Just As: Senior Coach of Fabulous Stitches Orders Maryam Yunus Back to the Pitch in a Stunning Twist
By [Your Name]
May 24, 2025
LAGOS, NIGERIA — In a turn of events that has set the football world abuzz, the senior coach of the Fabulous Stitches, Olivier Mba, has officially summoned star midfielder Maryam Yunus back to active duty—just as the team braces for a make-or-break clash in the Nigeria Women’s Premier League.
The decision came unexpectedly during a closed-door strategy session Friday afternoon at the Stitches’ training ground in eastern Lagos. Maryam Yunus, a three-time league MVP and the heart of the team for nearly a decade, has been on the sidelines for the better part of the season due to a knee injury and undisclosed personal matters.
Until now, her return to light training earlier this week was viewed as more symbolic than strategic. But Coach Mba had other ideas.
“This isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about necessity,” Mba stated in a post-meeting press briefing. “Maryam’s experience, vision, and presence are irreplaceable. If we’re going to fight for this title, she’s got to be on that pitch.”
A Season on the Brink
The timing is critical. With just two games left in the season, the Fabulous Stitches sit third in the table, trailing the leaders by a narrow two-point margin. Their recent slump—one win in four matches—has sparked concerns about depth, confidence, and leadership.
Compounding the pressure, star striker Adaeze Nnaji remains doubtful for Sunday’s clash against title rivals Benin City Blazers due to a hamstring strain. The recall of Yunus could be the rallying cry the team desperately needs.
“I Never Really Left”
In a short video released on the team’s social media pages, Maryam Yunus confirmed her return.
“I’m not fully match-fit yet, but I’ve been training quietly for weeks,” she said. “I owe this team everything. If I can help lift us across the finish line, I will.”
At 29, Yunus still commands immense respect within Nigerian and African football. Her leadership during the Stitches’ back-to-back title runs in 2020 and 2021, along with her time as captain of the Super Falcons, carved her legacy as one of the sport’s greats.
Fan Reaction: Electrifying
Within hours of the announcement, the hashtag #MaryamReturns shot to the top of social media trends across Nigeria and West Africa. Supporters flooded platforms with videos, fan art, and throwback clips of her match-winning performances.
Football analyst Ngozi Amaka weighed in during a panel discussion on SportsCentral:
“Maryam Yunus is more than just a player—she’s a symbol of grit and class. Her return could shift the entire psychological balance of the league.”
High Risk, High Reward
Still, some voices urge caution. Yunus has not played competitive football since December and her readiness for a full 90 minutes remains in doubt. Coach Mba, however, seems willing to gamble.
The Stitches face the Blazers this Sunday in what could be the season’s defining match. If they win, and results elsewhere go their way, the championship remains within reach.
Just as the season threatened to slip away, Maryam Yunus is back. Whether she becomes the catalyst for a legendary finish or simply a brave footnote remains to be seen.
But make no mistake: the Fabulous Stitches’ story just got a whole lot more compelling.
