Judith Chime, a former Super Falcons goalkeeper, has admonished young girls on importance of education even as they pursue their soccer career dream, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

Chime, who is the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Judith Chime Foundation, a non-governmental organisation driving for better future for the girl child even while pursuing their football dreams, spoke to the kids after the 'goalkeeping clinic' she organised for goalkeepers who who are participating in the 2025 Edition of the annual Judith Chime Championship In Enugu.

In what was clearly seen as her 'tortuous path to fame', Judith narrated to the girls her passion for the game, which put her on Collision Path With her family, how she slept under the bridge at Trans Ekulu Enugu, her stubborn disposition to her parents and siblings all because they placed education above her football career choice.

"But all that changed when I was invited to the National team, Super Falcons", she began.

"That was in 1991. When I was invited to Super Falcons for the World Cup in the United States of America, USA, my parents and sibling came to our hotel and then NFF officials asked who they were.

"When I told them they were my family, instruction was given that they should take anything and the bills should be on the FA. 

"They prayed for me. They thanked God they didn't succeed in pressuring me away from my destiny.

"But that wasn't all. My going to America was on the basis of education. Remember, it was the same education that brought me at daggers drawn with my family.

"That's where we're today. In all, football career is excellent. But don't forget, football career is for a while, 10 years, 15 years. But education is for life. Ask yourself, after this short playing career, what next?

"I would have signed for Fullham, in England, before Nkiru Okosieme called me for enrolment in the University in the USA. I said, education again --but that's it. It's education that is reason I'm here with you today.

"Much as I encourage you in your football career, I also want you to take your education serious and my foundation will assist you, take it from me".

On the clinic for goalkeepers, Chime said it wasn't that she hates other players or departments of the game.

"Reason is that I was a goalkeeper myself. So, I'm encouraging those in my department. It's not out of hatred for any other player or something".

The former Nigeria goalkeeper distributed match balls and goalkeeping gloves to the goalkeepers to bring the clinic to a fitting close.