The 2025 HerGame Girls Football Championship began in Abuja on Saturday with a bold announcement from founder and sole sponsor, Dr. Pat Ajuma Ayegba, who revealed plans to expand the fast-growing grassroots platform into a nationwide tournament by 2026.

The week-long championship, taking place from November 29 to December 6 at the Area 3 Sports Complex, features 16 teams in a fully funded environment that provides free registration, jerseys, training bibs, and logistics — a rare model in Nigerian grassroots sports.

Ayegba, an FCT FA board member and head of the FA’s Women’s Committee, said the initiative was conceived to break long-standing barriers that limit access and opportunity for young girls in football.

“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.

Initially created as an FCT-only competition, HerGame expanded this year to cover the entire North Central zone. Ayegba confirmed that increasing interest from other regions has accelerated plans to take the tournament nationwide next year.

She emphasized that HerGame continues to attract players from underserved communities, giving them visibility and opportunities previously out of reach.

“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,” she added.

The programme’s impact is already measurable. Over 85% of participants from the 2024 edition now feature in structured leagues, and several have gone on to become junior internationals — including one who represented Nigeria at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Last year’s MVP, Queen Joseph, was Nigeria’s top scorer at the Morocco 2025 U-17 Women’s World Cup and has returned this year to mentor younger players.

Ayegba reaffirmed her long-term ambition of making HerGame a key 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,” she declared.

Co-Head of the Organising Committee and women’s football advocate, Moses Nagogo Bako, said the championship’s growing reputation comes from its integrity, age-verification process, and consistent talent output.

He commended Ayegba’s full sponsorship model, noting that it covers all kits, bibs, balls, and logistics — something he described as “almost unheard of” in grassroots development.

“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.”

Captain of defending champions Fosla Academy, Janet Bawa-Shukaga, also reflected on the significance of the competition as she led her team into another title defence.

“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,” she said.

With the 2025 edition now underway and expansion plans gathering momentum, the HerGame Girls Championship continues its rise as one of Nigeria’s most influential talent-discovery platforms for young female footballers.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

The 2025 HerGame Girls Football Championship began in lively fashion on Saturday at the Area 3 Sports Complex, Abuja, with defending champions Fosla Academy grinding out a 2–1 win over Horvel Prime in the opening fixture.

Fosla Academy is an institution run by former NFF President, Sani Lulu Abdullahi.

The HerGame Girls Football Championship, a grassroots tournament, runs from November 29 to December 6. It produced goals and drama on its first day.

Generation Next delivered the standout performance, overpowering Emirates Queens 5–0 to record the biggest win of Matchday One.

SIK Paragon and BIA Ladies also opened their campaigns with narrow but important victories. SIK Paragon edged Jeremiah Angels, while BIA Ladies defeated Gwagwalada Ladies to cap an eventful start to the competition.

Although 24 teams initially registered for the championship, 16 eventually met the participation requirements and were divided into four groups. With only the top two teams from each pool advancing to the quarterfinals, every match in the group phase is expected to be fiercely contested.

Matchday Two on Sunday promises another exciting slate of eight fixtures as teams look to consolidate early form or bounce back from opening-day setbacks.

Emirates Queens will seek redemption when they face Nasarawa Shooting Stars, while dominant Generation Next return against Talent Developer. In Group B, M Squared and SIK Paragon clash in what could be a defining encounter.

Fosla Academy will also return to action in the afternoon, taking on Ladi Kwali as they continue their quest to defend their crown. The day’s final match will see Horvel Angels battle EUPA Angels.

With strong competition already emerging across the groups, the 2025 HerGame Girls Championship is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions yet.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

The 2025/26 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiershipseason kicked off in spectacular fashion on Wednesday, with defending champions Bayelsa Queens securing a dramatic3–2 victory over former champions Edo Queens in a pulsating opener at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.

The curtain-raiser delivered everything expected of a clash between two of the league’s elite sides—early goals, late drama, and a stoppage-time winner.

Rebecca Adegbemile gave Edo Queens the lead in the 23rd minute, but Bayelsa Queens’ forward Kindness Ifeanyi levelled on the stroke of halftime. Just three minutes into the second half, Janet Akekerowei fired the hosts ahead.

Edo Queens rallied late and equalised through Adanna Nwachukwu in the 85th minute, only for Blessing Ilivieda to snatch a stunning stoppage-time winner that sealed all three points for the Prosperity Girls.

The win sends Bayelsa Queens top early as they begin their title defence.

Strong Starts, Comebacks and Stalemates Across the Country

Across other centres, Matchday One produced goals and statement performances as nine fixtures unfolded nationwide.

In Makurdi, Adamawa Queens began their campaign with a confident 2–0 win over debutants Pacesetter Queens, courtesy of strikes from Ifeoma Damian and Mary Sunday.

In Owerri, Heartland Queens came from behind to defeat Ekiti Queens 2–1, with second-half goals from Chizoba Johnson and Emmanuella James overturning Amarachi Okoronkwo’s early opener.

At the FCT Bwari Stadium, Naija Ratels were held to a goalless draw by a resilient Ibom Angels side.

Last season’s runners-up, Nasarawa Amazons, opened with a 2–1 comeback win over Delta Queens. Nora Davies put the visitors ahead early, but Shobowale and Ayatsea struck in quick succession to complete the turnaround.

In Iyamho, hosts Abia Angels and Confluence Queens shared the spoils in a lively 2–2 draw, with both sides alternating control in a balanced contest.

In Akure, FC Robo Queens began their season in style, grinding out a 1–0 away victoryover Sunshine Queens through a well-taken goal by Marvellous Oladuni.

A five-goal thriller in Lagos saw Dannaz Ladies edge Osun Babes 3–2, with Fatima Sholaty, Korie Ulumma and Ajoke Akinbo scoring for the hosts, while Sharon Shomuyiwa and Robiat Taofeeq kept the visitors in contention.

Newcomers Ahudiyannem Queens earned their first-ever NWFL point after a 0–0 draw with Remo Stars Ladies in Umuahia.

Matchday One Full Results (NWFL Premiership 2025/26)

• Dannaz Ladies 3–2 Osun Babes FC
• Nasarawa Amazons 2–1 Delta Queens
• Adamawa Queens 2–0 Pacesetter Queens
• Naija Ratels 0–0 Ibom Angels
• Ahudiyannem Queens 0–0 Remo Stars Ladies
• Sunshine Queens 0–1 FC Robo Queens
• Bayelsa Queens 3–2 Edo Queens
• Confluence Queens 2–2 Abia Angels
• Heartland Queens 2–1 Ekiti Queens

The NWFL Premiership returns next week, with clubs already gearing up for Matchday Two as early season narratives begin to take shape.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H