ASSESSMENT OF CAREER DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS FOR THE NIGERIAN GIRLS IN SPORT

This study was carried out to assess the career development options for Nigerian girls in sports using Ibom Angels Football Club and women football club in Akwa Ibom State as a case study. The study is was specifically set to examine if women play a significant role in the world of sport, whether women can still participate in other aspects (offices) of sport after retirement and identify the career options available to Nigerian female athletes aside from being among the major participants in a sports organization.The study adopted the survey research design and randomly enrolled participants in the study. The population size comprise of female athletes in bom Angels Football Club and women football club in Akwa Ibom State. In determining the sample size, the researcher conveniently selected 155 respondents and 150 were validated. Self-constructed and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected and validated questionnaires were analyzed using frequency tables. The result of the findings revealed that women play a role and contributes significantly in the world of sports. Also, female athletes have diverse career opportunities in sports management, marketing, media, entrepreneurship, and related fields. Based on the findings, it is recommended that Government and policymakers should continue to effectively promote gender equality and inclusivity in sports by providing equal opportunities and resources for female athletes at all levels. Also, sport institutions should encourage and support women's participation in various aspects of sports beyond playing, including coaching, administration, and management, through mentorship programs and training initiatives. To mention but a few.