Seyi Akinwunmi backs Nigeria to break FIFA Women’s World Cup title jinx

Former NFF Vice President of Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi has talked up Nigeria’s chances in winning the Women’s World Cup with rapid development the sector has enjoyed in recent times.

Akinwunmi stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the maiden Sheroes Award organized by Ratels Sports Development Foundation, RSDF to honor some selected individuals and organizations that have contributed to the growth of women’s football in Nigeria.

The Chairman of Lagos State Football Association told the audience at the award that if the right things like funding, talent identification and nurturing are done with sincere purpose, the Super Falcons and other age grade women’s national teams will compete and win the coveted world cup anytime soon.

“I still hold a strong believe that we (Nigeria) can win the World Cup if we take advantage of what we have, and I believe we are heading there.

“We only need to maintain and improve on the developmental pattern for women’s football and must do that with sincere mindset.

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“Women’s football is next big thing, we have just made history with our recent success in India. I am particularly proud for many reasons. For us to understand where we going, we need to understand where we coming from.

“The Women’s Super League in UK started in 2010. Today we have players there who earn huge moneys.

“We had 11 million people watching the Women’s World Cup finals. Five years ago, the highest attendance in women’s football was 3000. We recently had over 60000 that saw Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid,” he said.

Asked what other can areas required to make women’s football in Nigeria become more admirable, Barrister Akinwunmi said the packaging and branding will attract more sponsors.

“Women’s Football is the next big thing. Agencies have started taking special interest in the game.

“Many companies want to invest in women’s football. They are coming to Nigeria. These organisations are ready to pump money in the women’s game.

The award ceremony tagged “This is our moment – African Women Breaking Limits” was part of events lined up for the 2022 Sheroes Cup Preseason Tournament where eight teams from NWFL are already competing for honors and glories.