Nigerian Female Footballers Bullied Abroad, Branded “Terrorists”
TEC News| 20th November, 2025.
A disturbing video circulating on social media has sparked outrage across Nigeria after showing some Nigerian female footballers being verbally attacked and labelled “terrorists” by a man in an overseas train.
The incident, which reportedly occurred in a European country where the players were camped for training, shows the man confronting the athletes aggressively, questioning their identity, their nationality, and accusing Nigeria of “terrorism” while passengers looked on. The visibly shocked players remained calm but unsettled by the barrage of harassment.
In the video, the man can be heard telling the athletes that they were representing “a terrorist country,” a statement that has drawn heavy criticism from Nigerians at home and in the diaspora. Many have expressed concern that such targeted harassment puts the safety, dignity, and mental health of Nigerian sportswomen at risk.
Sports analysts note that this is not the first time Nigerian athletes particularly women, have faced discrimination abroad, but the gravity of this incident and its viral spread have renewed calls for stronger diplomatic protection and government response.
Civil society groups, human rights advocates, and sports stakeholders are urging the Federal Government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Sports Development to take decisive action by:
- Investigating the incident and verifying the identities of those involved.
- Engaging the embassy of the host country to demand accountability and safety assurances.
- Strengthening protective policies for Nigerian athletes on international assignments.
- Issuing an official statement condemning the harassment and defending Nigeria’s image.
A senior sports administrator who spoke to TEC News described the incident as “an insult not just to the players, but to the Nigerian nation,” adding that no professional athlete representing her country should face such hostility.
Diaspora groups are also calling for measures to ensure Nigerian women often more vulnerable to international bullying and racial profiling receive stronger consular support.
As the video continues to gain traction and provoke emotional reactions from Nigerians, many say the government must act swiftly to prevent similar incidents and protect the country’s athletes who serve as global ambassadors.
