A powerful documentary on Nigeria’s Super Falcons exposes their struggles, sparking calls from Nigerians for better support, investment, and equality in women’s football. A recent documentary screening at Lagos State University (LASU) has reignited calls from Nigerians for improved support and recognition of the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s national football team. The documentary, titled The African Giant – The Nigerian Spirit, chronicles the inspiring yet challenging journey of the Super Falcons, spotlighting their resilience and determination amid systemic neglect. The story behind The African Giant Hosted at LASU, on Friday and tagged ‘We Are GiantsTogethxr’, the documentary features some of the Falcons’ biggest stars, including captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, and defender Michelle Alozie. It follows the team’s pursuit of greatness, from their preparation for the Olympics following their impressive showing at the most-watched Women’s World Cup to date. With a record 11 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles, several FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances, Africa’s first women’s team to reach an Olympic quarterfinal, the Super Falcons are undeniably the continent’s greatest football team. Yet, the documentary reveals the harsh realities behind their success, highlighting the lack of adequate support, visibility, and resources for women’s football in Nigeria. Voices from the Audience The screening stirred strong reactions from students and attendees, many moved by the candid portrayal of the players’ struggles. Nnoli, a student, reflected; “It shows a lot of favouritism in football whereby the men are placed ahead of the women, and this documentary is trying to settle that to show that we are equal.” Favour, another LASU student who previously had little interest in football, called the documentary “enlightening” and said it brought “a lot to my attention.” She urged for increased investment and support to help women break barriers in the sport. George, one of the event moderators, described the documentary as a vital platform for exposing the real challenges faced by Nigerian women in sports. He expressed hope that those in leadership positions would take meaningful action, saying, “The documentary puts in the forefront the issues Super Falcons and other women are facing in football and sports generally.” Gender advocate Ayomide summed up the event’s impact: “This event has been eye-opening, seeing the conversations around sports, women’s involvement and how we can link it to other things in our society, representation for women.” She praised the documentary for its honest depiction of the players’ lives, without sugarcoating their struggles, and called for more conversations on these critical issues. A call for change The African Giant not only celebrates the Super Falcons’ achievements but also exposes the systemic challenges they face, from inadequate funding to limited media coverage. As Nigeria’s most successful women’s team continues to inspire millions, the documentary has become a rallying cry for equality and better treatment. The players’ stories stress a broader societal issue: while much is expected from Nigerian female athletes, they often receive far less support than their male counterparts. This imbalance has fueled demands from fans, students, and advocates for the Nigerian Football Federation and other stakeholders to prioritise women’s football and provide the resources necessary for sustained success. The screening at LASU has sparked renewed energy and hope that the Super Falcons’ journey will lead to tangible improvements, ensuring that Nigeria’s female football stars receive the respect, visibility, and backing they deserve.