The Reluctant Trailblazer of Ivory Coast Football Bernadette Amani's remarkable journey from a small village in Ivory Coast to captaining their national team at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is a testament to her unwavering dedication and perseverance.
Her path to the top was far from straightforward, however. Growing up, she faced opposition from her parents, who wanted her to focus on education rather than football.
A chance encounter with Onze Soeurs de Gagnoa at a women's league match in 2019 sparked Amani's interest in pursuing a career in football.