We must return to the grassroots to rebuild women’s football — Omidiran

By Jude Opara

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called for a total concentration on the grassroots for the rebuilding of women’s football in Nigeria.

Omidiran, a former board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) who was reacting to the disappointing failure of the Super Falcons to qualify for Brazil 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup said the nation’s female football needs a complete overhaulling.

She made the call on Friday at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FCT FA Women’s Inter-Area Council Football Tournament at the Area 3 Sports Complex, Abuja, where defending champions AMAC defeated Gwagwalada 7-0 in the one-sided opening fixture.

The former proprietor of Omidiran Babes Football Club said the shocking failure of the 10 times African champions to secure a place at the next Women’s World Cup should serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders to reassess the country’s women’s football development structure and return to the basics.

“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,” Omidiran said.

According to the FCC boss, the rebuilding requires holistic interventions with the need for a coordinated developmental strategy that identifies talents early and provides them with quality coaching, facilities, competitions and clear footprints to build a strong p
football career.

However, she also appealed to Nigerians to remain calm while the relevant stakeholders and football authorities deliberate on the way forward for women’s football.

“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,” she said.

“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,” she continued.

“We must use this moment to rebuild. We cannot continue to rely only on the successes of the past. We need to build a system that will continuously produce talents for our national teams and professional clubs,” Omidiran stated.

On the FCT Women’s Inter-Area Council Tournament, Omidiran expressed deep joy at seeing young girls actively participating in grassroots competitive, describing such platforms as critical to the future of the game.

“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,” she said.