Rivers Angels team manager, Mrs Matilda Onyiloha has called for caution and fairness in the selection of the next Nigeria Women Football League chairperson.
 
The highly-rated administrator made this declaration after the 71st Annual General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation, which took place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja on Wednesday.

The Congress agreed as stated in the section 9 of the communique that the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation should commence the process of constituting a new board for the Nigeria Women Football League.

The governing structure of the NWFL should have an independent chairperson, independent directors and club representatives to be constituted through a selection committee comprising of participating clubs in the leagues and NFF representatives.

Outgoing chairperson of the NWFL Mrs Dilichukwu Onyedinma, ace broadcaster Aisha Falode and Bayelsa Queens Secretary Ruth Etebu had signified their interests to run for the election before the decision of the Congress Men.

“Football is not just run by making promises but by actions. I want the selectors to make this process an open one that will also involve the club captains, stakeholders and chairmen. They will be in the best position to rate the performance of the personalities.”

“Players feel the pains, they are in the best position to speak out and share their experience on the future of the round leather game in the country.

“The interest in women football has grown in recent years and I want the authorities to be fully involved in who leads women football in Nigeria.

“This innovation is just like the one the League Management Company is operating. And you can notice the improvements as seen in the organizational skills of Alhaji Shehu Dikko.

“The current Nigeria Football Federation board under the watchful eyes of Melvin Pinnick need to be involved and I think they will make the right choice without favouritism. ”

Some sections of the media had also called for interested candidates to go through a public debate in order for the stakeholders and fans to get to know their plans for the development of women football in Nigeria.

However, Matilda posited that the selection process for the new NWFL boss should be based on track records and not names.

“I have read the resolution of the Congress Men in the selection process of the person who is expected to develop women football in Nigeria.

“It’s a good step in the right direction but the game has beyond just mentioning names but track records. Like I mentioned earlier, the interests of the ladies should be paramount on our minds.

“Let action speak and not mere mentioning  names. Names don’t achieve success but prayers, dedication, focus, vision, determination, discipline and hardwork.

The successful administrator also cleared the air on reports stating that she might join the race to be selected for the hotseat of the NWFL.

“Many stakeholders and followers of the game have tried to convince me to pilot the affairs of women football in Nigeria.

“God has always been the director of my journey. For now, I haven’t heard from Him to throw myself in the frame. When God speaks, I will announce it to everyone,” she added.

Photo Credit : fifa.com