Nigerian Football
Exciting Start to FCT FA Inter-Area Councils Women’s Tournament as AMAC, Kwali Secure Opening Day Wins
The much-anticipated FCT FA Inter-Area Councils Women’s Football Tournament kicked off in grand style, with impressive wins recorded by AMAC and Kwali in their respective opening fixtures on Thursday, April 10, 2025.
Organized by the FCT Football Association through its Women’s Football Committee, the tournament’s maiden edition is designed to promote talent discovery and gender inclusion in football across all six Area Councils.
In the opening fixtures, AMAC recorded a 2-0 victory over Bwari at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Practice Pitch, while Kwali triumphed with a 9-1 win over Abaji at the Abaji Football Pitch.
Speaking as a special guest after the kick-off match at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Kayode Adeniyi, General Manager of NTA Sports, lauded the initiative.
“This tournament is a bold and timely intervention in the effort to give the girl-child a voice through sport. What we are witnessing is not just football—it’s social impact, community building, and youth engagement rolled into one,” former Chairman of FCT SWAN said.
“Special commendation goes to Pat Ajuma Ayegba for her innovation and personal investment in girl-child talent development. Her passion and drive have not only birthed this historic tournament but have also revived the long-dormant FCT FA Women’s Football League. She’s changing the narrative.
“I also call on the media to throw their weight fully behind this initiative. These girls deserve the spotlight just as much as any other athletes.”
Patrick Bassey, FCT FA Board Member and Chairman of the Technical Committee praised the quality of play and emphasized the long-term vision.
“We saw not just goals today but glimpses of future stars. The FCT FA remains committed to building a strong foundation for women’s football through structured competitions like this. The technical team is closely monitoring talents that can progress to the league and national level,” Bassey said.
FCT FA Board member and chairman of the women’s football committee, Pat Ajuma Ayegba, expressed her pride in the successful kick-off.
“Today marks the beginning of a dream—to take football to every girl on every street and in every school,” the former footballer, who bankrolled the grants to the participating Area Councils, said.
“I’m proud of the dedication from our teams and grateful to the FCT FA and partners for believing in this vision. This tournament is just the first of many platforms we’re building for young girls to shine.”
The tournament will continue over the coming weeks with home-and-away fixtures across all Area Councils, with the top two teams progressing to the semi-final, culminating in a grand finale to crown the champions of this historic inaugural edition.
Action continues on Saturday as Bwari hosts Gwagwalada, while Abaji will be on the road again to face Kwali on the same day.
Two days later, Kuje will welcome Abaji, while AMAC will be guests to Gwagwalada—both matches are scheduled for Monday, April 14.
Opening Day Results:
- AMAC 2–0 Bwari (Venue: Moshood Abiola Practice Pitch)
- Abaji 1–9 Kwali (Venue: Abaji Football Pitch)
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The global economic power of football (soccer) is truly immense, standing as one of the world’s most influential and profitable industries. The beautiful game generates billions of dollars annually through revenue, employment, and global commerce.
Recent estimates, according to a new report from consultancy firm Kearney, revealed that the global sports market, encompassing professional leagues, broadcasting rights, sponsorships, betting, and merchandising will be worth US$602 billion by 2030.
According to FIFA, “The global football market is witnessing a dynamic evolution, characterized by increasing participation rates and a growing emphasis on youth development programs, which collectively enhance the sport’s accessibility and popularity across diverse demographics.”
Major leagues such as the English Premier League (EPL) generate between $6–7 billion annually, while the UEFA Champions League brings in billions of dollars through TV rights and commercial deals. The FIFA World Cup 2022 alone generated more than $7.5 billion in revenue according to the world football governing body.
Beyond revenues, the football industry has demonstrated an exceptional capacity to create jobs directly — through players, coaches, referees, and administrators — and indirectly across media, tourism, logistics, and security. Every major football club today drives local economies through matchday activities, merchandise sales, and hospitality services.
Television and digital broadcasting rights remain football’s biggest money spinners. The EPL’s broadcasting rights, for instance, are valued at over £10 billion per cycle, with networks such as SuperSport (Africa), Sky Sports (Europe), DAZN, Amazon, and ESPN paying premium sums for coverage.
Moreover, digital platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Meta are revolutionizing the way football content is monetized, expanding access and engagement for millions of fans globally.
Football’s commercial appeal continues to attract massive sponsorship deals. Global brands such as Nike, Adidas, Coca-Cola, and Emirates invest billions in the sport annually.
For example, Real Madrid’s sponsorship deal with Emirates exceeds $70 million per year, while Manchester United’s record-breaking Adidas kit deal — valued at $900 million (2024–2035) — underscores the immense commercial potential of football branding.
Football’s influence extends well beyond the pitch. The sport drives massive investments in stadium construction, transportation upgrades, and urban development.
