, let us begin to think about more collaboration with Guinness to see how we can secure endorsement with the Guinness corporate brand. This should be on the table because Rangers also won the 2023/2024 Nigerian Premier League title.
“We are just about giving the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and Awgu Games Village a new lease of life, making sure they meet FIFA and World Athletics standards ahead of the National Sports Festival. So, we look forward to more strategic collaboration with Guinness. We are quite a business-friendly state,” he stated.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and the Corporate Relations Director at Guinness Nigeria PLC, Rotimi Odusola, described Enugu State as the spiritual home of sports in Nigeria, noting the exploits of Rangers.
He said it was only natural to choose Enugu for the display of the EPL silverware, given its history and the great job Governor Mbah had done in repositioning the state.
“Some may wonder why Enugu. There is a reason for us to choose Enugu as the first place in Nigeria since this trophy arrived yesterday. It is because we know that Enugu State is the spiritual home of football in Nigeria. As a young football lover, I can’t forget all of the stories around Enugu Rangers football team.
“I want to also appreciate you for the work you are doing. The last time I was in Enugu was in 2022 and I have seen remarkable improvements in Enugu State since my last visit.
“This presentation of the EPL trophy is an opportunity for us to reinforce Guinness Nigeria being a business that has been intricate in the fabric of Nigeria for 75 years. We also want to use this opportunity to create magical moments for our consumers and members of the public through the collaboration between Guinness globally and the English Premier League,” he added.
The event was witnessed by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Enugu State, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke; Director, Marketing and Innovations, Guinness Nigeria, Yinka Bakare; Director, Corporate Relations, Guinness Nigeria, Rotimi Odusola; Head of Marketing, Guinness Nigeria, Ramanathan Sollayepan; Head of Division, South-East Region, Guinness Nigeria, Adesoji Opeyemi; General Manager, Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, Barr. Amobi Ezeaku; and the Chairman, Enugu State Football Association, Barr. Tony Ugwu, among others.
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