Sports

FIFA Advocates More Investment In Women’s Football In Africa

Published

4 years ago

September 15, 2021

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino has called for more investments in women’s football to ensure greater opportunities for the female, while boosting the game in Africa.

Infantino said this on Wednesday while fielding questions from journalists before the kick-off of the Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Football Tournament in Lagos.

The tournament is scheduled to begin at 4.00 p.m. on Sept. 15 at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

According to the FIFA president, the tournament would help boost the women’s game in the continent.

“I am looking forward to seeing entertainment, to see great football here in Lagos, Nigeria. A greater percentage of the population in Africa are women, so, we hope to see a great game, to expand female football in the continent.

“We need to push and make women football bigger and a revenue-generating venture, and more investment in female football.”

The tournament tagged: ”Playing for Good”, was organised by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Aisha Buhari Foundation (ABF), to drum up support for women and girl-child empowerment for better opportunities.

The weeklong competition is featuring six selected teams from Africa including, Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Black Queens of Ghana, Atlas Lionesses of Morocco, the female Eagles of Mali, Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon and Banyana Banyana of South Africa.

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Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

5 hours ago

June 8, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Association of Nigerian Women in Sports (NAWIS), known for its orderliness since its establishment in 1990, continues to uphold its standards ahead of the upcoming Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) elections.

With members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, NAWIS has consistently operated without external interference.

Over the years, its members have been nominated to various boards of national sports federations after meeting established criteria, including the payment of annual dues.

The association has attracted a strong base of respected sportswomen who have served the country with distinction, both during and after their active careers.

In preparation for the AFN elections, zonal elections were conducted on June 2 and 3, producing representatives for the national exercise.

While NAWIS initially planned to hold its election in Zaria, Kaduna State, the association’s headquarters, it was later rescheduled for Abuja on Monday, June 9, following directives from higher authorities.

Importantly, NAWIS has a set of strict guidelines that govern its electoral process, particularly the requirement for timely payment of annual dues. Failure to meet this condition results in automatic disqualification.

This guideline was the basis for the disqualification of Maria Wophil, who has reportedly not paid her annual dues since 2017. Her attempt to hurriedly settle outstanding debts just before the election was deemed non-compliant with NAWIS regulations.

Who is Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju?

Commonwealth gold medallist Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju is one of the leading contenders for the NAWIS representative position in the AFN.

She made history as the first African woman to run the 400m in under 50 seconds and brought glory to Nigeria by winning a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

Yusuf-Olukoju also claimed gold in the 400m at the 1991 All-Africa Games and silver in the 200m.

Based on nominations and her track record, Yusuf-Olukoju is considered the most qualified candidate. However, three other contenders have also shown interest, and the final decision will be made in the election slated for Monday, June 9, in Abuja.

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