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Emmanuel Osahon, the proprietor of Robo Queens, has voiced his concerns over the state of women’s football in Nigeria, especially in light of the progress made by other African nations like Egypt.
Egypt’s female team, FC Masar defeated Nigeria’s Edo Queens to claim the third place medal in the recently concluded CAF Women’s Champions League.
Speaking about the challenges faced by home-based players with Brila.net, Osahon pointed out that while Nigeria has historically been a powerhouse in African women’s football, there is a growing struggle to maintain its dominance.
He cited that despite the talent in the country, there is a stark gap between Nigeria and its competitors, such as Egypt.
“When Nigeria was winning this team back-to-back, it all comprises of mostly home-based players,” Osahon said.
“What is happening in Africa, they are struggling to be among the top four. Egypt, they are struggling to beat Egypt.”
Osahon also criticized the lack of development for local players, referencing Egypt’s football scene and how we are struggling to defeat them.
“They are still wearing Buba and Shokoto to play and we are struggling to beat them. Don’t you think there’s a problem?” he questioned, hinting at the deep-rooted issues within Nigerian football.
Emmanuel Osahon also called for more support and patience with the current leadership of the sport, urging technocrats within the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to offer constructive advice to improve the state of women’s football in the country.
He urged the NFF to give current administrators more time to execute their vision and do their jobs.
“The man (Super Falcons head coach, Justin Madugu), is helping our market, as in we for home-based yet, tries to invite us,” Osahon noted, referring to the limited support given to local players.
“So, let us give him enough chance, at least make him do his job, at least to some extent.”
“There are so many people that are in that NFF or whatever, that are technocrats. We should be advising him. It’s his team to advise.”
Osahon hints at the possible future of Nigerian women’s football and the need for better support, both on and off the field, to keep pace with rising competition on the continent.
