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Women\u2019s football and FIFA’s (www.FIFA.com) desire to see more African teams qualify for the ninth edition of the FIFA Women\u2019s World Cup\u2122 in 2023 were the focus of a working visit by a FIFA delegation to Nigeria. Led by FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura and including FIFA\u2019s Chief Women\u2019s Football Officer Sarai Bareman, the delegation attended the inaugural Aisha Buhari Cup, a women\u2019s football tournament featuring six African National teams, in Lagos, Nigeria. The Aisha Buhari Cup was conceived by the First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency Dr. Ms. Aisha Buhari, and aims to highlight the theme of \u2018playing for good\u2019 while also inspiring and empowering the women who compete in it, and the multitude who follow it on social media and television.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The delegation was joined at the competition by FIFA Council member Isha Johansen and CAF Vice President Kanizat Ibrahim. To simultaneously show support for the teams competing, and to underline the shared belief among senior female leaders in football that women’s teams in Africa must now focus on capacity building and develop pathways towards senior national teams. The presence of the FIFA delegation followed the attendance of the FIFA and CAF Presidents for its opening. Discussions were also held with the tournament organizers, the Nigerian Football Association and its President and FIFA Council member Amaju Pinnick on the future of the female game in Nigeria, and strategies that could be put in place to see the Super Falcons qualify in 2023. It also provided an opportunity for discussions between FIFA\u2019s Chief Women\u2019s Football Officer Sarai Bareman and Member of the NFF Executive Committee, Aisha Falode on how FIFA can best support the federation.<\/p>\n
The FIFA delegation also attended the annual NFF Awards during their mission to Lagos and were delighted to see women\u2019s football not only in the spotlight at the event but feted with great enthusiasm. Speaking at the conclusion of the mission, FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said: \u201cNigeria is a country full of passion and I\u2019m so pleased to see this passion being channelled into women\u2019s football. The Aisha Buhari Cup is extremely important, as it allowed African teams the chance to have more competitive experience. “The more we expand the opportunities for our girls to gain experience though tournaments on a continental level, the greater the chances of seeing more African teams qualify to the expanded FIFA Women\u2019s World Cup.\u201d FIFA\u2019s Chief Women\u2019s Football Officer Sarai Bareman added: \u201cThe skill and natural talent in African women\u2019s football is simply outstanding and this tournament has provided a great window to view this. FIFA will work closely with our MAs throughout the continent, like the NFF and its dedicated women\u2019s football team, to build clear strategies and roadmaps for African teams.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n