Sanusi Commends FIFA Experts as Women's Workshop Concludes

The three-day FIFA capacity-building workshop for women football administrators in Nigeria concluded on July 19, 2026, in Abuja. Dr. Mohammed Sanusi MON, the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), commended participants and facilitators for their commitment to the growth of women's football.

Speaking during the closing session, Dr. Sanusi emphasized that the workshop was a deliberate initiative by the NFF, in collaboration with FIFA, aimed at equipping women with the necessary tools to navigate football administration across all levels. He highlighted that empowering women in football governance is a central objective of the Federation’s development agenda, expressing congratulations to the participants and appreciation for the resource persons' contributions.

"I want to sincerely congratulate every participant here today for your dedication and willingness to learn," he stated. "I also appreciate our resource persons from FIFA for the knowledge and expertise you have shared with us. This program is not just about certificates; it is about what you will do with what you have learnt to grow women’s football in Nigeria. The NFF will continue to support initiatives that build capacity and create opportunities for women in football.”

Dr. Sanusi assured that the Federation would monitor the implementation of the lessons learned and provide additional platforms for women to assume leadership roles within the football ecosystem. He expressed optimism that the workshop would yield a new generation of administrators who will help reposition women’s football in Nigeria for greater success on and off the pitch.

The workshop covered various key areas, including football governance, competition management, marketing, safeguarding, and leadership. Participants included representatives from the Nigeria Women Football League, NFF staff, and other football stakeholders, who engaged in hands-on sessions led by FIFA women’s football technical experts Thubaelihle Sibanda and Tsholofelo Setlhoko. Other notable contributors included Ms. Aisha Falode, Professor Mariam Suleiman, Dr. Anthonia Uwa, and Mr. Mohammed Ammenu, among others.

NFF’s Director of Competitions, Ms. Ruth David, coordinated the workshop. The closing ceremony also saw the attendance of NFF’s Director of Media and Communications, Dr. Ademola Olajire; Alhaji Salisu Abubakar (Deputy Head of Member Association); and Alhaji Gandi Bala (a club owner).