By Abdul Momoh
The Olofin Adimula of Ado-Odo, His Royal Highness Oba Olusola Idris Adebowale Lamidi-Osolo, has called on the Nigerian government to give greater attention and investment to the growth of female football in the country.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with *The Flash News*, the monarch, who is a passionate football enthusiast, expressed pride in his daughter Olabiyi Falajomi Alabi, a rising football star who recently played a key role in Nigeria’s 4–0 victory over Rwanda in the U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. Alabi scored the fourth goal in the return leg after netting the opener in the first leg in Rwanda.
“I am very pleased with the team’s performance and proud of my daughter’s contribution,” Oba Lamidi-Osolo said. “Even though she sustained an injury, she gave her best and helped her team secure victory.”
The monarch, who attended the match at Adamasegbe Stadium in Ibadan alongside his council of chiefs, noted that supporting football has long been a tradition in his community. “We have produced great players like Atanda Salihu, who played for Enyimba and later in Egypt. Alaba has followed that path, and we are confident she will soon play in Europe,” he stated.
Oba Lamidi-Osolo revealed that his family has been fully supportive of Alabi’s career. “We never discouraged her. Football is loved in our community. We always remind her that those playing at the top level are not better than her, and we encourage her to aim higher, like Asisat Oshoala,” he said.
The monarch expressed joy over Alabi’s success with Bayelsa Queens, where she helped the team win the women’s league title. “I was overjoyed. I’ve pledged to mobilize my chiefs to attend her matches whenever she plays close to home,” he added.
Calling for more government involvement in women’s football, the traditional ruler said:
> “There is too much focus on men’s football. The government must show the same level of commitment to the women’s game. Our female players can achieve even greater things if given the right support.”
He also urged parents to encourage their daughters to participate in sports. “Football or any sport does not stop a child from getting an education. Parents should support their daughters morally and financially,” he advised.
A staunch supporter of Gateway United FC and a lifelong football lover, Oba Lamidi-Osolo described watching football as one of his favorite ways to relax after official duties.
He commended Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for his support for sports development, particularly for hosting tournaments and personally attending games. “Governor Makinde has shown leadership by example, and others should emulate him,” the monarch said.
Oba Lamidi-Osolo concluded by expressing his hope to see his daughter play for top European clubs such as Chelsea, Lyon, Frankfurt, or Bayern Munich, adding that female football in Nigeria has the potential to thrive with proper support and recognition.
