NFF endorses ‘Girls Play Sports’ football tournament’

By Ekemini Samuel

Posted on July 23, 2024

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has thrown its weight behind the ‘Girls Play Sports Football Tournament’, an initiative of former NFF executive member, Honourable Ayo Omidiran. The tournament, organized under the auspices of the Ayomidiran Foundation, aims to promote women’s football and provide opportunities for young girls to develop their skills.

NFF President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, represented by General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, emphasized the significance of the tournament, stating that it aligns with the Federation’s plans to make it compulsory for all Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clubs to establish women’s football teams.

“The NFF is committed to making it mandatory for all premiership clubs to have women’s teams. This initiative comes at the right time for the advancement of women’s football in Nigeria,” Gusau said.

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Omidiran, CEO and founder of the Ayomidiran Foundation, expressed gratitude to the NFF for their support, saying, “We aim to identify and nurture talent at the grassroots level. With technical teams at every center, we can spot potential and guide these girls towards professional careers.” The 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 organizers.

The ‘Girls Play Sports Football Tournament’ is not just about sports; it aims to take girls off the streets and away from social vices, including violence. Many Nigerian girls playing football internationally are now breadwinners for their families. The organizers hope to encourage more girls to see sports as a viable career path and open new opportunities for many young girls.

With the NFF’s endorsement, the tournament is poised to make a significant impact on women’s football in Nigeria. As the country continues to produce talented female players, initiatives like the ‘Girls Play Sports Football Tournament’ will play a crucial role in developing the next generation of stars.