NWFL: Obi launches 'Women's Football Rising' to tackle development issues in Nigeria
Nigeria Women's Football League (NWFL) President Nkechi Obi has unveiled strategic plans to lead the women's league.
Ms Obi, who took charge of the NWFL in July, held her first press conference with reporters in Abuja, titled 'Women's Football on the Rise'. This is to address the development challenges facing the women's league, which is expected to begin in October.
Ms Obi said the platform was first showcased by her team at the 2023 Women's World Cup watch party on August 20. The aim is to track growth, improve business value and create sustainable grassroots development for players across more than 150 clubs nationwide.
Speaking against the backdrop of the just-concluded FIFA Women's World Cup, where Nigeria, Morocco and South Africa qualified for the knockout stage, Obi gave his perspective on how women's football is becoming a hot commodity.
"We are all witnessing the rise of women's football worldwide, with growing numbers of corporate sponsors, viewership and match attendance.
“It is now one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and its potential for global growth is regularly discussed. The 2023 Women's World Cup was a global phenomenon, capturing the hearts of over 2 billion viewers worldwide.
"Australia's stadiums witnessed a show of passion and skill, with over 30,000 fans cheering for their favorite national teams at every game.
"This demonstrates the undeniable growth of women's football and a solid foundation on which to rely," underlined Obi.
From a professional football perspective, women's club football has also done remarkably well, with FC Barcelona setting the attendance record for women's football in April 2022 with over 91,000 fans at Camp Nou.< /p>
International transfer fees in professional women's soccer reached a record $3.3 million in 2022, more than the combined transfer figures of 2021 and 2022.”
Stating her plans, the NWFL president said the new top-tier division will see 16 teams compete, up from 14 in the past.
Growth of women's footballFurthermore, Ms. Obi also added that the recent growth of women's football will end the knowledge gap in this area.
"The rapid expansion of women's football globally and in Africa offers an opportunity to address the lack of capacity of women's football clubs, shortage of volunteers, poor access to quality facilities and to the gaps in the careers of players in Nigeria.
“Businessmen can create new clubs or join existing clubs to intentionally promote a common approach of all stakeholders, with the player at the heart of the plan. This will encourage young schoolgirls to join clubs and provide them with an uninterrupted path to achieving their aspirations. »
Grassroots developmentShe further added that there must be a need to create a viable opportunity to enable the development of women's football from the grassroots, with particular attention to club development programmes.
With the establishment of several programs, Ms. Obi pointed out that there will be development programs called “throwing courses” put in place for players, coaches, referees, media officers of the clubs , as well as capacity development training in governance, management and administration for clubs. administrators.
“Our players continue to ignite a spark of inspiration that has reverberated to every corner of our country. From the grassroots to the pinnacle of the sport, their national team and professional club triumphs have energized a community of over 5,000 players, coaches and officials in the Nigeria Women's Football League.
Nigeria Women's Football League (NWFL) President Nkechi Obi has unveiled strategic plans to lead the women's league.
Ms Obi, who took charge of the NWFL in July, held her first press conference with reporters in Abuja, titled 'Women's Football on the Rise'. This is to address the development challenges facing the women's league, which is expected to begin in October.
Ms Obi said the platform was first showcased by her team at the 2023 Women's World Cup watch party on August 20. The aim is to track growth, improve business value and create sustainable grassroots development for players across more than 150 clubs nationwide.
Speaking against the backdrop of the just-concluded FIFA Women's World Cup, where Nigeria, Morocco and South Africa qualified for the knockout stage, Obi gave his perspective on how women's football is becoming a hot commodity.
"We are all witnessing the rise of women's football worldwide, with growing numbers of corporate sponsors, viewership and match attendance.
“It is now one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and its potential for global growth is regularly discussed. The 2023 Women's World Cup was a global phenomenon, capturing the hearts of over 2 billion viewers worldwide.
"Australia's stadiums witnessed a show of passion and skill, with over 30,000 fans cheering for their favorite national teams at every game.
"This demonstrates the undeniable growth of women's football and a solid foundation on which to rely," underlined Obi.
From a professional football perspective, women's club football has also done remarkably well, with FC Barcelona setting the attendance record for women's football in April 2022 with over 91,000 fans at Camp Nou.< /p>
International transfer fees in professional women's soccer reached a record $3.3 million in 2022, more than the combined transfer figures of 2021 and 2022.”
Stating her plans, the NWFL president said the new top-tier division will see 16 teams compete, up from 14 in the past.
Growth of women's footballFurthermore, Ms. Obi also added that the recent growth of women's football will end the knowledge gap in this area.
"The rapid expansion of women's football globally and in Africa offers an opportunity to address the lack of capacity of women's football clubs, shortage of volunteers, poor access to quality facilities and to the gaps in the careers of players in Nigeria.
“Businessmen can create new clubs or join existing clubs to intentionally promote a common approach of all stakeholders, with the player at the heart of the plan. This will encourage young schoolgirls to join clubs and provide them with an uninterrupted path to achieving their aspirations. »
Grassroots developmentShe further added that there must be a need to create a viable opportunity to enable the development of women's football from the grassroots, with particular attention to club development programmes.
With the establishment of several programs, Ms. Obi pointed out that there will be development programs called “throwing courses” put in place for players, coaches, referees, media officers of the clubs , as well as capacity development training in governance, management and administration for clubs. administrators.
“Our players continue to ignite a spark of inspiration that has reverberated to every corner of our country. From the grassroots to the pinnacle of the sport, their national team and professional club triumphs have energized a community of over 5,000 players, coaches and officials in the Nigeria Women's Football League.
What's Your Reaction?
