With the FIFA control on funding now officially lifted, the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) finally has room to breathe. Financial flexibility has returned — and so has the opportunity to invest meaningfully in areas that can define the future of Nepali football. And there is no better place to start than the Nepal U20 women’s national team.

Nepal’s women’s football has shown tremendous passion and promise over the years. But while the senior national team has made it to 13 finals in international tournaments, the heartbreak remains the same — zero titles to date. It’s time to break the cycle. That starts with planning for the long term, and the U20 team is the perfect foundation to build from.

The current U20 squad has shown flashes of brilliance. These players are young, hungry, and eager to represent the country with pride. At the same time, several of our senior team members are entering the twilight of their careers. The gap between potential and progress must now be bridged — and that can only happen with proper investment.

A Vision for the Future:

ANFA must launch a three-year residential program for the U20 squad. Such a program should include:

• Full-time training under an experienced foreign coach with a long-term vision

• Regular exposure trips and international friendlies

• Monthly salaries to ensure financial security

• Support for their education and personal development

This kind of structure would allow players to focus entirely on their football without the burden of worrying about their future. It would help instill professionalism and accountability from a young age, two traits vital for international success.

Nepal can no longer afford to follow a tournament-to-tournament model with short camps and last-minute preparations. Women’s football deserves better, and the U20 squad provides a perfect launchpad for real transformation.

If ANFA truly wants to end Nepal’s title drought in women’s football, the focus must shift from short-term fixes to long-term planning. Investing in the U20 team today means building a champion senior team tomorrow. With FIFA funding back on track, there is no excuse to delay.

The ball is now in ANFA’s court.