In a significant stride towards enhancing women’s football in Nigeria, the Spanish La Liga has intensified its collaboration with the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL).
The move aims to propel female football in the nation to new heights, fostering growth and development.
At a recent event, the La Liga Global Network Delegate for Ghana and Nigeria, Desmond Chiji, unveiled their plans for an extended partnership with the NWFL, underscoring a shared commitment to fortify women’s football in Nigeria.
The event, titled the #FIFAWWC final ‘WATCH PARTY,’ co-hosted by La Liga and NWFL in Lagos, epitomized their efforts to engage the corporate sector in nurturing the Nigeria women’s league.
Chiji emphasized La Liga’s ongoing initiatives like the He-She program, sisterhood, and women’s empowerment. These initiatives, he mentioned, will be closely coordinated with the NWFL to realize the full potential of women’s football in Nigeria.
Highlighting the economic significance of female football, Chiji asserted that the sport itself constitutes an economy.
He stressed that football has transformed into a thriving business and outlined the need for consistent efforts and innovative strategies to amplify the economic landscape surrounding women’s football in Nigeria.
Chiji expressed a fervent desire for Nigerian parents and aspiring female footballers to recognize the viable career path within the sport. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, underlining the necessity for sustained dedication and comprehensive endeavors to nurture and elevate women’s football across the nation.
The La Liga representative extended a heartfelt plea to Nigerian parents to endorse their daughters’ aspirations to pursue football professionally.
He conveyed the message that, akin to their male counterparts, Nigerian women can forge successful careers in football, amassing not only accolades but also financial stability to support their families.
Drawing parallels to their experience in Spain, Chiji acknowledged initial reservations when launching similar initiatives. However, Spain’s triumph in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand underscored the success of their approach.
In alignment with their commitment, La Liga, in conjunction with the NWFL and EA Sports, is establishing an international women’s team.
Comprising players from diverse backgrounds, languages, and nations, this team will include two Nigerian players selected in collaboration with the NWFL.
These talented athletes will be granted scholarships to live, train, compete, and work in Spain, enriching their football careers with invaluable experiences.
The intensified partnership between La Liga and NWFL symbolizes a determined effort to revolutionize women’s football in Nigeria.
The collaborative initiatives, scholarship program, and strategic vision collectively affirm the commitment to cultivate a robust environment for aspiring female footballers, where talent flourishes and the game prospers.
