Ibrahim Gusau, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has announced a commitment to enhance support for women’s football in Nigeria, particularly in light of the Super Falcons’ recent performance in a closely contested match against France. This initiative comes after the Falcons lost 2-1 to the French national team, showcasing their skill and resilience even without notable players like Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Deborah Abiodun. Gusau expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, especially in discovering new talent during this international window, indicating a strategic approach to bolstering the squad for future competitions, specifically the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Following the match against France, Gusau articulated a vision for the future of women’s football in Nigeria, highlighting the necessity for all Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clubs to establish female teams. This policy initiative aims to align with global trends in sports, where investment in women’s programs is increasingly recognized as crucial for fostering talent development and promoting gender equality in athletics. Gusau’s remarks suggest a critical pivot towards comprehensive support for women’s football infrastructure within the country, aiming to create parallel development pathways for male and female athletes in the domestic league.
The NFF President underscored the importance of increasing investment in women’s football as a fundamental strategy for achieving sustained improvement and success. He pointed out that having a female counterpart team at each NPFL club would not only enhance the competitive landscape but also provide young girls with visibility and opportunities to showcase their talent at a higher level. This initiative reflects a recognition of the potential within Nigeria’s female football sector and indicates a long-term commitment to nurturing emerging talents who could benefit from enhanced competitive environments.
The Super Falcons’ impressive display against a full-strength French side, underscored by Ifeoma Onumonu’s goal, has instilled a sense of hope and optimism regarding the team’s prospects in future competitions. Despite the absence of key starters, the team’s performance showcased the depth of talent available and the ability of other players to step up in critical moments. Gusau’s optimism is well-placed, as he noted that the positive takeaways from this game could provide a much-needed morale boost as the team prepares for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where they aim to regain their title as champions of Africa.
The proposed initiatives by Gusau are not merely reactions to a single match or tournament but rather a comprehensive plan aimed at overhauling the approach towards women’s football in Nigeria. The emphasis on club-level development of women’s teams demonstrates a forward-thinking perspective that acknowledges the need for systemic change within the sporting framework of the country. By ensuring that every NPFL club has a female team, the NFF aims to create a robust foundation from which female football can flourish, ultimately benefiting the national team through a deeper talent pool and increased competitive experience.
In summary, Ibrahim Gusau’s leadership and vision signal a transformative period for women’s football in Nigeria. His commitment to policy changes, investment in female teams, and emphasis on competitive exposure for young athletes are indicative of a broader strategy to elevate the status of women’s sports nationally. The positive performance of the Super Falcons against France serves as a rallying point for these changes, illustrating the potential within the current talent pool. As Nigeria heads towards WAFCON 2025 and beyond, the hope is that these developments will lead to not only enhanced performances on the international stage but also a thriving grassroots movement that solidifies the future of women’s football in the country.
