WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
FIFA website celebrates Nigeria’s Aisha Falode
- Aisha Falode is the immediate pastPresident of the Nigeria Women Football League
- A former journalist, she is passionate about women’s rights in Africa
- Also participated in the Women in Football Leadership Programme
Mercy Akide, Perpetua Nkwocha and Asisat Oshoala are just some of the names writ large in the annals of Nigerian women’s football. Thanks to their dribbling, goals and passes, these legends have helped make Nigeria a force in the women’s game.
And while Aisha Falode is no Super Falcon nor anything like as talented with the ball at her feet, what she has brought to African sport in general and Nigerian football in particular, in terms of ideas, philosophy and inspiration, has been no less valuable.
Beyond her extensive career as a journalist, during which she covered several FIFA World Cups™, the current President of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) has also emerged as one of the most ardent defenders of women’s rights on the Mother Continent.
Understandably, she figured prominently among the 36 participants at the fourth edition of the Women in Football Leadership Programme in Lausanne in March.
“The programme has had a considerable impact on me, because of what I learned – the activities and meetings I was able to take part in, as well as the ideas that have been shared,” she tells FIFA.com. “It’s been both exciting and eye-opening.
Many subjects were addressed in a short time span. Nonetheless, that time was precious considering the experience and knowledge that we were all able to take back to our respective countries.”
Organised annually, this seminar is a learning platform for women leaders in the game who wish to further their education, expand their knowledge and develop a coherent network to promote the integration of women in the world of football.
Nominated by their respective member associations, participants come from all six confederations and hold leadership positions as diverse as general secretary, executive committee member, director or president, a position held by Aisha Falode in the NWFL Premiership.
“I learned a lot from this seminar. It reminded me how each team member has something to contribute to the overall development of a group, as well as the fundamental importance of listening,” she says. “Everyone has their own character, but it’s the sum and combination of all the individual personalities that makes collective work easier and more productive. And it is through everyone adding their own contribution that we feel valued and appreciated. So just participate!”
And the 36 women gathered in Lausanne certainly did that. During an intensive week, they exchanged knowledge, discussed topics and debated in a constructive and enthusiastic atmosphere. “The content of the course gave us no choice but to do so, and that’s a good thing,” Falode adds. “We had team exercises to do, so we had to lean on each other to accomplish those.
“We had to build relationships, share information and trust each other. We left Lausanne feeling like we’d known each other for ten years!”
No stranger to challenges
“We all have diverse points of view on certain topics. But while differences in perspective exist, there’s always common ground as well and an opportunity for learning and education,” Falode continues. “It’s important to be able to tap into each other’s strengths and very reassuring to know we can count on the support of a group of women who struggle with or share the same challenges as us.”
Indeed, challenges are something Falode has had plenty of in her career.
In a country where women’s liberation has been slower than in many others, there have been many challenges and obstacles along the way.
“As a woman, I certainly had to work harder to get even half of what men have on a silver platter,” she insists. “That struggle continues to this day for me, and I have unfortunately discovered through this programme that many of us are in the same situation.”
This fight is nothing new and, while some battles have been won, there is still so much to be done, as evidenced by the latest staging this Women in Football Leadership Programme. “We must never give up,” insists the Nigerian.
“The resilience I’ve shown is probably what I’m most proud of in my career. You have to assert yourself and be really good at what you do.
“I’m convinced that, in the world of business nowadays, it is impossible to lead without the involvement of women. Furthermore, and this is to be welcomed, the football world is the first to recognize this.”
Aisha Falode is herself living proof of this, having been named President of NWFL Premiership in 2017.
In this role, she has expertly maintained the young league’s (created in 1990) high level of excellence and competitiveness, making it a model for the continent.
Nigeria’s standing as the best African team in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking over the last 20 years owes much to the elevated level of its domestic league, where many of its internationals play.
Clubs such as River Angels, the former home of current Barcelona star Asisat Oshoala, and Bayelsa Queens, who finished third in the 2022 CAF Women’s Champions League, are standard bearers of the women’s game in Africa.
“Nigeria has been a pioneer in Africa for women’s football. It took a long time for other countries to understand that there’s real potential for women in the game,” she says.
“The fact remains that our league hasn’t been professional for very long.
“Conscious that there was a cohort of young girls who were interested in the game, we developed a strategy that would involve all of them in the practice of football. This has been the main focus of my mission.”
“We still have work to do, but we’ve made a lot of progress and I’m delighted that football has become more accessible to our young girls,” she concludes, just days before the start of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™, during which Nigeria, thanks to its incredible talent pool, looks destined to shine.
-Fifa.com
Spain striker Esther Gonzalez scored twice in the first half as her side powered to a 5-0 win over Portugal at the Women’s Euros that was overshadowed by the deaths of Portugal international Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car accident earlier on Thursday.
On an emotional night that began with a minute’s silence for the brothers, Portugal went behind almost immediately, Olga Carmona putting the ball over the top for Gonzalez to run on to and score in the second minute.
Mariona Caldentey did superbly to pull the ball across the box for Vicky Lopez to score the second goal five minutes later.
The Portuguese managed to steady the ship but they were rocked again four minutes before the break when Alexia Putellas took down another great pass from Caldentey on her chest before calmly cutting inside and firing home.
“I highlight our mindset, how we came out to play,” Putellas said. “We were really eager to get started but it’s only the first match.”
There was more misery to come for Portugal before halftime as Gonzalez netted her second goal two minutes later, scoring from close range after Claudia Pina’s cross came back off the far post.
