Nigerian-Born Lola Ogunbote Joins Chelsea Women as Head of Football Operations

Nigerian-born football administrator Lola Ogunbote has joined Chelsea Women as Head of Football Operations and Player Services after almost five years at Burnley.

Ogunbote has already been working with Chelsea since earlier this summer, overseeing key operations including the club’s pre-season tour of Australia and New Zealand and matchday arrangements for Women’s Super League and UEFA Women’s Champions League fixtures.

Before joining Chelsea, Ogunbote made history at Burnley by becoming the club’s first Head of Women’s Football in 2021.

Her time at Burnley ended with the women’s team winning the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division title and securing promotion.

A UK-qualified lawyer, Ogunbote previously worked at Goldman Sachs before moving into football administration in 2016.

Born in Nigeria and raised in East London, she has also been involved in programmes supporting girls through football in Africa.

Her appointment adds another Nigerian connection to Chelsea Women as Ogunbote begins a new chapter in football administration.