Mercy Akide-Udoh named coach of the year in US varsity

Mercy Akide-Udoh, former Nigerian football player, has been named Regent university athletic department’s ‘coach of the year’.

The gifted footballer, who has just completed her first season as head coach of the university’s women’s soccer program, was an unanimous choice for the award, voted for by all the coaches of the Virginia beach-based varsity in the United States.

“When we were voting for this award, everyone who sent in their vote was unanimous that it could only go to one person, Mercy,” said Samuel Botta, the varsity’s athletics director, while announcing the award.

“Mercy has been a blessing to our program and we are lucky to have her.”

Akide-Udoh, who was a member of Nigeria’s pioneer Falcons team, took the athletic department’s team from zero wins in their first season, to five wins – in her first season coaching the program.

“This is such an unexpected honour for me,” said Akide-Udoh as she received her award.

“I will like to thank everyone who voted and also thank my players who have made this such a an enjoyable time for me here.”

Akide-Udoh, who played for Nigeria in three FIFA Women’s World Cups and also helped the Super Falcons to three African Women Championships (AWC) titles in 1998, 2000 and 2002, was named the first African Women Footballer of the Year in 2001.

She also attracted accolades in 1999 and 2004 when she was named in the FIFA World All-Star.