Oshoala: Nigeria’ll benefit more –NFF

The move by reigning African Woman Footballer of the Year,
Asisat Oshoala to Liverpool has been described as one that
would open more opportunities for Nigerian women
footballers.
This is the candid view of the Nigeria Football Federation,
acting President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi while commending
the player as well as FIFA-badged referee Ferdinand Udoh for
deserved strides they made in the past few days.
According to a release signed by Ademola Olajire, the spokes­
man for the NFF, Asisat’s move will bring about hard work for
women footballers in the country as they would want to do
better to attract foreign clubs.
Oshoala, Most Valuable Player of the FIFA U-20 Women’s
World Cup finals in Canada, and also undisputable choice for
same honour at the African Women Championship in Namibia
last year, signed a professional contract with Liverpool Ladies
Football Club of England.
“The NFF is happy with the selection of Ferdinand Udoh for
the African U-17 Championship in Niger. This underscores
that the integrated efforts we are making for the general
improvement of refereeing in Nigeria has not gone unnoticed
by the organisations that matter.
“For some years now, we have not had a Nigerian centre
referee at major competitions. Now, Udoh is starting with the
U-17, which we know is a stepping stone to further glory and
much greater glory. Let me reiterate that our objective is to
see a Nigerian referee, or referees, officiate at the 2018 FIFA
World Cup finals in Russia.
“We congratulate Oshoala who is definitely the new poster girl
of Nigeria’s women football. Her contract with Liverpool
Ladies will certainly encourage her mates in the National
Team to also put in more efforts to attract the attention of
the best clubs in the world.”
Oshoala was duly crowned the African Woman Player of the
Year and Youth Player of the Year at the Glo-CAF African
Football Awards in Lagos earlier this month, with Nigeria also
claiming the Women National of the Year diadem.