The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed its total support for the Girls Play Sports Football Tournament, the initiative of a former executive member of the NFF, Honourable Ayo Omidiran and organised under the auspices of the Ayomidiran Foundation.
The NFF President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, represented by the Federation’s General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, during a courtesy call by the tournament’s organising committee to the NFF, stressed the significance of the tournament saying the football house is making moves to make it compulsory for all clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL)
“The NFF, under the leadership of Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, is committed to making it mandatory for all premiership clubs to establish women’s football teams. This initiative comes at the right time for the advancement of women’s football in Nigeria and aligns with its FIFA-funded Talent Development Scheme.”
The NFF boss while commending Omidiran for the initiative saying she has done well for women’s football despite criticisms from some quarters.
“You’ll face opposition when you start promoting women’s football, but you have to remain focused. Critics may have the loudest voices, but the silent supporters are many. Your next step is to work closely with the NFF Technical Department to ensure the success of this program.”
The CEO and founder of the Ayomidiran Foundation, expressed her gratitude to the NFF for their support when she said, “Organizing a competition like this would not be complete without the official recognition and backing of the NFF.
The Ayomidiran Foundation has been dedicated to the development of women, particularly through sports. Sporting Tribune reports that football has opened many doors for young girls in Nigeria who are now plying their trade globally.
“We aim to identify and nurture talent at the grassroots level. With technical teams at every centre, we can spot potential and guide these girls towards professional careers.
“Our project, GIRLS PLAY SPORTS, starts with football, but we plan to expand into other sports like athletics. Our ultimate goal is to enable girls to pursue sports as a means of livelihood, contributing to the pool of professional players.
“This tournament is not just about sports; it aims to take girls off the streets and away from social vices, including violence. Many of our girls playing football internationally are now the breadwinners for their families.
“We want to encourage more girls to see sports as a viable career path. By the end of this tournament, we hope to have opened new opportunities for many young girls.”
The ‘Girls Play Sports Football Tournament’ promises to be a significant step towards the development of women’s football in Nigeria, with the strong backing of the NFF and the passion of the organisers.
