Dr Pat Ajuma Ayegba, founder and president of the HerGame Foundation, believes the 2026 FCT FA Women’s Inter-Area Council Football Tournament can reveal female players ready to advance into professional football and the international game.
Ayegba, who also serves on the board of the Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT FA), spoke before the event begins on Friday, August 21. All six Area Councils in the FCT will compete for the title.
Platform for grassroots talent
Organised by the FCT FA, the tournament is intended to develop women’s football at grassroots level by providing young players with meaningful competition and a route towards the professional ranks. Ayegba said the event had already demonstrated its value, with several encouraging players identified during last year’s competition.
“We want to discover fresh talent and see emerging professionals and future international stars,” Ayegba said. “Last year’s tournament produced some very promising players, including newcomers, and I am eager to follow their development this year. We expect even more from this edition.”
She praised the FCT FA for the work it has done to prepare the tournament and assist the participating teams, saying the association had made significant progress with its arrangements.
Ayegba also revealed that the HerGame Foundation played a direct role in last year’s event. She personally gave each competing team ₦120,000, while expressing appreciation for the additional backing later provided by the football association.
“I gave every team ₦120,000 last year, and the FA built on that support,” she said. “That contribution meant a great deal, and the association has done a lot to help make this tournament possible. We are truly grateful.”
Tournament schedule and groups
- The competition opens on Friday, August 21, with the six FCT Area Councils taking part.
- Group A consists of Bwari, Gwagwalada and AMAC, while Abaji, Kuje and Kwali will compete in Group B.
- The group phase will be played over home-and-away fixtures.
- The semi-finals are scheduled for September 2.
- The tournament final will take place on September 5.
Support for women’s football
Ayegba confirmed that Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, executive chairman of the Federal Character Commission, is expected at the opening ceremony. She described Omidiran as a committed advocate of women’s football and the development of girls, adding that her involvement could help open more opportunities for young players.
Ayegba said her visit to the FCC chair was intended to establish a closer partnership focused on advancing women’s football. She added that she was encouraged by Omidiran’s response.
“She has given us tremendous support, and recognition must go to those who deserve it,” Ayegba said. “I wanted to meet her personally, and she is genuinely warm and approachable. She is even more supportive of football than I had understood, and I saw that commitment for myself today.”
As Friday’s opening ceremony approaches, Ayegba hopes the tournament will offer more than Area Council rivalry. She sees it as a scouting opportunity for players who could later represent the FCT, earn professional contracts or progress to Nigeria’s national teams.
