Sports
I Never Felt Supported By Women In Sport – Semenya
Double Olympic champion Caster Semenya says she has “never really felt very supported” by other women in sport.
South Africa’s three-time world 800m champion will not defend her title in Doha in September after a setback in her challenge to the restriction of testosterone levels in female runners.
“I’m targeted because I’m undefeated,” the 28-year-old said.
“Since I have been in sport, I have never really felt very supported, I’ve never felt recognised mostly by women.”
Talking as the headline speaker at a women’s conference in Johannesburg, Semenya added: “I think it comes more into the international stage when you see your own rivals come with this, what can I call it, these rude responses in terms of me competing against them.”
Semenya is challenging the International Association of Athletics Federations’ new rules that she and other athletes with Differences of Sexual Development (DSD) must either take testosterone-reducing medication in order to compete in track events from 400m to the mile, or change to another distance.
Potentially chasing a third successive Olympic gold should she compete in Tokyo next summer, Semenya had been able to race while awaiting the decision of a Swiss court, but a ruling allowing her to take part has since been overturned.
She has twice appealed against IAAF rules preventing her from running without medication.
On a perceived lack of support from her fellow athletes, Semenya added: “I’m the best at what I do. When you are the best in the world people get obsessed with what you are doing.
“Probably I’m a problem because I’m an over-achiever so we must get rid of you.
In a statement released by the league, the competition is scheduled to take place from Friday, June 5 to Sunday, June 14, 2026, with six clubs set to battle for the league title at the end of the 2025/26 season.
NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, said the choice of Port Harcourt reflects the Rivers State Government’s continued support for women’s football and its successful hosting of the league’s Annual General Assembly last year.
The Super Six tournament will feature the top three teams from Group A and Group B of the regular season competing in a round-robin format, with each club playing five matches over nine days.
Qualified teams for the competition include defending champions Bayelsa Queens, Edo Queens, Rivers Angels, Robo Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, and debutants Abia Angels.
The NWFL Premiership has produced four different winners in the last five editions, with Rivers Angels winning in 2021, Bayelsa Queens claiming the title in 2022 and 2025, Delta Queens triumphing in 2023, and Edo Queens emerging champions in 2024.
The league also urged participating clubs to comply with all competition regulations and directives ahead of the championship. The Super Six will determine Nigeria’s representative for the WAFU-B qualifiers for a place at the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League and ultimately the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
Teams are expected to arrive on Friday, June 5, when the draw ceremony and pre-match meeting will also take place. Matchdays are scheduled for June 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14, with rest days in between before the tournament concludes with the trophy presentation ceremony.
