Super Falcons forward, Asisat Oshoala, and a board member of the Nigeria Football Federation, Aisha Falode have urged stakeholders in the private and public sectors to invest more in Nigeria’s women football in order to accelerate its development. The reigning African football queen and the former Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) boss made this call during the final of the eighth Football4Girls tournament, organised annually by the footballer. After breaking out in 2014, Oshoala began the tournament in 2015 and has produced Falcons players Rasheedat Ajibade and Gift Monday. “Female football is getting better every year; the awareness is there. So, it will be awesome for my teammates, friends and everyone who would love to invest in football to look at the women’s side as well. It will encourage a lot of kids and create opportunities for them,” Oshoala said. NFF board member Falode also commended the quality of football during the tournament and expressed hope in the future of the women’s game. “You can see the quality of football and one of the players in the academy is already in the U-17 team. I see so many qualities, not only in the Oshoala academy, but in the other teams that played here as well. That is to tell you that the future of women’s football in Nigeria is endless. It is great.” “This is what we will continue to preach, when you are given so much, you must give back. Oshoala is giving back in a way that is unique, in a way that is empowering, meaningful and unusual. And you will have many girls who will aspire to be like her for what she’s done with football in Africa, in the world, it’s amazing. She has become an asset, not only to Nigeria but Africa”, Falode added.
