ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to compare the physical fitness and anthropometric characteristics of Nigerian female defensive and offensive soccer players. To achieve the purpose of this study, we used stratified sampling technique to obtain a representative sample of thirty (30) female defensive players and thirty (30) female offensive players from five female soccer teams participating in National Competition in Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Female defensive players included those playing as goal keeper, right full back, left fullback and centre half back positions whereas female offensive soccer players included those playing in right forward, left forward and centre forward positions, including outside right and outside left. The instruments used were stop watch, whittles, 400 meter running track, calibrated stool, weighing scales, cross bars, horizontal broad wooden blade, etc. Age, height, weight, total arm length and total leg length of these players were recorded using standard, validated and reliable methods to represent anthropometric characteristics. Similarly, cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and explosive strength of the lower limbs were determined by administering valid and reliable field tests to represent physical fitness characteristics. The results indicated that (1) female offensive players demonstrated greater flexibility and explosive strength than female defensive players. (2) female defensive soccer players were significantly taller and heavier than the female offensive players, depending on their playing experience. It was recommended that: (1) taller and heavier female soccer players should be selected for defensive positions. (2) female soccer players with height and weight but greater flexibility and explosive strength should be selected for offensive positions in soccer.