"Female Football Is Big Business Now” – Dana Cup Consultant Frank Petersen Urges Africa to Invest
Petersen described Uganda as a “hotbed of untapped talent,” underscoring the nation’s potential to become a global force in women’s football. He believes that with the right infrastructure, consistent funding, and player development pathways, Uganda could soon join the ranks of the top 40 women’s football nations worldwide and top 6 in Africa.
Renowned Dana Cup Africa Consultant and goalkeeping coach, Frank Petersen, has issued a compelling call to action for African nations to prioritize female football as both a rapidly growing sport and a booming business with global potential.
Speaking during his current visit to Uganda, Petersen emphasized the need for strategic investment, structured development, and international exposure to unlock the full potential of female footballers across the continent.
Female Football: A Rising Global Force
“Female football is growing rapidly. I believe it will be among the top five sports in the world in the next 4 to 5 years,” Petersen stated with conviction, citing increased global viewership, rising commercial interest, and expanding opportunities for female athletes. He urged governments, football associations, and the private sector to take deliberate steps to support the sport’s growth.
Uganda: A Sleeping Giant in Women’s Football
Petersen described Uganda as a “hotbed of untapped talent,” underscoring the nation’s potential to become a global force in women’s football. He believes that with the right infrastructure, consistent funding, and player development pathways, Uganda could soon join the ranks of the top 40 women’s football nations worldwide and top 6 in Africa.
“There’s a lot of talent in Uganda,” he said. “It’s a big opportunity for any player from here to get into the Danish Women Football League.”
Indeed, Uganda’s footprint in Denmark is growing steadily. Through Petersen’s guidance and informal network, several Ugandan players have already secured opportunities in top Danish clubs, including:
Daphine Nyayenga, currently playing as goalkeeper for Fortuna Hjørring
Vanessa Karungi, now part of FC Nordsjælland
Phiona Nabbumba, who recently joined FC Midtjylland
These athletes all began their journeys at B93 Boldklubben, a club that has increasingly become a springboard for African female talent in Denmark.
Petersen’s Unique Role: Connector, Not Agent
While Petersen is not a licensed football agent, his influence and goodwill in Danish football circles have opened doors for many African players. As a goalkeeping coach and youth mentor, he plays a critical behind-the-scenes role, scouting and connecting promising players to clubs that value development and diversity.
“I’m not in this for profit. I just want to give girls who deserve it a chance,” Petersen shared.
A Model of What’s Possible: Omewa Joy Ogochukwu
Among Petersen’s most notable success stories is Omewa Joy Ogochukwu, a Nigerian striker he discovered at age 16. Ogochukwu’s meteoric rise has become a beacon of what is possible when talent is paired with opportunity. After joining B93, she quickly rose through the ranks and transferred to Fortuna Hjørring.
In the 2024–25 Danish Women's League season, Ogochukwu scored an impressive 24 goals, leading her club to a historic league and cup double. On June 13, 2025, she was crowned Player of the Season, attracting interest from Europe’s elite clubs in what is poised to be Denmark’s most expensive female transfer to date.
“This is what’s possible when talent meets opportunity. Africa has many Ogochukwus waiting to be discovered,” said Petersen.
Call to FUFA and Other Stakeholders: Build the Pipeline
Frank Petersen called on the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) to:
Establish more women’s football camps
Encourage elite men’s clubs to form female teams
Invest in mentorship and career planning
Create transitional programs for players aging out of youth systems
He particularly praised Sheryl Botes, head coach of Uganda’s national women’s team, the Crested Cranes, describing her as a “seasoned professional capable of leading Uganda to international glory.”
“There’s great promise in Uganda, but we need consistency, structures, and opportunities,” Petersen emphasized.
The Danish League: Africa’s Gateway to Europe
Petersen encouraged licensed football agents across Africa to explore opportunities in the Danish Women Football League, which he praised as “structured, competitive, and development-friendly.”
“There’s room for many more players from Africa. The Danish league values hard work, passion, and talent, and I’ve seen how African players thrive once given a chance.”
Dana Cup: A Launchpad for African Talent
Reflecting on the success of the 2025 Dana Cup, Petersen expressed excitement over the increased participation of African teams. He sees the tournament as a critical gateway to international opportunities and expresses hope for broader African involvement in the 2026 edition.
“The Dana Cup is becoming a gateway for African talent. We hope more countries will join us for the 2026 edition,” he said.
Frank Petersen’s message is unambiguous: Africa is rich with female football talent, and the moment to act is now. With intentional investment, partnerships, and grassroots support, countries like Uganda can rise to dominate the international stage.
“Female football is no longer a sideshow—it’s the main act. Let’s give our girls the stage they deserve,” Petersen concluded.
About Dana Cup
The Dana Cup, held annually in Denmark, is one of the largest youth football tournaments in the world. It attracts teams from across the globe and serves as a critical scouting and development platform for young footballers, including many from Africa.
