Rachael Aladi Ayegba, a former goalkeeper of the Nigerian women’s national football team, is now a bus driver in the United Kingdom.
Ayegba played in the 2007 Women’s World Cup, the 2006 and 2008 African Women’s Championships and had an 11-year stint as a pro in Finland, winning the league title in 2013 with PK-35 Vantaa.
According to reports, she now drives the number 185 between Lewisham and Victoria.
35-year-old Ayegba told the Standard UK that “When you are trying to save the ball, you need safe hands. But there are ten others on your side.
“When you drive a bus, you are on your own.”
Ayegba, whose favourite player is Cristiano Ronaldo, says she doesn’t play football anymore, though she has coaching licenses.
“I am old. You have to know when to stop,” she added.
“Mentally you have to be 100% ready, if you are a goalkeeper the defenders can help you. You can’t make any mistakes driving a bus.”
