The 2025 HerGame Girls Football Championship kicked off in Abuja on Saturday, with founder and sole sponsor, Dr. Pat Ajuma Ayegba, announcing plans to expand what has rapidly become one of Nigeria’s most credible talent-discovery platforms for young female footballers nationwide.
The week-long grassroots tournament, running from November 29 to December 6 at the Area 3 Sports Complex, features 16 teams competing under a fully funded support system that includes free registration, jerseys, training bibs, and logistics.
Ayegba, an FCT FA board member, said the initiative was created to bridge long-standing gaps in access and opportunity for the girl child.
“We are breaking ceilings for the girl child. For too long, talent has been wasted simply because opportunity never arrived. HerGame is that opportunity, a platform that says to every girl, no matter where you come from, your dreams are valid,” she said.
Originally an FCT-only event, the championship expanded this year into a North Central competition. Ayegba confirmed that growing interest from other regions has strengthened plans to take the tournament nationwide in 2026.
The Head of FCT FA Women’s Committee stressed that HerGame continues to attract players from underserved communities, offering them a platform previously unavailable.
“It gives me joy to see a girl from a remote village standing on this field with the same confidence as someone from an elite academy. Football has the power to equalize. This is not just a tournament; it is a platform to showcase potential, build confidence, and help girls rewrite their stories,” Ayegba added.
The programme has already produced measurable impact, with over 85% of participants from the 2024 edition now playing in structured leagues, and several becoming junior internationals, including one who featured at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Last year’s MVP, Queen Joseph, emerged as Nigeria’s top scorer at the Morocco 2025 U17 Women’s World Cup before returning to HerGame to mentor younger players.
Ayegba reaffirmed her long-term goal of establishing HerGame as a major feeder system for Nigeria’s senior women’s national team.
“My dream is that one day, the Super Falcons will have at least 10 girls who started their journey here. And trust me, that day is coming.”
Organising Committee Co-Head and women’s football advocate, Moses Nagogo Bako, said the tournament’s structure and integrity have strengthened its reputation as one of the most authentic youth football events in the country.
Bako praised Ayegba’s full sponsorship model, which covers all kits for players and officials, bibs, balls, and logistics, describing it as a rarity in grassroots sports.
“The age alignment, the transparency, the raw talent, everything is right. We are certain more national team players will emerge from this year’s edition,” he said.
“What she is doing here is beyond sports. She is building futures. She deserves national recognition,” he added.
Captain of defending champions Fosla Academy, Janet Bawa-Shukaga, expressed pride in leading the title holders and credited HerGame for its growing influence.
“Being defending champions is an honour, and we came prepared to defend our title. This tournament is a huge opportunity for the girl child. My own teammate was selected from here to represent Nigeria at the World Cup. This competition is opening doors for many of us.”
