Nigeria needs to step up in women's football, Falode

Nigeria Football Federation board member Aisha Falode has called on everyone involved in football to keep up with the fast growth of women's football in Africa. She warned that the Super Falcons can no longer depend only on their past successes to stay on top in Africa, The PUNCH reports.

Speaking at the FIFA/NFF Capacity-Building Workshop for Women Football Administrators in Abuja, Falode said that women's football in Africa has changed a lot. Many countries are now putting a lot of money into player development, coaching, administration, and infrastructure.

According to her, Nigeria must change at the same speed as other countries if it wants to stay the leader in African women's football.

"The gap is closing. If we don’t wake up, we will become yesterday’s heroes," Falode warned.

She pointed out that careful planning, more funding, and structured development programs have helped many African countries catch up with Nigeria. This has made every major women's tournament tougher than before.

Falode emphasized that while the Super Falcons are still the most successful team in Africa, past successes alone won't ensure future wins.

"Women’s football is growing globally, and Nigeria must grow with it. We need a coordinated national direction if we want to remain at the top," she said.

The experienced sports administrator urged football authorities, administrators, and other stakeholders to come together for a long-term plan. This plan should focus on grassroots development, better local competitions, and ongoing investment in women's football.

Nigeria is still the most successful nation in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, having won 10 titles. But in recent years, countries like South Africa, Morocco, and Zambia have become serious competitors after investing in their women's football programs.

Falode believes that Nigeria still has the talent, experience, and football skills to stay ahead in Africa. But she insisted that continuous innovation, careful planning, and commitment from all involved will be key to keeping that top spot.