Mega-events such as the World Cup, AFCON, and UEFA Euro attract millions of tourists, boosting host nations’ GDP through hospitality, retail, and tourism spending. For instance, Qatar 2022 contributed billions of dollars to its national GDP through infrastructure projects and global exposure.
In Nigeria, football continues to stimulate both national and local economies — creating opportunities in youth engagements (through academies and grassroots programs), media growth (sports journalism and broadcasting), and corporate investments (banks, telcos, and private sponsors of clubs and leagues).
The economic power of football is nearly unquantifiable. Football clubs today have evolved into major financial assets — some football clubs are publicly traded or backed by institutional investors.
Examples include Manchester United, listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), and Juventus, listed on the Borsa Italiana (BIT).
Similarly, in Nigeria, The Nigeria Football Fund (TNFF) — managed by GTI Group and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) — exemplifies how football can be harnessed as an investment vehicle to drive sports development, financial inclusion, and national growth.
Football is not just a game — it’s a global economic powerhouse shaping industries, nations, and generations.
In light of the above, it is evident that the private corporate organizations have a significant role to play in the development and sustenance of the Nigeria football ecosystem for mutual benefits.
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Rivers United head coach and technical manager, Finidi George, has praised young defender Ochiobi Elias following his outstanding performance in the club’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture on Wednesday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.
The left-back, who played the full 90 minutes, was instrumental in helping Rivers United maintain a clean sheet, marking one of his most confident outings since his promotion to the senior squad.
Finidi, visibly impressed after the match, revealed that his decision to give Elias a full game was driven by trust in the player’s potential, despite his limited minutes earlier in the season.
“I think he did well. Normally, we should have been bringing him in gradually — maybe 15 minutes before giving him a 90-minute match,” Finidi said. “But I trust him, and I’ve spoken to him. He should be relaxed, calm down, and play his football.”
The coach also highlighted a near-miss moment when Elias came close to scoring late in the game, a chance Finidi felt could have crowned his stellar performance.
“I think today he would have scored a goal at the last moment, but he still wanted to square the ball, look for somebody,” Finidi added. “I’m quite happy with his performance, and we will keep encouraging him to do better. I am very, very pleased.”
Elias, a product of the Rivers United youth team that won the NPFL Youth League in 2024, has been gradually integrated into the first team under Finidi’s guidance. His performance on Wednesday is seen as a major step forward in his development and a sign of his growing confidence.
The youngster is now expected to retain his place in the squad as Rivers United travel to Aba this Sunday for a crucial NPFL clash against Enyimba.
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Strategic partners of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on the President Federation Cup, GTI Group, have congratulated the football governing body on the successful hosting of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held last weekend in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a press statement issued on Friday in Lagos, GTI’s Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, lauded the NFF Board under the leadership of Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau for the smooth conduct of the AGM and the significant progress made in Nigerian football development.
According to Ekejiuba, the Ibadan meeting reflected Gusau’s commitment to engaging stakeholders and strengthening unity across the football ecosystem.
“GTI Group congratulates the Nigeria Football Federation on the successful outcome of its Annual General Meeting held in Ibadan, which the President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, used the occasion to demonstrate his commitment to engaging positively with football stakeholders, including state football associations, clubs and fans,” he said.
“His interactions with the various groups at the AGM showcased his impactful leadership and dedication to promoting Nigerian football and fostering a collaborative environment.”
Ekejiuba also highlighted the Super Falcons’ recent achievements and the growth of domestic competitions, particularly the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), as key milestones recorded under Gusau’s leadership. GTI serves as a strategic partner of the NPFL, supporting its structural and commercial transformation.
The statement further expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for their hospitality and support during the AGM. Ekejiuba noted the governor’s commendation of the improved standard of refereeing in the NPFL under the administration of Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye.
However, GTI also used the opportunity to express disappointment over the early exit of Kwara United and Abia Warriors from the CAF Confederation Cup, urging Nigerian clubs to raise their competitive standards on the continental stage.
“It is unfortunate that both Kwara United and Abia Warriors crashed out at the preliminary phase of the CAF Confederation Cup last weekend. This clearly shows that Nigerian clubs must raise their game in order to compete favourably,” the statement read.
“The future remains bright, but that is why GTI has been calling on Corporate Nigeria to invest more in our football, just as is done in thriving leagues across the world.”
Ekejiuba also extended words of encouragement to Remo Stars and Rivers United, who are still flying Nigeria’s flag in the CAF Champions League.
“We encourage them to dig deep and remain focused to ensure successful campaigns. They should give Nigerian football fans something to cheer this season because we understand how demanding continental competitions can be,” he concluded.
GTI Group reaffirmed its continued commitment to working closely with the NFF to advance football development, promote professionalism, and attract sustainable investment into the Nigerian game.
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