Nigeria must return to grassroots to rebuild women’s football — Omidiran

Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), has called for a significant overhaul of women's football in Nigeria, emphasizing a return to grassroots development. Her appeal comes in the wake of the Super Falcons' unexpected failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, ending Nigeria's streak of appearances in every edition since the tournament's inception in 1991.

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This is the time for us to rebuild women’s football in Nigeria. We need to go back to the grassroots and invest properly in the development of our girls.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FCT FA Women’s Inter-Area Council Football Tournament in Abuja, Ms. Omidiran stressed that this setback should serve as a catalyst for stakeholders to re-evaluate the current development system. "This is the time for us to rebuild women’s football in Nigeria. We need to go back to the grassroots and invest properly in the development of our girls," she stated.

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We need proper investment and a clear developmental strategy. We have to start from the grassroots, discover these girls early, nurture them and give them the right environment to grow.

Omidiran advocated for a comprehensive and coordinated development strategy. This plan, she explained, should focus on identifying talented young girls early, providing them with quality coaching and facilities, ensuring regular competitions, and establishing clear pathways to professional football. She urged Nigerians to remain patient as authorities discuss and formulate the necessary steps to revitalize the women's game.

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I want to appeal to Nigerians to remain calm. The authorities are discussing and looking at the necessary steps that need to be taken to rebuild our women’s football ecosystem.

"We need proper investment and a clear developmental strategy. We have to start from the grassroots, discover these girls early, nurture them and give them the right environment to grow," Ms. Omidiran continued. She also expressed her delight at witnessing young girls compete in the FCT tournament, highlighting such grassroots competitions as crucial for the future of women's football. "I am deeply happy seeing these girls here today. This is exactly where the rebuilding has to start," she remarked.

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I am deeply happy seeing these girls here today. This is exactly where the rebuilding has to start. When you see young girls playing football, developing their confidence and showcasing their talents, you know that the future can be better.