THIS TIME FOR AFRICA

Thirteen years ago, South Africa hosted the FIFA WORLD CUP, the first time an African country hosted the FIFA mundial.

The theme song for the 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP was Waka Waka, and it was performed by Colombian songstress Shakira. A popular line in that song reads, ‘this time for Africa ‘.

Back to the present time and in the downunder. Australia and New Zealand are co-hosting the 2023 FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP which commenced two weeks ago. To say Africa or representatives of Africa at the fiesta have stolen the show would not be an overstatement or an exaggeration. Four countries, NIGERIA, SOUTH AFRICA, ZAMBIA and MOROCCO started out as the African teams at the on-going global showcase but after hostilities of group phase, the trio of Nigeria, South Africa and Morocco achieved a spectacular and commendable passage into the round of sixteen. This feat by African teams at the FIFA Women’s World Cup was unprecedented.

Even the Zambian team that exited at the group stage did it with honour and dignity by beating Costa Rica 3-1 in their final group game.

Now it’s time for the three African teams still competing for honours to find a way to continue their colourful campaigns by bagging victories in their respective round of sixteen fixtures. Nigeria will tackle England, South Africa will try try Netherlands for size and Morocco will battle France. Very tasty and significant fixtures if you know the history and evolutions of the three African countries, you will understand my drift.

While the entire continent of Africa will be backing and urging the three teams to progress further in the chase for global glory, let us look into into the significance of the performance of African teams at the ongoing Women’s World Cup in Australia/New Zealand.

The trio of Nigeria, South Africa and Morocco has achieved recognition, respect and special attention for the Women’s game in Africa. It may not be long before FIFA will consider an extra slot for Africa at the Women’s World Cup.

The achievement in Australia/New Zealand, depending on the proactiveness of the managers of the game, is capable of, and should as a matter of fact attract more corporate sponsorship and partnership for women’s football in Africa.

The gladiators, I mean the players should also start earning better rumenerations and contracts given that more money will come into the game. The big performances should also bring more fans and supporters to the play grounds where women football matches are played. This means bigger followership.

However, we cannot afford to get carried away by the standard displayed by African teams just yet. There is still some notable gaps in the areas or technical ability, game management and goal conversion rate. This gap requires better coaching for women’s football in Africa. The coaching must be right from the grassroots to the senior team levels. This is where African Coaches Connect can come to the rescue and help feel the gap.

The African Coaches Connect, ACC, is posed to provide solutions the deficiencies and related matters that militate against the growth of football (Men and Women) in Africa.

Corporate bodies, Football associations, Coaches and every relevant stakeholder should support the ACC, so that the entire continent can consolidate on the gains of the achievement of Nigeria, South Africa and Morocco women’s national football teams at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia/New Zealand.

Yours sincerely can only hope that CAF and FIFA are also reading this article. This time for Africa…..in the voice of Shakira.

Gbenga James,
Benin City, Edo State,
Nigeria