The Chairperson of the Female Football Development Committee of the Kwara State Football Association, Ambassador (Hajia) Rukayat Segilola Alaya (rpa) has called on parents and guardians to support and encourage their wards, especially girls, to take up football as a promising and rewarding career.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum on grassroots football in Ilorin, she noted that the growth of women’s football in Nigeria and across the globe has opened vast opportunities for female players, both professionally and academically.
She emphasized that many young girls possess natural talent and passion for the game, but often face discouragement at home due to societal perceptions or the belief that football is a male-dominated sport.
“It is time for us as parents to change our mindset and allow our girls to dream through football. Today, female footballers are not only making names for themselves on the global stage but are also enjoying scholarships, international exposure, and financial independence,” she stated.
The Chairperson, also encouraged young female players to remain dedicated, disciplined, and focused in order to make the most of the opportunities available in the sport.
She assured that the committee would continue to provide platforms for talent discovery and development through grassroots tournaments, mentorship programs, and partnerships with football academies.
“Our society must begin to see football as a career, not a distraction. Parents should support their girls the same way they support their boys. Football can provide scholarships, employment, international exposure, and a bright future,” she said.
Highlighting success stories of Nigerian female footballers plying their trade in Europe, Asia, and America, she said these examples should inspire more girls to see football as a career path that can lead to greatness.
She concluded by urging parents, communities, and schools to work hand in hand in nurturing female talents, stressing that football is no longer just a game, but a global industry that women must fully embrace.
I the same vein, the President of Abruka Queens Football Club of Ilorin, Mr Mohammed Abdulahi, and the Vice President, Ibrahim Yusuf has said that the club is available to register would be girl child, in fulfilling their career through football.
According to the duo, it’s a veritable window of opportunity for the female folks, and that the club is ever ready for championing the platform.
