The news has been reported in Germany, where the team -
The Falcons - is preparing to play in a FIFA Women's World Cup game
on 30 June.
According to Nigerian newspaper Sun News, the team's coach
Eucharia Uche told Daily Sunsports last weekend that: "lesbianism
could be counted as a thing of the past among [the Nigerian women's
team]".
It quotes her as saying: "Yes, lesbianism used to be a big problem
in the team, but since I took over as the chief coach of Falcons, I
think the problem has been dealt with. Lucky, some of the girls
played with me and they know my do's and don'ts. They know that I
cannot tolerate such a nasty practice. In fact, lesbianism does not
currently exist in Falcons' camp and nobody discusses it.
"The players have come to know God now unlike what we had in the
past. Most of them lived in ignorance, but now, they have realised
the truth through proper counselling."
It continues: "We now have a bunch of players that are thirsty for
the things of God and with that, they are now more committed and
devoted to their games, knowing that football can attract fame,
fortune and joy to their hearts quite unlike lesbianism that can
ruin them. The Christians among them now go to church and on our
own, we periodically organise non-denominational prayer
sessions.
"We have seen the result of our efforts and I can tell you that
lesbianism is now a thing of the past in the camp of the Super
Falcons."
The news comes as British Prime Minister David Cameron is set to
host a major reception at Downing Street for queer sportsmen and
women, this afternoon.
Joanie Evans of England, who is a co-president of the
International Gay and Lesbian Football Association, told the New
York Times that her group was "appalled" by the Nigeria
situation.
"Women in sport are seen as a poor relation as it is. To
discriminate against women again because of their sexuality is
really damaging."
Evans criticized FIFA for not being as forceful in fighting
against homophobia as it has been trying to counter racism in
soccer. Conversely, FIFA said that gender discrimination was
strictly prohibited and that violations could result in suspensions
or expulsions, but that it could not comment on the Nigeria case
because it had received no official information or
complaints.
FIFA has recently been heavily criticised for awarding the Men's
Word Cup to Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal.
