Sports

Women’s World Cup: FIFA Improves Nigeria’s Chances

Published

3 weeks ago

May 11, 2025

Cami Ezenwa

The changes of Nigeria participating in the women’s World cup, has now been made brighter courtesy of Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA).

This the world soccer ruling body did by approving the expansion of the FIFA Women’s World Cup from 32 to 48 teams.

The new rule begins with the 2031 edition of the global sporting fiesta, which is gaining more grounds each year.

Nigeria has been under the shadows of the greats in the game like the United States of America, China and France, but the latest initiative, which many see as a landmark step, is expected to improve the chances of nations lurking by the shadows.

It was announced after thorough consultation with confederations and other stakeholders, and is designed to enhance inclusivity, competitiveness, and investment in the women’s game across continents, reports say

The Women’s World Cup first increased from 16 to 24 teams in 2015, then to 32 teams in 2023.

“With the women’s game growing at an unprecedented pace globally, it is only logical that the biggest tournament reflects that growth,” FIFA said in a statement.

“Expanding to 48 teams will offer more players and nations access to the world stage.”

The revamped tournament will adopt a 12-group format, increasing the total number of matches from 64 to 104, and extend the tournament by an additional week. FIFA has also adjusted the hosting requirements for the 2031 and 2035 editions to accommodate the larger field.

The move follows the resounding success of the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which broke attendance and viewership records, and further solidified the commercial and cultural relevance of women’s football.

With the expanded format, FIFA aims to give emerging nations a greater chance to qualify, while also providing more elite competition to strengthen the global football ecosystem for women.

The Eagle reports that the Super Falcons is the only African team to have qualified for every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Not only that, it was able to reach the quarter finals in the 1999 competition.