By Safwan Abubakar
It was a warm evening. The silence in the Benji hostel explained that rain had just fallen in Sokoto. Issa Nanah Hauwa, a 300-level student of English and Literary Studies, sat outside her room, watching the birds as they chirped in their nest on the Neam tree. Her long hijab explained she is catching cold due to the just concluded rain. Just as her thought wondered, she had earlier read the flyer from the Students’ Union on the Female Volleyball Competitions.
As she rumbled in her mind, asking why females don’t enjoy sports in the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, this reporter approached her. She was keen to respond to the question he asked her when he showed her the picture of the female volleyball competition. Her thoughts were just the same as what she had been thinking and speculating about —-but without answers.
However, Hauwa now believed she had seen a place where she could voice out. She is eager to witness the day she will play live on the volleyball field of UDUS. The school, she believed, is now ready to promote their sporting activities.
“This is a very wonderful achievement from the SU to promote female sport. Sport is not just for men, females also do well in athletics,” Hauwa exclaimed.
She added: “Some believe that sport is not for girls. This has meant killing the dreams of many UDUS female students and the entire world in itself,” she complained that women also need fitness as men do, criticizing the belief that’s only meant for men.
She further appreciated the effort of the SU for initiating the female Inter-hostel volleyball competition.
Impact of Sport on Females
Playing sports can be a game-changer for girls. Not only do they develop essential life skills like self-esteem, confidence, and teamwork, but they also tend to stay in school longer, delay pregnancy, and secure better jobs.
According to a report by UN Women, an organization that aids women in sport activities stated that: a staggering 80% of female Fortune 500 CEOs played sports in their formative years, emphasizing the profound impact of early exposure to sports on women’s development and ability to reach their full potential.
Globally, 92% of audiences agree that playing sports is important for girls, with 61% considering it “very important”. These numbers of sports empower women to reach their full potential.
Not Just for Men, Women Dominating Sports
According to the Visa report in 2024, the rise of women’s football globally has been phenomenal. With the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup contributing $1.9 billion to the global GDP, it created over 30,000 jobs, and boosted household incomes by $932 million. The US women’s team has dominated the sport. They won four World Cup titles and held the top FIFA ranking for a record-breaking time.
In 1996, African female players also made their mark, with stars like Asisat Oshoala and Ajara Nchout shining on the global stage. Nigerian women athletes have excelled, securing 58.7% of the country’s medals and over 70% of Olympic medals at the African Games. A report by Premium Times Nigeria indicated.
The Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s football team, are Africa’s most successful team, with ten African Women’s Cup of Nations titles. The D’Tigress women’s basketball team has also made history, reaching the Olympic quarterfinals under coach Rena Wakama. Women’s sports in Nigeria is thriving, and these trailblazers are paving the way for future generations.”
The Super Falcons Nigeria’s women’s football team are Africa’s most successful team, with a record of ten African Women’s Cup Nations titles. The D’Tigewss women’s basketball team has also made history, reaching the quarter-finals under coach Rena Wakama. Women’s sports in Nigerian are making progress, paving the way for fortune generations, a 2025 report by CAF, an online blog that support women sports, revealed.
Not all are Cut Out of Sport
Chikemi Ayomide, a 300-level student in the Education department, is a passionate basketball player. She was surprised upon seeing the flyer online. “Halooo, ahhh this is for us!”
When asked about reasons why some girls are hesitant to engage in sports, Chikemi expressed that sports are not limited to a single gender. “If men can play any type of sport, so can we.” She further explained that some women can also participate in sports while covering their body and maintaining modesty.
“Sport is not about tarnishing a female’s image, it is about exposure, fitness and health.” She clarified.
“Sport isn’t welcome to girls in Yoruba tribe” — Raheem Hanifa
As female students were celebrating the Volleyball initiative, Raheem Hanifa expressed the belief that her tribe and religion don’t regard the status of sports women.
“Sport is not welcome in Yoruba culture. Besides, many people among us don’t like it. It is a very good activity, but as a Yoruba and Muslim girl, I have certain restrictions.”
Hanifa further encourages female students to turn up for the Volleyball tournament, believing that any thing a man can do, a woman can do better also. “We will participate and win it; we can go outside the world to show our talent,” she boasted.
Student Union Sport Director Urges Females Girls Participate
Speaking with the News Digest Press Board, the Student Union Sport Director stated that the volleyball competition is a great step towards promoting inclusivity and diversity on campus.
The Student Union emphasized the importance of female participation in sports, stating, “Our administration aims to promote gender equality, empower women, and provide opportunities for them to develop their skills, build confidence, and showcase their talents.”
He highlighted the benefits of sports participation, noting that it can improve focus, discipline and time management skills. Ultimately, it also enhances academic performance.
He concluded by encouraging all female students to attend the volleyball competition, saying, “I urge you to turn up and cheer each other on that day. Whether you’re playing or spectating, your presence matters.