The Nigeria Football Federation NFF on Wednesday inaugurated the FIFA Talent Development Scheme TDS for Girls at the Noble Hall Leadership Academy in Abuja. The event marked a new phase in Nigeria’s effort to discover and develop young female players from the grassroots, following the boys’ edition launched two years ago. NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau MON highlighted the importance of the initiative and called it a key step in strengthening the country’s football future.
Gusau said, “This scheme is dedicated to uncovering talents among both boys and girls. Nigeria has consistently led women’s football in Africa for the past 25 years.” He congratulated the first group of beneficiaries and confirmed that experts will be engaged to train the pupils, adding that the hope is for some of them to one day wear the national jersey like Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade.
NFF Director of Competitions Ms Ruth David, who represented General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi MON, explained that the TDS is part of FIFA’s long-term work with member associations. She noted that the programme is designed to improve global competitiveness and build a steady flow of new talent that can help strengthen national teams over time.
Head of Women’s Football at the NFF, Hajiya Amina Daura, thanked Noble Hall Leadership Academy for hosting the launch. She said the broader plan goes beyond producing players, as the initiative also aims to prepare young girls for careers in coaching, refereeing, physiotherapy and sports medicine while promoting discipline and health.
Proprietress of the school, Hajiya Maryam Muttalab Duba, expressed pride in being selected and said she hoped some students would one day represent Nigeria. The event was attended by NFF Head of International Competitions Mr Dayo Enebi Achor, Head of National and Inter-Clubs Competitions Dr Ayo Abdulrahman, Chief Technical Officer Coach Abdulrafiu Yusuf and other federation officials.
