Major football dignitaries converge at SWAN Hall, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos for the 2023 SheFootball Conference, speaking on the various strategies to develop the women’s game from bottom to top in Nigeria.
This year’s conference tagged ‘Women’s Football Development Beyond Limits’ aims at harnessing the power of women in football and so using various means to highlight the positive social impacts the game of football has on women and girls across Nigeria, Africa, and the world.
Convener of the conference and former Super Falcons player, Ayisat Yusuf Aromire emphasized the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has opened the game of football to diverse opportunities.
Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Kunle Soname represented by Mr. Adedoyin Ogungbefun, CEO of Remo Stars FC urged participants to make the right choice in football which will give them a name across Nigeria and globally.
“I believe that participants of this conference in the next two to three years will play professional football. This program aims to see women’s footballers progress with successful careers,” Ogungbefun said.
“This is an opportunity for young players to pick a lifeline. Make a choice that will give you a name in Nigeria and across the world. Make a choice that will give you a good career. We hope this conference serves as a turning for players’ careers.”
Dr. Abiola Akiode-Afolabi who spoke on the topic -‘Advancing Advocacy for Women Empowerment’, said: “There are violence against women in sports. Women’s footballers need to keep their bodies from harassment by coaches, players, and administrators.
"Education is important as the foundation of everything. Information is also important. Football is a way of improving your well-being. It helps to develop social skills. It builds the spirit of sportsmanship. It also enhances discipline. Build a spirit of leadership in players. It helps with coordination.”
UEFA A-License coach, Ms. Christiana Osodi, who presented a paper on ‘Exploring the Potentials of Women’s Football in Modern Age’, said: “Football goes beyond just playing. There are other people that promote Football. Game, family, and function (3F). Players must know their values. Technology and media are key areas in sports.
“Your voice needs to be heard by reading. Creativity is key to women’s footballers. Your DNA is unique to you. You must search for yourself to get your uniqueness. Learn who you are as an individual to be able to know your path.”
As part of the conference, eight teams on Saturday will for honour in the first edition of the She Football Initiative Tournament, a vain child of Ayisat Yusuf-Aromire Foundation which was won by Lakeside Football Club on January 7, 2023, at Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria.
-Nigeria football