Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
Former Senator Shehu Sani’s recent call for Northern women to abandon TikTok in favour of football has sparked widespread national debate. The comment, made via his official Facebook page, came in the wake of the Super Falcons’ triumphant performance at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where they secured Nigeria’s 10th continental title.
Sani argued that football offers a more empowering and productive path for young women than social media engagement, pointing to the Super Falcons as a model of success and national pride.
However, his suggestion has not been universally welcomed—particularly in Northern Nigeria, where women’s participation in sports remains constrained by cultural and religious conservatism, limited infrastructure, and lack of institutional support.
Women’s rights advocate Sadiya Haruna condemned the senator’s comments, calling them a “patriarchal imposition” that disregards modern realities. “This is not the kind of advice any prominent leader should be giving. Many women are earning a living and building businesses through digital platforms like TikTok,” she said.
Cultural commentator Jamilu Ahmadu also disagreed, noting that football contradicts the norms and values upheld in many northern communities. He emphasized the deep-rooted traditional beliefs that influence public perception of women’s roles.
Echoing similar concerns, Jannah Ahmed highlighted religious expectations regarding modesty. “Northern traditions generally permit women to show only the face and hands. Football, by its nature, demands attire that goes against these values,” she said. Ahmed also praised TikTok for offering opportunities in digital entrepreneurship, including skill-building in catering and crafts, while enabling monetization through follower engagement.
Another critic, Musa Auwal, stressed the importance of safeguarding women’s dignity, insisting that exposing women’s bodies—even for sports—is strictly forbidden in many northern cultures. “Women should be nurtured in protected environments with proper care,” he argued.
Bashir Husaini supported this view, stating that TikTok, when used responsibly, offers a safer and more culturally acceptable alternative. “While there are issues on the platform, with proper guidance, women can express themselves and earn income without compromising their values,” he said.
On the other hand, some voices urged national unity and a broader view. Aji Yarima Bularafa stated:
“The Super Falcons represent the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It doesn’t matter if most players are from the South. The trophy they won is for the whole country. Unity and diversity should be paramount.”
Still, Sadiya Haruna reiterated her stance:
“We reject the idea. Football isn’t advisable when the body must be exposed.”
Proponents of TikTok point out the financial benefits for female influencers. Popular content creator Big Police, for instance, reportedly earns over ₦350,000 monthly, using the income to support her education and family.
Dr. Fatima Bello of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria called for a more nuanced approach that integrates sports development with digital literacy, rather than creating false choices between the two.
“We shouldn’t pit football against digital platforms. Both can be tools for empowerment,” she said.
Still, the challenges to mass sports participation remain daunting. A recent African Sport 350 report urged clubs like Kano Pillars to include women’s teams as part of broader inclusion strategies.
A new survey revealed that 90% of Northern families still oppose their daughters playing football. Currently, only an insignificant number of Northern players feature in the National Women’s Football League, compared to many from Southern states.
Ultimately, the controversy highlights the tension between tradition and modernity, autonomy and opportunity. The Super Falcons’ success illustrates what’s possible with investment and support, while TikTok showcases alternative routes to economic independence.
Experts now call for comprehensive, inclusive policies that can expand women’s opportunities without enforcing restrictive binaries. Suggested solutions include sports-tech crossover programs, region-sensitive women’s leagues and investment in both digital and physical infrastructure.
As Nigeria celebrates its women’s football achievements, advocates stress that this moment presents a chance to break down systemic barriers rather than reinforce limiting choices. A collaborative approach involving government, civil society, and the private sector is seen as essential to creating lasting, inclusive progress for Northern women across all fields.