Six years ago, Blessing Harrison, now 23, never imagined herself as an athlete. Her dreams revolved around education, and the glamor of sports had little appeal to her. But today, she’s a rising star in both basketball and flag football, making her choose between two burgeoning career paths.
Harrison’s sports journey began by chance in 2017 when she was chosen to represent her church’s basketball team at Redemption Camp in Ogun State. At that time, she barely understood the rules and mostly sat on the bench. However, the desire to contribute meaningfully led her to join the Mc Spencer Academy, where she dedicated herself to learning the nuances of the game.
As her skills in basketball developed, she was drawn to flag football, a fast-growing sport in Nigeria. She joined the team Vortex, now Outlaws Athletics, where her raw athleticism and commitment quickly made her a standout. Over her first three seasons, Harrison earned the “Rookie of the Year” and “MVP” titles, as well as a championship win in her third season after switching positions.
Her coaches at Outlaws Athletics, including co-owner Akitoye Ogboye, recognized her potential. “She has a disciplined mindset, rarely misses training, and shows great promise,†Ogboye shared. Her impact, alongside other female players, has changed the league’s dynamics, with teams now incorporating female athletes at the same level as their male counterparts.
Harrison’s achievements have attracted attention from the Nigeria-America Football Association, and her team is committed to supporting her as she aims higher. On the basketball front, she recently participated in the Zenith Women’s Basketball League in Benin City, Edo State.
Beyond sports, Harrison balances her athletic pursuits with her studies in Accounting at the Lagos State Polytechnic (now Lagos State University of Science and Technology) and her small business, where she sews headbands, sports bags, and tote bags. The income from this venture helps fund her education, transportation, and training gear.
“When I designed headbands for a team in Benin Republic, I used the profits to pay my school fees and buy training shoes for both sports. I’ve managed to sustain myself without leaning on my family financially,†Harrison shared.
Despite her accomplishments, Harrison faces a difficult choice: basketball or flag football. She’s waiting for a breakthrough in either field and plans to expand her business, hoping her brand will become a go-to for athletes. For now, she’s navigating the demands of school, sports, and business, driven by her ambition and resilience to succeed in whichever path opens up first.
