Omidiran: Grassroots Development Key To Reviving Nigeria’s Women’s Football

Omidiran: Grassroots Development Key To Reviving Nigeria’s Women’s Football

By Our Reporter 

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called for a comprehensive rebuilding of women’s football in Nigeria, with greater emphasis on grassroots development, following the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Omidiran made the call on Friday during the opening ceremony of the 2026 FCT FA Women’s Inter-Area Council Football Tournament at the Area 3 Sports Complex in Abuja.

The opening fixture saw defending champions AMAC begin their title defence in emphatic fashion, thrashing Gwagwalada 7-0.

Speaking against the backdrop of Nigeria’s failure to secure a place at the next Women’s World Cup, Omidiran described the setback as a wake-up call for football authorities and stakeholders to reassess the country’s women’s football development system.

“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,” she said.

The former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Executive Committee member stressed that rebuilding the women’s game would require more than temporary interventions, advocating a coordinated long-term strategy for identifying, nurturing and developing young talents.

According to her, young players must be given access to quality coaching, adequate facilities, regular competitions and clearly defined pathways into professional football and the national teams.

“We need proper investment and a clear developmental strategy. We have to start from the grassroots, discover these girls early, nurture them and give them the right environment to grow,” Omidiran said.

She also appealed to Nigerians to remain patient as football authorities and other stakeholders consider measures to address the challenges confronting the women’s game.

“I want to appeal to Nigerians to remain calm. The authorities are discussing and looking at the necessary steps that need to be taken to rebuild our women’s football ecosystem,” she added.

Omidiran warned against relying solely on Nigeria’s historical successes, insisting that a sustainable development structure was needed to continuously produce talents for the national teams and professional clubs.

“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,” she said.

Omidiran Commends FCT Grassroots Initiative

The FCC chairman also expressed delight at the participation of young girls in the FCT Inter-Area Council tournament, describing grassroots competitions as essential platforms for developing the next generation of female footballers.

“I am deeply happy seeing these girls here today. 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,” she said.

Omidiran, who served twice as chairman of the NFF Women’s Football Committee, commended FCT FA board member Dr Pat Ajuma Ayegba, the initiator of the Inter-Area Council competition, for her sustained commitment and investment in grassroots women’s football.

She said Ayegba’s initiative was consistent with her own efforts to use sport as a tool for empowering girls and young women, particularly through the Girls Play Sports Initiative launched in 2024.

“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 said.

“You cannot develop women’s football without investing in the girl child. We need more people who are willing to put their resources, time and energy into creating opportunities for these young girls,” she added.

Omidiran noted that the Girls Play Sports Initiative had provided opportunities for young female footballers across the country, with 64 teams participating across different regions and zones in its 2024 edition before the final was held in Abuja.

The 2026 FCT FA Women’s Inter-Area Council Tournament runs from August 21 to September 5, with all six FCT Area Councils participating.

AMAC, Bwari and Gwagwalada are drawn in Group A, while Abaji, Kuje and Kwali make up Group B.