The National Sports Commission (NSC), in partnership with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has established a seven-member Welfare Committee to support the Super Falcons ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

The committee was inaugurated following a strategic meeting between the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, and the General Secretary of the NFF, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, in Abuja on Wednesday. The initiative underscores the commitment of both institutions to ensuring a seamless and successful campaign for Africa’s most decorated women’s national football team.

NFF Executive Board member, Aisha Falode, will chair the committee, while Ruth David has been appointed Secretary. Other members include Rt. Hon. Margaret Icheen, Babagana Kalli, Emeka Iyama, Aderonke Tinuoye, and Tobechukwu Oluchi.

Speaking on the development, NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to provide an enabling environment for the Super Falcons as they pursue another continental crown.

According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, are personally committed to the success of the nine-time African champions and have demonstrated strong support for the team’s preparations.

“Mr. President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, alongside the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, are both personally committed to seeing that the Falcons successfully defend their title in Morocco, which is why this ad-hoc committee was put in place to further assist the NFF in ensuring a seamless campaign for the team,” Olopade stated.

He emphasized that player welfare remains a critical component of competitive success, noting that the committee would work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure that issues relating to players’ welfare are promptly addressed throughout the tournament.

“Welfare is an unnegotiable key part of any team’s success at major competitions, and with this committee in place, the players can rest assured that the NSC and NFF are taking their welfare very seriously for the WAFCON,” he added.

On his part, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, described the committee as a landmark initiative and a significant milestone in the administration of women’s football in Nigeria.

He noted that it is the first time such a dedicated welfare structure is being established for the senior women’s national team ahead of a major international competition.

“For us at the NFF, this demonstrates the level of commitment the National Sports Commission is bringing to women’s football. It is a development that will further accelerate the growth and advancement of the women’s game in Nigeria,” Sanusi said.

He stressed that the committee’s role is not to usurp existing responsibilities but rather to provide additional support mechanisms that will enhance the team’s focus and performance during the championship.

“We believe this committee is not going to the WAFCON to take over anybody’s responsibilities but to ensure that we have a smooth and successful campaign throughout the tournament,” he added.

The Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s national team with a record nine WAFCON titles, will head to Morocco seeking to reclaim and successfully defend their continental dominance. The establishment of the Welfare Committee is expected to strengthen administrative support around the team and eliminate distractions, allowing the players and technical crew to concentrate fully on achieving success on the continental stage.

The move also aligns with the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to sports development and the continued promotion of women’s football as a strategic pillar of Nigeria’s sporting excellence.

Isaac Zaza
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