Super Eagles star proud as Union Berlin makes history with Eta named first female head coach

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi would have every reason to feel proud as his former club Union Berlin takes a bold step into football history, Afrik-Foot reports.

Union Berlin has announced the appointment of Marie-Louise Eta as interim head coach.

The decision sees Eta become the first woman to lead a men’s team in the Bundesliga. She steps in following the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart, with the club sitting 11th and still needing points to secure their top-flight status.

Eta’s rise has been steady and historic. In November 2023, she became the first female assistant coach in Bundesliga history. Just two months later, in January 2024, she broke new ground again by taking charge of a match from the touchline during a 1-0 win over Darmstadt, standing in for suspended boss Nenad Bjelica.

Now, she has reached another milestone, becoming the first woman to be named head coach, albeit on an interim basis, in any of Europe’s top five leagues.

At 34, Eta arrives with strong credentials. A former midfielder, she won the UEFA Women’s Champions League and multiple domestic titles with Turbine Potsdam before moving into coaching at a young age. She later worked with Germany’s youth teams and Union Berlin’s academy, building a reputation for tactical intelligence and calm leadership. Club president Dirk Zingler has made it clear her appointment is based on merit, not symbolism.

Eta now has five matches to guide Union Berlin to safety before she moves on to take charge of the club’s women’s team next season.

Super Eagles star Awoniyi’s lasting legacy at Union Berlin

While Eta writes a new chapter, Awoniyi remains one of the key figures in Union Berlin’s recent success story. The Super Eagles forward played for the club between 2020 and 2022 and helped transform them from a mid-table side into European contenders.

Across 65 appearances, he scored 25 goals and provided nine assists. His standout season came in 2021/22, when he netted 15 Bundesliga goals, a club record at the time and 20 in all competitions.

Awoniyi played a decisive role in helping Union Berlin qualify for Europe for the first time. He scored twice in the Conference League play-offs to send the club into the group stage.

On the final day of the 2021/22 season, he struck twice again in a crucial win over Bochum, sealing a fifth-place finish and qualification for the Europa League.

His style of play made him vital. Strong, direct and tireless, he led the line with authority. When strike partner Max Kruse left in January 2022, Awoniyi stepped up, carrying the team’s attacking burden and maintaining their push for Europe.

Beyond the pitch, his impact was just as significant. Signed permanently from Liverpool, he was later sold to Nottingham Forest for a club-record fee, delivering major financial value. His energy, work rate and connection with supporters made him a fan favourite at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.