International Women’s Day: Nigerian Women course for greater inclusivity in Sports

In a small football field in Lagos, Amaka, a talented 17-year-old, outshines the boys in a street match. She dreams of playing for the Super Falcons one day, but her parents believe “sports are for men.” Meanwhile, Zainab, a sprinter from Kano, struggles to find a training facility that welcomes women. Across Nigeria, countless talented female athletes face similar challenges, limited support, cultural biases, and systemic neglect.

Despite Nigeria’s dominance in women’s football, athletics, and basketball, female still face an uphill battle for recognition, resources, and opportunities as compared to their male counterparts. The conversation around gender inclusivity in Nigerian sports has never been more urgent. In celebration of the international women’s day, this piece is set to explore why should women have greater representation in sports, what challenges hinder their participation, and what solutions can help bridge the seemingly endless gap?

Why Nigerian Women deserve greater inclusivity in Sports

From the Super Falcons’ multiple African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) titles to Tobi Amusan’s world record in the 100m hurdles, Nigerian women have consistently excelled on the global stage. Their achievements highlight their capabilities, yet societal barriers still limit their progress compared to their male counterparts. Sports are not just about competition; they create employment and financial independence. Women in sports can earn a livelihood through sponsorships, endorsements, and professional contracts. Greater inclusivity would open doors for more Nigerian women to build successful careers in the industry.

Encouraging women in sports promotes physical and mental well-being. Participation in sports helps build confidence, discipline, and leadership skills, empowering young girls to break societal stereotypes and pursue their ambitions fearlessly. When young girls see women succeeding in sports, they are inspired to follow suit. More female athletes mean more role models, which can encourage the next generation to believe that sports are not exclusive to men.

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Challenges hindering Women’s inclusion in Nigerian Sports

To begin a discourse on the challenges that has affected Nigerian women greater inclusivity in sports, we must first understand the parochial and patriarchal nature that exists in several societies across the country. Traditional gender roles in Nigeria often discourage women from pursuing sports. Many families prioritize marriage and education over athletics, fearing that sports are “too masculine” or that they do not align with societal expectations for women.

In addition to the women stigmatization in sports due to existing societal norms that remains predominant in the country, women’s sports in Nigeria receive significantly less funding than men’s sports. Clubs, leagues, and tournaments for women lack adequate sponsorship, media coverage, and financial backing, limiting their growth and visibility. Many, when interviewed about the situation of women’s sports in Nigeria, they often claim it to be “boring” others viewed it with visible disgust and disdain “imagine watching a female football match in Nigeria, isn’t that joblessness or something for losers.”

Speaking more on challenges in women greater inclusivity and attention in sports. Most training facilities cater primarily to men. Female athletes often struggle to find quality facilities where they can train without discrimination or inadequate resources. Moreover, Female athletes in Nigeria earn far less than their male counterparts. Even within the national teams, disparities in bonuses, contracts, and training conditions are common, making it difficult for women to sustain themselves professionally.

We have seen numerous cases of women who are into sports frequently face sexual harassment and gender discrimination, but chief amongst them is the lack of institutional support to address these issues. Many talented athletes abandon their sport careers due to unsafe or unwelcoming environments.

Solutions for greater Women’s Inclusivity in Sports

It is not just enough to criticize or better still lament about the neglect of women in sports. However, what paths should be created to reduce the challenges that have put women inclusivity in sports at an abyssal zone. What solutions should both the Nigerian government and its citizens take to bring a greater inclusivity of women in sports. The Nigerian government and sports federations must enforce policies that ensure equal opportunities, wages, and facilities that suit and are more appropriate for female athletes. More investment in grassroots programs can also help identify and develop young talent.

As discussed above, the situation requires a multiple approach that calls for all hands to be in deck. Corporate sponsorship for women’s sports needs to grow. Media houses should also prioritize covering women’s leagues and competitions to boost their visibility and attract more investors. Moreover, educating communities on the benefits of women’s participation in sports can help change the prevalent societal perceptions. Parents should be encouraged to support their daughters’ sporting ambitions. Not just parents alone but the older members of the society.

I seriously do not want to sound like a feminist preacher or advocate but to bring a massive spotlight on women’s sports inclusivity, more female coaches and leadership in sports is a dimension that needs to be explored. Having women in leadership roles as coaches, referees, sports administrators, can create a more inclusive environment for female athletes and ensure they have mentors who understand their struggles.

Furthermore, addressing safety and harassment issues. I will have to say with regret that the Nigerian society has done so little in addressing the issues of sexual harassment, victimization and discrimination against female sports professionals. Strict policies against harassment and discrimination should be implemented in all sports institutions, those who are found guilty of perpetuating stereotypes that discriminates female athletes should be shown the tune and dance steps of justice. Safe spaces where female athletes can train and compete without fear of exploitation must be prioritized.

Conclusion

Without doubt, Nigeria has some of the most talented female athletes in the world, with the likes of Blessing Okagbare, Tobi Amusan, Rashidat Ajibade, and Chiamaka Nnadozie, yet their journey remains tougher than it should be. By breaking down societal barriers, increasing investment, and ensuring gender equality in sports, Nigeria can create an environment where women thrive just as much as men.

The call for greater inclusivity of Nigerian women in sports is not just about fairness, it is about unlocking Nigeria’s full potential in global sports. If given equal opportunities, there’s no telling how many more women will rise to dominate the world stage.