By Sulaiman Asiat
Basheeroh was 6 when she realised she had a passion for football. But how can a female child from northern Nigeria derive fun in a male-dominated sport?
When Basheeroh was in secondary school, the boys in her class often laughed at the idea of girls playing football. Rather than this doubt discouraging her, it became her motivation.
"The boys in my school then often assumed that girls could not play football, and I wanted to prove them wrong. That motivated me to start playing," she recalled.
Today, the 300-level student of Biochemistry at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), still carries that passion with her, but unlike in secondary school, the biggest obstacle she now faces is not criticism from course mates; it is the absence of opportunities for women to play football within the university.
Like many female students studying in UDUS in the Northwestern part of Nigeria, Basheeroh believes cultural and religious dominance have prevented students like her from participating in football on campus, depriving them the chance to showcase their abilities.
Although football is undoubtedly viewed as a male-dominated sport, some female students interviewed by Digest Press say they have a quiet passion for the game.
"Football Taught Me Important Life Lessons,” Basheeroh
For Basheeroh, her love for football was inspired by one of the world's most celebrated footballers, Cristiano Ronaldo, and his partner, Georgina Rodríguez, whom she regards as role models. She said watching him has shaped her character by teaching her determination, confidence and perseverance.
"If I had the opportunity to play professionally, I believe I could have become one of Nigeria's female footballers," she said confidently.
However, she noted that the environment does not encourage female participation in football, which has discouraged students like her from pursuing the sport as they wish.
While Basheeroh couldn't get her mind around the reason why female footballers were not recognised at a school like UDUS, she realised that the institution's position might have been influenced by its commitment to cultural and religious values.
"I have always loved football. If female football is recognised here today, I am sure more girls will develop an interest in it. I believe that with greater awareness and support from students and management, perceptions can gradually change."
A Near-Tragic Experience Did Not End Her Passion
For Nadroh Morenikeji, a 300-level Plant Science student, football remained a lifelong passion despite a frightening incident that almost changed everything. While she was not an active footballer before gaining admission to UDUS, constant watching football competitions in her hometown has culminated her mind to have free interest in the game.
"In my hometown,” she said, “football competitions were organised every December, and my siblings and I attended regularly."
She recalled being nearly hit by a car while rushing to watch one of those matches, an experience that briefly removed her interest.
"After the incident, I met someone passionate about football, and that reignited my interest. Since then, I have become a devoted Arsenal supporter."
Nadroh admires Arsenal star Bukayo Saka, not because he's a Nigerian, but for his consistency and dedication to the team, and he also hopes to emulate those qualities if she ever gets the opportunity to play.
She believes recognising female football at UDUS would encourage many students to discover and develop their talents.
"If women can participate in sports like volleyball and handball, I don't see why football should be anything different,” she said
She urged female students not to give up on their dreams.
"Women Can Excel in Football Too"
Khadija, a 300-level Accounting student, believes football has contributed to her personal development. Watching successful Nigerian stars such as Asisat Oshoala convinced her that women can excel in football just as men do.
According to her, football has taught her discipline, teamwork, and hard work. She also expressed concern that female voices are sometimes overlooked in discussions surrounding sports participation.
"Female students should be given a voice because we also have ambitions and goals. To every aspiring female footballer, stay focused and never stop believing in your dreams."
Female Benefits Beyond the Pitch
The experiences gathered by Digest Press, has reflected findings from international research on girls' participation in sports activities.
According to the Women's Sports Foundation, girls who participate in sports develop skills that go far beyond competition and into education, careers and leadership.
The foundation's Play to Lead research found that 67 per cent of women carry lessons learned from youth sports into adulthood. About 73 per cent said sports taught them teamwork, while 53 per cent said it helped them learn from mistakes. The research also found that 71 per cent of women who played sports later held formal leadership positions in business, public service and other sectors.
The foundation also found that girls who participate in sports experience significantly better mental well-being. Rates of mental health disorders were 1.5 to 2.5 times lower among girls who played sports than among those who had never participated, while participants also reported lower levels of depression and anxiety.
Beyond UDUS
Experiences from students in other universities revealed that football goes beyond entertainment for many women; it boosts confidence, leadership, teamwork and self-expression
Maryam Ayobami, a 400-level English student at the University of Abuja, her love for football grew when she realized that female footballers were recognised in her university.
However, she acknowledged that female athletes continue to face cultural and emotional barriers.
"Football has taught me determination and the importance of having the right mindset. To aspiring female footballers, remain patient and committed. Your efforts will eventually pay off."
For another student in the same school, Clare, scoring her first goal during a football match was something she would never easily forget.
Inspired by players such as Rasheedat Ajibola and Alexia Putellas, she believes persistence can overcome doubt.
"My mother always tells me, 'Don't let school stop your talent, and don't let talent stop your education.' Football has taught me that teamwork and resilience go hand in hand…even if people laugh at you or doubt your abilities, your skills will always speak louder than any opinions,” she said.
Opportunities Are Silent Despite Paying Millions
Beyond the absence of female football, many students have questioned whether women receive equal sporting opportunities despite contributing financially like their male counterparts.
Digest Press found that every student, both male and female, pays an annual sports fee of ₦3,600.
However, several female students argue that although they contribute the same amount as male students, they do not enjoy equal access to sporting opportunities.
Analysis by Digest Press, using the university's reported population of 23,491 students and an estimated female population of 6,343 students (27 per cent), indicates that approximately ₦68.5 million may have been generated from sports fees over the last three academic sessions between 2023/2024 and 2025/2026.
Many female students told Digest Press that they are not demanding special treatment but equal opportunities to participate.
"Female Students Are Not Participating", Students' Union Sports Director
When contacted, the Students' Union Sports Director, Sir Bukar, said he has never witnessed female students participating in football throughout his years at the university or since assuming office.
According to him, no female student or organised group has formally approached his office to request the establishment of a female football team.
"Football is a team sport, not an individual activity. Any female students interested in playing would need to come together and form a team," he said.
Bukar added that if interested female students formed a team and approached his office, he would support the initiative and advocate for its development within the university's sporting structure.
While acknowledging the absence of female football, he noted that women actively participate in other sports, including volleyball and handball.
He encouraged interested students to engage his office, assuring them that existing mechanisms could support the development of female football at the university.
Culture Remains the Biggest Challenge, Says University Sports Director
When contacted, the university's Sports Director, Dr Aminu Yahya, said the absence of female football at UDUS is not unconnected with the cultural realities of northern Nigeria.
According to him, even if the university were willing to introduce female football, cultural expectations within the community would make its implementation difficult. "Because of our northern cultural background, even if the school wanted to accept it, the culture would not allow it," he said.
However, he noted that the university has consistently encouraged female participation in sports considered more culturally acceptable.
"Over the years, we have been trying to involve girls in games like volleyball, table tennis and badminton. If any student has an interest in any of these games, they should come and register. There are available female coaches for them.”