Across the board, Nigeria’s female athletes and women’s teams are making waves on the international stage! The Super Falcons and the Nigerian women’s national basketball team have already experienced extraordinary success. Despite their impressive track records, both teams face persistent challenges regarding late or unpaid match bonuses, raising concerns about the treatment of female athletes in the country.
The Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s football team, have made history as one of the most dominant forces in African football. In the women’s game, their dominance extends to an intimidating ten WAFCON titles. In fact, their first seven victories were in the years 1991 to 2006. Under the direction of head coach Justin Madugu, the group once again displayed just how special they were. In doing so, they cemented their positions as continental champions!
On the basketball court, no-nonsense discipline has propelled the Nigerian women’s national team, the D’Naiquir Ladies, to similar success. This dedication has led them to five straight AfroBasket championships, a testament to their talent and drive to win on the court. The play of difference-makers like point guard Promise Amukamara and Ezinne Kalu has been instrumental to their success.
Even with these successes under their belts, both teams continue to struggle with a lack of financial security. The Super Falcons have dealt with the problem of arriving late or unpaid match bonuses for decades now. Games players have told Assembly researchers that raising any issues with how they were treated would risk them being dropped from subsequent picks. As players’ union official Harrison Jalla told us, there are significant risks in taking a stand on these matters.
“Players who lead or dare to protest… always risk not being invited or sidelined outrightly.” – Harrison Jalla
Similar struggles went to the Nigerian women’s national basketball team. According to new reporting, players are often forced to wait weeks or more for basic paychecks after their debut performances. This of course leaves them in limbo about their own financial future. In her piece for us, Solace Chukwu brought attention to the silencing tactics used against athletes who advocate against these injustices.
“If you speak up against what’s going on, you completely lose the possibility of getting what you’re entitled to; you could actually be blacklisted.” – Solace Chukwu
Asisat Oshoala, left, is a six-time African Footballer of the Year. She is a powerful inspiration for future athletes such as 16-year-old Justina Oche from Abuja and proves that the vast untapped prowess of Nigerian women is unparalleled. Oshoala’s success underscores the broader issues concerning player welfare and recognition in women’s sports.
Aisha Falode, an advocate for women’s sports, emphasized the necessity of investing in facilities, leagues, and players to elevate the status of women’s games in Nigeria. She stated, “Invest in the facilities, invest in the leagues and the players, because the women’s game can no longer be taken lightly.”
Nigeria’s population of over 200 million people and its extensive diaspora further underscore the potential for women’s sports to thrive. Our nation’s athletes put on display unparalleled passion, perseverance, and motivation but they need guidance and tools to become the best version of themselves.
