Ayodele Adenike, the team manager of Dannaz Ladies, expressed her satisfaction with the NWFL draws and her confidence in her team’s performance in the upcoming tournament.
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During the draw, she had the privilege of picking her team’s name, placing Dannaz Ladies in Group A, alongside formidable opponents like Nassarawa Amazons, Heartland Queens, Confluence Queens, Adamawa Queens, Naija Ratels, Royal Queens, and Abia Angels.
Adenike was clearly delighted, stating, “I am very satisfied because I was even surprised that I am the one that picked the name of my team by myself in that group. And when you see that group, I know that my girls can do better, and I am very happy to be in that group,” she shared with Sport 247.
Regarding her expectations for the league, given the strong teams they are up against, she said, “Seeing the teams we are going to play in the league, I know it is not going to be easy because we are first-timers, but I know with the work of my players and what they have put in for this league, I know they would do well in that group. I believe in them.”
Adenike also emphasized the changes they’ve implemented since their promotion, stating, “Since we got this promotion, there are so many things we have been doing differently from what we have been doing before, and which I know is helping them and I know it is still going to help them achieve their aim in this upcoming league tournament. The training they are getting now is different from before.”
Addressing the recognition of female football in Nigeria, particularly as Nigeria celebrates its 63rd year, she noted the positive change, saying, “Before, they didn’t recognize female football. The thought is that a female who plays football does not have any good thing to do. But now, things are different. Even with the new members we have in the NWFL, I know that we can move forward in female football in Nigeria.”
Finally, she had encouraging words for females interested in venturing into football: “Football is a talent, and it is money now. So, if you know you have the talent, not only in football but in sports generally, just try to develop it. Don’t bury your talent because there is a lot to be gained by females going into sports now.”
