Determinants of Women Participation in Nigeria Sports: A Case Study of Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State

This study investigates the determinants of women's participation in sports in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. The study aims to identify key factors influencing female engagement in sports, including the availability of sports facilities and equipment, funding, rewards and incentives, family background, and peer influence. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, with a sample size of 80 women athletes drawn from Oredo Local Government Area. Data collection was conducted using a structured questionnaire, which was validated by experts in the field. The collected data were analyzed using frequency distribution, mean, and standard deviation. The findings revealed that sports facilities and equipment significantly impact women’s participation in sports, with inadequate infrastructure serving as a major barrier. Financial constraints and the lack of rewards and incentives also discourage participation, while family background and peer influence play a critical role in shaping attitudes toward sports involvement. The study concludes that these factors collectively influence women's sports participation and recommends targeted interventions such as increased funding, improved sports infrastructure, provision of incentives, and enhanced family and community support to encourage greater female engagement in sports. The study contributes to the growing discourse on gender and sports participation in Nigeria and suggests areas for further research, including the examination of cultural and religious influences on women’s involvement in sports, as well as comparative studies at state and national levels.