The world champions were delighted to be able to bring in Aitana Bonmati from the bench following her recent brush with viral meningitis, and the playmaker wasted no time getting into the thick of things, setting up a chance for Cristina Martin-Prieto.
“Aitana is a very important player for us. We are delighted that she is back and has overcome her illness. It is a joy,” Putellas said.
Portugal showed more composure in the second half but they were no match for Spain’s power, precision and technique and, though they held Spain at bay for most of the second half, Martin-Prieto scored with a superb late header to complete the rout.
“We conceded early goals and the team became anxious and unsettled,” said Portugal forward Diana Silva. “We couldn’t get hold of the ball and then it’s harder to chase the result. We were much better in the second half, more united. We didn’t allow Spain so much space to get in.
“We believe until the end, our goal is to earn points until the end and everything is still up for grabs.”
Silva and her teammates remained on the pitch after the final whistle, posing in front of their fans with a huge black banner in memory of Jota.
Spain’s victory was their biggest in a European Championship, surpassing their 4-1 win over Finland in 2022, and was the ideal start for what the tournament favourites hope will be their first Women’s Euro title.
With Italy having defeated Belgium 1-0 earlier in the evening, Spain top the group with the Italians second. Spain take on the Belgians in their next game, while Portugal face Italy.
-Reuters
The draw for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025 was held on Wednesday in Rabat. It set the tone for a highly anticipated edition of the tournament.
The event will feature competitive groups. There will be a dazzling, historic opening match between the host nation and Brazil.
Hosts Morocco, Cameroon, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Zambia will fly the African flag. This will occur during the 3-week tournament taking place between 17 October – 8 November.
As hosts of this eighth edition, Morocco have not been dealt an easy hand. Drawn into Group A alongside Brazil, Italy, and Costa Rica
The opening match is scheduled to take place in Rabat. It will see Morocco go head-to-head with a Brazilian side renowned for its strength at youth level.
This high-profile fixture will be an important benchmark for Morocco. They can gauge how far they’ve come in their footballing development.
Cameroon to Tackle a Formidable Group B
Group B presents a stern test for Cameroon. They will face North Korea, Mexico, and the Netherlands.
This group showcases a compelling mix of footballing philosophies and playing styles. The Lionesses will need to combine tactical discipline with physical strength to compete effectively.
Cameroon have never advanced beyond the quarterfinals in this competition. Their U-17 side will be hoping to break new ground.
Their recent success on the regional stage, particularly within the UNIFFAC zone, offers a solid foundation for optimism.
Nigeria Aim to Maintain Their Legacy
As one of the most successful African nations at youth level, Nigeria arrive with a proud legacy to uphold.
Drawn into Group D, the Super Flamingos will take on France, Canada, and Samoa. It’s a challenging group, but well within reach for a team known for its athletic prowess and technical quality.
The Nigerian class of 2025 is attracting a lot of attention. With the right momentum, they have the potential to reach the quarterfinals or even further. Their encounter with France could very well be the pivotal fixture of the group.
Debut Challenge for Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire will make their tournament debut in Group E, where they’ll face Spain, Colombia, and South Korea. The Ivorians will need to demonstrate character and determination to compete at this level.
Their match against Spain, the runners-up in the previous edition, will be a formidable test. However, it’s not insurmountable. Should the Little Elephants manage to hold off the Spanish onslaught, an upset could be on the cards. Their attacking line known for its speed and unpredictability could be their biggest asset.
Zambia Ready to Make a Statement in Group F
In Group F, Zambia is set to face Japan, New Zealand, and Paraguay. Though less experienced than their opponents, the U-17 Copper Princesses arrive with a clear goal: to surpass the performance of previous African teams at this stage of the tournament.
It’s a demanding draw, particularly against a Japanese side famed for its collective organisation and fluidity.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Finland women’s national team manager has apologised for mistakenly calling up a long-retired 51-year-old for this week’s game against Serbia.
When submitting the lineup, manager Outi Saarinen mistakenly entered former player Stina Ruuskanen instead of 23-year-old Djurgarden defender Nanne Ruuskanen.
The error was not discovered until past deadline.
Ruuskanen, who received her call-up 29 years after playing two senior internationals for Finland, took the mix-up in good humour.
“I’m definitely ready if the call comes! Just yesterday I was playing in a hobby league match … so my game feel is good,” she told the Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat.
The younger Ruuskanen, who is no relation, was unable to take part in the Nations League match, a 1-1 draw in Helsinki on Tuesday.
“Nanne was, of course, disappointed but took the news very well considering the circumstances,” Saarinen said in a statement from the Finnish Football Association.
“I am very sorry for the mistake.”
-Reuters
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- OBITUARY2 days ago
BREAKING: Nigerian Goalkeeping Legend Peter Rufai is dead
- Nigerian Football2 days ago
Football Agent John Shittu Demands Retraction and ₦250 Million Damages from Samson Siasia Over Bribery Allegation
- WAFCON1 week ago
Super Falcons Land in Morocco, Eye Historic ‘La Decima’ Women’s AFCON Title
- FEDERATION CUP1 week ago
Kwara United Clinch Historic First Title as President Federation Cup Final Goes to Penalties for the 18th time
- FEDERATION CUP1 week ago
Rivers Angels Crowned 2025 Female Federation Cup Champions After Penalty Shootout Thriller
- OBITUARY2 days ago
Peter Rufai looked lean when I last saw him, says mourning NFF President, Gusau
- OBITUARY2 days ago
Family issues statement on Peter Rufai
- IMMEMORIAL1 day ago
Peter Rufai’s Death Adds to Long List of July Tragedies in Nigerian Football