By EMMA JEMEGAH
Prominent players of the Super Falcons have heaped praises on a member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and former head of the Nigeria Women’s Football League, Aisha Falode.
The players spoke through a recorded video message played at a gathering where she thanked her friends and stakeholders who assisted her as the chairperson of the NWFL.
Interestingly, former president of the NFF, Amaju Pinnick and his 1st Vice President, Seyi Akinwunmi, were also in attendance at the well-attended ‘Thank You Brunch’ at the Radisson Hotel, Ikeja.
CEO of Brila FM, Dr. Larry Izamoje, former international, Chief Segun Odegbami and former AIPS President, Michell Obi were also at the event as they joined the Falcons stars in saluting the industry of Aisha Falode in the development of women football in Nigeria.
Barcelona striker, Asisat Oshoala, said Falode gave the NWFL a big boost to strengthen the female national team with budding stars.
“Many players came up from the league and they were so talented and hungry for glory. The league witnessed a rebirth under madam Falode. I wish her luck in her future endeavours,” she said.
Rasheedat Ajibade also said Falode was a game changer in the history of women’s football in the country just as goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadoze said she was proud to be one of the products of the Super Six which Falode introduced.
Monday Gift stated that Falode’s dedication stood her out and it empowered many young talents to develop into super stars today.
Dr. Izamoje stated that the testimonies of the players were enough as a scorecard of the five-year sojourn of Falode in the NWFL.
Pinnick also heaped praises on Falode, whom she described as a gift to humanity for her excellence, loyalty and dedication in the discharge of her duties in the federation.
In rolling out her scorecard, Falode said she met the women’s league at point zero because there was no structure; hence teams were not turning up for matches.
“We took over and by the time we started paying referees, teams took us seriously and we moved on till we managed to attract sponsors. I thank Amaju Pinnick for his assistance and also all those who supported me while in office as NWFL chairperson,” she said.
Falode said her low point was governance because of the stubborn nature of the people in the league.
“Governance was tough because even when we agreed on issues at the meeting, the administrators of these teams will go ahead and do something else, all the same I stamped my foot down to ensure reason prevailed in all of those cases just for the growth of women football,” Falode
