Former Super Falcons international and Heartland Queens assistant coach Stella Mbachu has questioned the decision of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) to place the domestic league on hold due to the Falconets’ FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying matches.
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Reacting to the development, Mbachu argued that suspending the league because of a handful of players called up to the national U-20 team is unnecessary and counterproductive to the growth of women’s football in the country.
“I honestly don’t see the reason for stopping the league,” Mbachu said. “If four or five players are invited to the Falconets, that should not be enough to pause the entire competition.”
The former winger pointed out that clubs are allowed to register sizeable squads specifically to manage situations where players are unavailable due to national team duties, injuries or suspensions. According to her, effective squad management should allow the league to continue seamlessly.
“That is why teams have large squads,” she explained. “Players go for national duty, and when they return, they slot back in. This is how it works in most footballing countries.”
Mbachu stressed that frequent interruptions to the NWFL calendar hinder players’ development, disrupt team momentum and reduce match sharpness, especially for footballers who are not involved in national team activities.
“When you keep stopping the league, players lose rhythm,” she added. “Those who are not invited suffer the most because they are left without competitive games.”
She further referenced global best practices, noting that leagues across Europe and other parts of Africa often continue even when national teams are in action, with clubs releasing players as required by FIFA regulations.
“Elsewhere, leagues don’t stop for youth national team matches,” Mbachu said. “Players are released, they play their games, and then come back to their clubs.”
While acknowledging the importance of the Falconets’ World Cup qualification campaign, Mbachu maintained that domestic football should not be sacrificed in the process. She emphasized that a strong, consistent league is essential for producing competitive national teams at all levels.
“If we want our national teams to succeed, the league must be active and competitive,” she concluded. “Stopping the NWFL regularly does more harm than good.”
Her comments add to ongoing debates about scheduling, player welfare and long-term planning in Nigeria’s women’s football structure.
