“The next big thing in Nigeria is women’s football” – Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi

The former Vice President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Barrister Sheyi Akinwunmi says the next big thing in Nigeria football is women’s football.

The legal luminary and football administrator while speaking with pressmen after the 2022 Sheroes Award this week in Abuja stressed that there are opportunities in women’s football.

“There are people behind the scenes who recognise that the next big thing in Nigerian football is women’s football and this is the message we should try and pass around so that people can come in and see the opportunities to grow,” Barrister Sheyi Akinwunmi told pressmen.

“I have seen further hope for the development of football and in particular women’s football in Nigeria. This will encourage footballers and coaches as well as backroom staff alongside people who would invest in women’s football.”

The Chairman of Lagos State Football Association opined that the 2022 Sheroes Cup is coming at a great time after the exploits of the Flamingos at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India.

He said: “Thank God this award is coming at a back of a very good performance in India. It was only by a kick that we did not get to the final. We are proud that the U-17 girls have done well at the World Cup and also proud of Ratels Sports Development Foundation for what they are doing.”

13 personalities were rewarded with Sheroes Award this week for their immense achievement and contribution to the game of football and sports in Nigeria.

Ruqayyah Adeboye (Humanitarian Award), Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe (Visionary Leader Award), Ayisat Yusuf-Aromire (Girl Child Advocate Award), Lagos State Football Association (Most Outstanding Women’s Football Development FA Award), Orisakwe Nelly (Grassroots Coach of the year).

Others include Emmanuel Osahon (Women’s Football Talent Developer award), Monday Gift (Women’s Football Rising Star), Asisat Oshoala (African Footballer), Bankole Olowookere (Sports icon award), Late Alhaji Tewogbade Oyewole (Women’s Football Pioneer), Rt. Hon. Margret Icheen (Life Time Achievement) Betsy Obaseki (Trailblazer Award), and Tobi Amusan (Woman of the year award) all smiled home with accolades at the 2022 Sheroes Award.