Former Super Falcons assistant coach, Mansur Abdullahi, has urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to establish a national U15 women’s team — a proactive step he says is crucial to maintaining Nigeria’s long-standing dominance in African women’s football.
Abdullahi, who currently serves as the Technical Director at Sokoto United, emphasized that while Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been the gold standard on the continent, the gap between them and their rivals is rapidly shrinking.
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“The Super Falcons have been at the summit of African football for a long time, but they’re being caught up to,” he warned. “Now is the time to act — from the grassroots up.”
He believes the creation of an U15 team would serve as a vital platform to discover and nurture young talent early, providing a clear development pathway into the U17, U20, and eventually, senior national teams.
The call comes at a time of growing concern about the team’s inactivity. The Super Falcons have not played since clinching their spot at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in December, though the NFF maintains that preparation is ongoing. For Abdullahi, however, the challenge is about more than scheduling matches — it’s about building a sustainable future.
He pointed to rising football nations like Morocco, Zambia, and South Africa, who have begun to close the gap with Nigeria thanks to structured youth programs. Without similar grassroots investment, he cautions, Nigeria risks losing its hard-earned place at the top.
“A U15 setup isn’t just a team — it’s a vision,” Abdullahi said. “It’s where scouting starts, and where the future of the Super Falcons is born.”
His comments have sparked renewed discussion within the football community about the importance of youth development. Whether the NFF responds with action remains to be seen, but Abdullahi’s message is clear: to protect Nigeria’s football future, the time to invest is now.
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