Women Who Win Africa wants govt to prioritise Nigeria’s female football team

In a rallying cry for change, Women Who Win Africa, a prominent advocacy organization, has directed a compelling appeal to the Nigerian government. The organization is urgently advocating for the enhancement of treatment for the national women’s football team, the Super Falcons, and the elevation of grassroots football standards for girls across the nation.

The call comes in response to the staggering disparities recently brought to light by Super Falcons star Ifeoma Onumonu, casting a glaring spotlight on the challenges faced by female footballers in Nigeria.

With unwavering conviction, Dr. Louisa Akaiso, Founder of Women Who Win Africa, underscores the pivotal role that grassroots football development plays in shaping the nation’s sports landscape. “African sports cannot thrive if we continue to neglect grassroots football development,” she asserts. “For a lot of girls, football can be a powerful avenue for building their confidence and securing a livelihood.

Globally, football has evolved into a thriving industry. Those responsible for its growth in Nigeria and across Africa must recognize and manage it effectively, starting from the grassroots.”

The Super Falcons, winners of 11 out of 14 Women’s Africa Cup of Nation titles, are confronting obstacles that extend beyond the playing field. Ifeoma Onumonu’s candid revelations have illuminated the stark realities faced by the team, ranging from subpar training conditions and inadequate accommodations to limited access to recovery resources. The glaring contrast between the resources available to the Super Falcons and the challenges they endure raises pointed questions about gender parity, athlete well-being, and the nation’s commitment to women’s football.

Furthermore, Women Who Win Africa has underscored the issue of unpaid dues plaguing the Super Falcons. Unresolved bonus payments, camp allowances, and lingering expenses from 2021 cast a shadow over the team’s dedication and performance.

In response to these disconcerting revelations, Women Who Win Africa has issued an urgent call to action directed at the Nigerian government. Super Falcons player Rasheedat Ajibade, in an exclusive conversation, acknowledged the ongoing efforts by the current administration to address these concerns.

The organization urges the government to recognize the transformative potential of women’s football – an avenue that empowers young girls, enhances self-esteem, and offers avenues for personal and economic growth.

This appeal resonates beyond the confines of the Super Falcons’ challenges. It extends to the future of women’s football in Nigeria.

By bolstering the quality of treatment and support for the national women’s football team, as well as investing in grassroots development, the Nigerian government holds a unique opportunity to drive substantial change.

This endeavor aligns seamlessly with global trends recognizing women’s football as an industry capable of shaping lives, communities, and the nation’s sporting identity.

Women Who Win Africa extends an open invitation to all stakeholders, including government entities, sports associations, and the public, to unite in championing this pivotal cause. Together, they can chart a path where Nigerian women’s football, and sports in general, flourish across all echelons, fostering excellence, equality, and empowerment.