Super Falcons: Why they are making waves at Australia and New Zealand
The Nigerian senior women football team, Super Falcons,made waves at the ongoing FIFA Women World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
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After ensuring the exit of Olympic champions Canada, the team beat host nation Australia to qualify to the knockout stage of the competition.
The Super Falcons lost against England on penalties in the knockout stage but despite the loss, they have rendered a good account of themselves at the world cup.
For the records, the Super Falcons have participated in all nine FIFA Women’s World Cups and inspite of the initial setbacks, they have proven their worth subsequently.
The team went through to the quarter-final in 1999 and Round of 16 in 2019. Against this back drop it is not out of place seeing them at the knockout stage once again.
Ghana’s Black Queens on the other hand have made it to the sport’s largest platform for women three times. Exiting at the preliminary stages in all three occasions.
Success of Nigeria’s Womens’ Football
The success of the Super Falcons in international competitions can be traced to home, where their country has a robust and competitive women league.
Nigeria has a vibrant domestic football league system, which provides a platform for players to develop their skills and gain valuable experience.
A robust and competitive league structure helps in discovering and nurturing talent.
Coupled with this is an effective talent identification and investment in youth development programs.
This includes scouting, academies, and grassroots initiatives that focus on identifying and nurturing talented young players from a young age.
Nigerian footballers, both male and female, are known for their physicality and skillful play.
The combination of strength, agility, and technical ability allows Nigerian players to excel on the international stage.
Also football holds a special place in Nigerian culture, with passionate fans and a deep love for the sport.
This support and enthusiasm for the game contribute to the overall success and drive of Nigerian football.
Lessons for women football in Ghana
1. Development of Domestic Leagues: The state together with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) can invest in the development of strong domestic women football leagues that provide regular competition and opportunities for players to grow and showcase their skills.
2. Emphasis on Youth Development: A strong focus on identifying and nurturing young female talents through structured youth development programs, academies, and grassroots initiatives must be a key priority. Investment in the youth will help create a solid foundation for the future success of Ghanaian football.
3. Physicality and Skill Development: Emphasis on developing female players with physicality and technical proficiency is key to winning laurels on the international stage. A focus on physical attributes, agility, and technical skills can enhance player performance at the international level.
4. Cultivating a Football Culture: It is important to foster a strong womens’ football culture in the country by encouraging fan support, engagement, and love for the sport. A passionate fan base can provide motivation and create an atmosphere that fuels the success of the national team.
How to generate revenue to support women’s football
To achieve the above, a conscious effort by stakeholders to generate revenue from women football must be undertaken.
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1. Sponsorship and Partnerships: The FA must seek partnerships and sponsorships from companies or organizations that are willing to invest in women's football. This can involve securing sponsorship deals for the national team, leagues, or individual clubs. In return, sponsors can gain exposure through branding opportunities, advertisements, and other promotional activities.
2. Ticket Sales: The promotion of women's football matches and events to attract spectators is also key. This can be achieved by implementing strategies to increase attendance, such as affordable ticket prices, marketing campaigns, and engaging the local community. Higher attendance numbers can contribute to ticket sales revenue.
3. Media Rights: Establishing broadcasting and media partnerships to televise or live-stream women's football matches and competitions can also generate revenue for the game. This can include negotiating deals with TV networks, online platforms, or social media channels. Broadcasting rights can generate revenue through licensing fees or advertising opportunities.