Recently, the leadership of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) has faced intense criticism, fueled by reports that the ongoing 2024/2025 league season—running smoothly before its midseason break—may resume without its current board. Allegedly, the board, just 24 months into its tenure, faces dismissal by the country’s football authorities due to its inability to secure sponsorship for the league.

Box 18 took a retrospective look at the NWFL’s journey since its inception, comparing it with other leagues in the country. The findings raise an important question: How many Nigerian leagues—men’s or women’s—currently have a title sponsor? The timing of these reports was also striking, surfacing on International Women’s Day, a day meant to celebrate and uplift women globally.

The NWFL serves as the foundation of women’s football in Nigeria, offering a platform for female footballers to showcase their skills and compete at the highest levels. Yet, despite its critical role, the league continues to struggle with funding, inadequate infrastructure, and limited media attention. Rather than condemning the NWFL, stakeholders must rally behind it, providing the necessary support and resources to foster its growth.

A Rich History, A Bright Future

Women’s football in Nigeria dates back to the 1960s when the first female teams emerged in Lagos and other regions. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that the sport gained broader recognition, leading to the establishment of the Nigeria Women Football Association (NWFA) in 1991. This body spearheaded the organization of women’s football competitions, including the Nigeria Women’s Cup and the league, which officially took off the same year.

 

Since then, Nigerian women’s teams have made their mark on both continental and international stages:

• Super Falcons (Senior National Team): A record nine-time African Women’s Championship winners and eight-time FIFA Women’s World Cup participants.

• Falconets (U-20 Team): FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finalists twice, with six tournament appearances.

• Flamingos (U-17 Team): Regular FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup participants, including a bronze medal finish.

 

Despite these successes, the NWFL continues to face major challenges:

 

Key Challenges Facing the NWFL

1. Lack of Funding – The NWFL heavily depends on government allocations, which are often inconsistent and inadequate, making long-term planning difficult.

2. Poor Infrastructure – Many stadiums and training facilities used by NWFL clubs are in poor condition, negatively impacting player performance and league standards.

3. Limited Media Coverage – The NWFL struggles to attract widespread media attention, which in turn affects sponsorship opportunities and overall visibility.

4. Low Match Attendance – With poor promotion and inadequate fan engagement, stadium attendance remains low, limiting revenue for clubs and the league.

 

Why the NWFL Deserves Support

 

Women’s football is not just about the game—it’s about empowerment. The NWFL provides young girls and women with opportunities for education, employment, and personal development. A thriving league also contributes to national pride and economic growth.

 

Instead of condemnation, the league needs:

• Increased Funding – Both government and private sector investments are crucial to sustaining and expanding the league.

• Better Infrastructure – Upgraded facilities will enhance the quality of play and attract more fans.

• Improved Media Coverage – Mainstream and digital media must actively promote the NWFL to boost its reach and appeal.

• Enhanced Fan Engagement – Encouraging attendance and community participation will generate more revenue and support for clubs.

 

The Nigeria Women Football League is more than just a competition—it is a symbol of progress, resilience, and opportunity for women in sports. Supporting it means investing in the future of Nigerian football and the empowerment of countless young girls. The NWFL needs backing, not blame. Let’s build, not tear down.