Gender inequity in media coverage and athletes' welfare in Nigerian sports: impact of the Nigeria sports policy and African union agenda 2063

• Published in: Sport in society Vol. 25; no. 8; pp. 1438 - 1449
• Main Authors: Chukwurah, Linda N., Malete, Leps, Nji, Godfrey C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 03.08.2022; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: athlete's welfare; Athletes; Fairness; Females; Gender equity; Gender inequality; Gender mainstreaming; Income inequality; Mass media effects; Media coverage; Nigerian sports African union agenda 2063; Sports teams; Nigeria
• ISSN: 1743-0437; 1743-0445
• DOI: 10.1080/17430437.2020.1828869

Sport is an equalizer is not always a reality as demonstrated by persistent gender inequality in Nigeria. Therefore, investigating gender inequalities in sports remains highly relevant. This study examined gender inequity in media coverage and welfare of national teams in line with Nigeria sports policy and Africa Union Agenda 2063. Twenty female soccer, track, and field athletes with five coaches participated in in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was employed, and results were presented in verbatim quotes. Participants reported significant pay gaps of close to 80% between male and female national team athletes and significant disparities were reported in welfare. Similar disparities were found on media coverage. Female athletes are perceived as inferior, while many quit or take other nationalities to compete at the highest level. Results show minimal progress in achieving gender equity in Nigerian sports despite the sports policy and African Union Agenda 2063. Therefore, sports governing bodies must demonstrate strong alignments between policy and practice.