Executive chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honourable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran has advocated better focus on grassroots efforts and youth-centred events towards rebuilding women’s football in Nigeria.
Sports247 reports that, while citing the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Omidiran stressed the need for better investment in grassroots projects and promotion of youth initiatives across the country.
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The former head of female department in Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) aired her view while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FCT Women’s Inter-Area Council Football Tournament, which she described as a very laudable venture.
Omidiran, who is also a former House of Representatives member, further praised initiator of the annual competition, which got underway at Area 3 Sports Complex, Abuja, with a 7-0 win for the defending champions, AMAC Ladies FC, over Gwagwalada FC.
“This is the time for us to rebuild women’s football in Nigeria. We need to go back to the grassroots and invest properly in the development of our girls. We need proper investment and a clear developmental strategy.
“We have to discover these girls early, nurture them and give them the right environment to grow. We must use this moment to rebuild. We cannot continue to rely only on the successes of the past.
“We need to build a system that will continuously produce talents for our national teams and professional clubs. (That’s the major reason why) I am deeply happy seeing these girls play.
“This is exactly where the rebuilding has to start. When you see young girls playing football, developing their confidence and showcasing their talents, you know that the future can be better.
“I want to commend Dr Pat Ayegba for her consistency, her investment and the positive impact she continues to make in the lives of these girls at the grassroots,” Omidiran submitted.
