NFF Supports Women's Capacity-Building Initiatives

On July 17, 2026, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi MON, the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), officially opened a FIFA capacity-building workshop for women football administrators in Abuja. He assured attendees that the current NFF administration remains committed to supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing the capacity of women in football and advocating for the empowerment of the girl-child.

During the opening ceremony, Sanusi delivered a goodwill message from the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau MON, encouraging participants to focus on the lessons provided at the workshop and to apply them effectively in the world of football. He emphasized that women’s empowerment and elevation are key priorities for the NFF leadership.

Sanusi expressed gratitude towards the FIFA representatives and other facilitators, including his mentor, Professor Mariam Suleiman from Ahmadu Bello University, and NFF Executive Committee member, Ms. Aisha Falode. He conveyed optimism regarding the impact that the presence of such experts would have on improving the capacities of women football administrators.

The General Secretary characterized the workshop as both timely and significant, reiterating the Federation's dedication to supporting programs directed at the development of women within football administration.

“Impact will be assessed based on how participants implement what they learn over the three-day workshop,” he stated. "It is critical that you translate your learning into tangible outcomes in society and leadership roles in administration."

Sanusi highlighted past women’s programs facilitated by NFF, including the CAF D Coaching Course and the CAF C-License course exclusively for women, as well as the recent WAFU B Women Administrators’ program.

Facilitated by FIFA, the workshop aims to provide women administrators with modern governance tools, competition management techniques, marketing strategies, and methods for advancing women's football in Nigeria. It reflects FIFA’s commitment to bolstering the expertise of Member Associations in fostering women’s football at various levels.

Among those present at the workshop were NFF Director of Media and Communications, Dr. Ademola Olajire; Director of Competitions, Ms. Ruth David, who coordinated the event; and Alhaji Salisu Abubakar, Deputy Head of Member Associations. Resource persons included FIFA Women’s Technical Experts Thubaelihle Sibanda and Candy Setlhoko, alongside local experts such as Ms. Ayishat Falode, Professor Mariam Suleiman, Dr. Anthonia Uwa, and Mr. Mohammed Ameenu. Participants comprised representatives from the Nigeria Women Premier League, State Football Associations from Nasarawa, Lagos, and Yobe, Dr. Maryam Nasko from the National Institute for Sports, and 15 NFF staff members.