From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Nasarawa State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has urged the state government to address the significant wage disparity between male and female footballers in the state.
This was made known by the Chairman of SWAN Nasarawa chapter, Mr. Smah George during a courtesy visit to the chairperson of the Nasarawa Amazons, Hajiya Hussaina Suleiman Nagogo on Thursday, SWAN emphasized the need for improved financial packages for the female team, arguing that their welfare should be nearly on par with that of their male counterparts.
George emphasized the need for improved welfare for the female football team, stating, “It is time to enhance the welfare of Nasarawa Amazons to enable them to achieve more, as they are the only team consistently making the state proud with their performances.”
George called on the Nasarawa State government to focus more attention on female football, highlighting that “football transcends tribe, religion, or ethnicity,” and encouraging girls across the state to participate in sports irrespective of their background.
He further praised Hajiya Hussaina leadership, acknowledging her unique relationship with the players. “Your leadership role has shown that you are indeed an Amazon. We are proud of your achievements and the bond you’ve created with the girls, which is rare to see,” he noted.
George reiterated SWAN’s commitment to promoting women’s football in the state, stating, “We have the responsibility as agenda setters to inform the government that the Amazons need more attention, given the results they’ve delivered over time.”
The SWAN chairman also addressed cultural barriers, urging people to “shun religious, tribal, or cultural differences and allow our girls to express their potential in sports.”
George announced the upcoming SWAN Week, scheduled for August 26, and appealed for financial support from the Nasarawa Amazons, noting, “Your support, especially in the area of finance, will help us organize a successful SWAN Week, as it is an annual event that we observe with great significance.”
In response to the call for improved welfare for Nasarawa Amazons, the club’s chairperson, Hajiya Hussaina Suleiman Nagogo has acknowledged that financial challenges remain the primary obstacle for the team. She emphasized that equitable salaries are crucial to retaining players, noting that many currently leave after just one season.
“If the salaries were comparable, players wouldn’t leave after one season. Ninety-nine percent of our players stay not because of the welfare, but due to the expertise of the technical crew and the management’s approach,” Hussaina stated.
She highlighted the reputation of the club’s management as a key factor in attracting players from larger teams in the south. “Players leave big teams from the south to come here, not for anything else but the experience we offer. The players we have now are exceptional, and we have groomed them well. However, if we don’t improve their pay, they will leave, and we won’t be able to stop them.”
Hussaina also appealed to SWAN members to amplify the club’s activities, particularly in conveying their challenges to the government. “We appreciate what SWAN has been doing, but we need more support in bringing our issues to the government’s attention,” she urged.
Drawing attention to the team’s camp, she noted, “Our camp is not up to standard, especially considering that these are women. They deserve better facilities to perform at their best. We have made efforts, including writing to the deputy governor, who visited the camp, but nothing has been done so far.”
In a gesture of support, Hajiya Hussaina appreciated the new leadership of SWAN and donated the sum of ₦100,000 to assist in the upcoming SWAN Week, emphasizing her commitment to their cause.