By Saheed Afolabi
The Sapphire Nigeria Women Football Supporters Club (SNWFSC) took supporting women’s football to another level as they organized a seminar on ‘Embrace Football, Say No To Drugs’ for women’s footballers in Benin.
The event which was done during the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Nationwide had in attendance was the permanent secretary of Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC) and the Chairperson of Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens, Mrs Sabina Chikere, NWFL staff, Mrs Arit Robert (Nigeria U17 secretay), Dr Wole Opatola (Accomplished veteran sport journalist), Moses Bako (Renowned women’s football advocate) Samuel Ahmadu (CAF Media) and women’s players from different club sides in Nigeria.
Giving her opening speech at the event, the President of SNWFSC, Jadesola Adelabu said the club’s primary aim is to erase social vices from women’s football in Nigeria with football and not just supporting them on the pitch of play.
Adelabu believes Football can be used to prevent the intake of drugs because it later effects on their career will be worrisome.
She also appreciated the Chief Operating Officer of the NWFL, Mrs Modupe Shabi NWFL for giving SNWFSC the window to advise and add impactful knowledge on the young lads.
“In some countries of the World, Sports especially Football has become a unifier of people of different race. Sport is also seen to be a force that amplifies women’s voice and tear down gender barrier and discrimination.
“There’s good evidence that women participation in sports have helped to improve our self-esteem. Which has further contributed o the development of leadership skills for women.
“The choice of Football as a carrier for the Nigerian Girl Child can prevent the non intake or abuse of drug.
“It’s our mandate and dream at SNWFSC that we will continually be an advocacy vessel for the development of women’s Football, which can be used as a development tool that can wipe away social vices from women’s football in Nigeria.
“I want to sincerely appreciate the NWFL COO, Mrs Modupe Shabi for giving the nod for us to have this impactful seminar to educate the girl child.”
