Lesbianism, Women football, club and rights of the player

Onyedinma...floats in a new controversy

Chairman of the Nigeria Women Football League, Dilichukwu Onyedinma, has raised a new controversy saying that the league will not tolerate lesbianism among women footballers. Candidly speaking, what is the problem of the club or the league with the private life of an athlete who decides to be a lesbian?

Ms. Onyedinma was cited to have broached the new controversy during the league’s congress that held on Thursday in Abuja.

“It (lesbianism) is happening but we have to talk to the clubs, and look inside the clubs and these things have to do with clubs. There are particular clubs that don’t even want to hear about it and once they heard it the players involved will be sacked,” the football league boss said.

Uhm! I wish I know a lesbian who is so sacked for just being a lesbian. This is an infringement of the rights of the player who should ordinarily be 18 years and above. Lesbianism is the private decision of an individual. It has nothing to do with the ability to play football or do any sport.

The values of one person cannot and should not be forced on another person. Citing the bible in this instance is making a mockery of God.

The report added that Ms Onyedinma said, “any player found to be involved in lesbianism will be disqualified from participating in the league. Any player that we heard is associated with it will be disqualified,” she added.

This certainly is beyond the precincts of the League. This was the kind of stance that the Super Falcons coach, Uche Eucharia took in the last Women World cup leading FIFA to ask her to apologise. Are we learning at all?

Talking about other punishments that would be meted out to any player found to be involved in lesbianism, Dilichukwu said, “We will call the club chairmen to control their players, such players will not be able to play for the national team.”

I sincerely wish I can find a lesbian who will be so discriminated and wait to see the legal backlash. I think the officials of the NWFL need to go and learn some basic fundamentals about respecting rights of players in the management of the game.

If this matter is taken up with FIFA, can the position of the League stand? Certainly, NO. what if two women players in the League decide to marry, will they be denied the rights to play football because they will practise lesbianism?

Methinks, candidly speaking, despite that as an individual, I DO NOT SUPPORT same sex relationship but for those who derive joy from it, it is their choice and their rights to choose should be respected. No short cut.