Delta FA Hails Women’s Win, Urges Investment in Men’s Football

The Delta State Football Association (DFA) has lauded the state’s female football team for their outstanding gold medal finish at the National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, while simultaneously urging authorities to channel more investment into the development of a formidable male team.

Following an executive meeting at the Football House in Asaba, DFA Chairman Honourable Godwin Adode praised Team Delta’s overall showing, describing their dominance as “impressive,” with special recognition for the female footballers. “Our girls played with skill, discipline, and heart,” Adode remarked. “Their victory is not just a win for Delta, but a message that female football is thriving under the right leadership and support.”

The DFA also acknowledged Honourable Onoriode Oborevwori, Executive Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, attributing the state’s continued sporting success to strategic planning and effective execution.

While celebrating the triumph, the DFA used the moment to highlight a pressing concern: the absence of a strong male football team in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). Adode said, “The Governor’s commitment to sports through the MORE Agenda is evident. But now is the time to channel some of that success into establishing a formidable male team. Delta has the talent what we need is structure, support, and vision.”

Delta State, long considered a powerhouse in Nigerian sports, continues to shine in multi-sport events, but football stakeholders believe more can be done especially in creating a professional men’s team that reflects the state’s potential.

The DFA concluded by reaffirming its dedication to grassroots football development and pledged its full backing of the state’s youth-focused sports initiatives.

Editorial

It’s a tale of two triumphs and a challenge. Delta’s golden girls have once again lifted the state to national prominence, showing exactly what happens when talent is met with investment and proper structure. But while we celebrate the victorious female side, we must also confront the uncomfortable truth: Delta’s male football is lagging behind.

We wholeheartedly agree with the Delta FA’s message. This moment must serve not just as a celebration but also a call to action. Female football in Delta has thrived due to consistent support, talent identification, and competent leadership. There’s no reason why the male side cannot mirror this success except for one underinvestment.

Delta State is brimming with raw, footballing talent. But raw potential is not enough. Without a roadmap that includes talent scouting, club development, and league participation at the highest levels, that potential will remain untapped. A male team competing in the NPFL isn’t just a sporting ambition; it’s a statement of completeness. It reflects the state’s full footballing identity.

Let’s not waste another medal-winning cycle admiring only half the picture. With strategic planning and targeted investment, Delta can be the model for balanced football development in Nigeria. The men need a platform just as much as the women have had.

It’s time to match success with sustainability. We believe the blueprint is clear—and the time is now.

Did You Know?

1. Delta State has topped the medal table in five of the last six National Sports Festivals in Nigeria.
2. The National Sports Festival was first held in 1973 as a unifying post-civil war initiative through sports.
3. Delta’s last male club to feature in the NPFL, Delta Force FC, was disbanded in 2020.
4. Nigeria’s first female FIFA referee, Chinyere Okoro, hails from Delta State.
5. Over 60% of Delta State’s current female team players are products of grassroots competitions sponsored by the state government.