🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Eniola Aluko discusses her Nigerian heritage, commitment to football infrastructure, and past national team choices
via Punch Nigeria9 min read
Former England and Chelsea Women star Eniola Aluko, born in Nigeria, expresses a deep connection to her Nigerian heritage and a desire to invest in the country's football infrastructure. She highlights the need for better facilities, pitches, and management to support talent within the Nigerian league, drawing parallels with Brazil's football development. Aluko, who works in investment and with CAF, aims to help build more sporting facilities and bring sponsorship to Nigerian football. She states that representing Nigeria was not an option during her playing career as women's football was not established in Nigeria when she was called up by England at 14. However, she believes she would have chosen to play for Nigeria if she were a young player today, citing a feeling of not being fully accepted while playing for England despite her contributions. Aluko supports Nigeria in matches against England, noting the challenges Nigerian players face compared to their English counterparts. She advocates for women's football to have its own economy through private investment and sponsorship, separate from the men's game. Aluko also encourages Nigerian players to use a collective voice to advocate for improvements, suggesting a representative union.
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