Akinwunmi: What I actually said on lesbianism in female football

Seyi Akinwunmi, NFF first vice-president, has clarified his comments on how lesbianism is slowing down the development of female football in Nigeria.

Speaking as a guest on Hot Seat, a programme of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo State chapter at the weekend, Akinwunmi was quoted as saying lesbians were killing female football in the country.

Lesbianism is thought to be common in female football globally, and no study has yet established a negative link between sexuality and sports development.

However, Akinwunmi said he is shocked at the “mischievous and uncharitable version” of the interview that was published in the media.

He said: “I noted that one of the problems we have encountered in trying to raise funds for the women’s game is the perception of lesbianism therein, as many of our potential sponsors have shied away from supporting the women’s game because of the misconception that it is synonymous with lesbianism.

“These potential sponsors have decided to err on the side of caution and have opted to stay away from supporting our female teams rather than be caught up in this maelstrom.

“Unfortunately, a few other persons have also taken advantage of this misconception to cause division and disaffection in some of our female teams, thereby stunting their growth.

“I informed the pressmen gathered there that the NFF, of which I am the Vice-President, is sparing no effort to correct this erroneous perception and to spur the growth and development of the women’s game, that we strongly believe that there are still potential sponsors out there who will lend their support to help us develop our female teams because of the glory that these girls have brought to this country and their enormous potential to do even more.

“Finally, I noted that we see it as our duty to continue to promote the women’s game to attract the sponsors/supporters that will take this key area of our sport to the heights it should attain and that the Lagos State FA had indeed last month dedicated the second half of 2016 to the growth of women football.”