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Dr Ayegba Seeks Fresh Talents as FCT Women’s Inter-Area Council Tournament Kicks Off Friday
The President and Founder of HerGame Foundation, Dr Pat Adjuma Ayegba, has expressed optimism that the 2026 FCT FA Women’s Inter-Area Council Football Tournament will uncover a new generation of talented female footballers capable of progressing to the professional and international stage.
Ayegba, who is also a Board Member of the Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT FA), stated this ahead of the tournament, which kicks off on Friday, August 21, with six Area Councils competing for honours.
The competition, organised by the FCT FA, is designed to strengthen women’s football at the grassroots while providing young female players with competitive exposure and a pathway into professional football.
According to Ayegba, the tournament has already demonstrated its value as a talent-discovery platform, with promising players emerging from the previous edition.
“We are hoping to see new talents. We are hoping to have new emerging professionals, international stars,” Ayegba said.
“I am excited because last year, we found some good talents from this particular tournament. We saw some newbies, and I want to see their progress this year. A lot more is expected.”
She commended the FCT FA for its preparation and support towards the participating teams, noting that the association had invested considerable effort in ensuring the tournament gets off the ground successfully.
“To be honest with you, FCT FA has come up, and they are doing well with the whole preparation,” she said.
Ayegba also disclosed that the HerGame Foundation had contributed to the development of the competition, revealing that she personally supported participating teams with ₦120,000 each during last year’s edition.
“Last year personally, I supported the teams with ₦120,000 each, of which I saw the FA taking it up from there. And this is a lot. This is a lot. The FA has supported us a lot to make this happen, so we are grateful,” she said.
The 2026 tournament will feature all six Area Councils of the FCT, divided into two groups. Bwari, Gwagwalada and AMAC will compete in Group A, while Abaji, Kuje and Kwali make up Group B.
The group stage will be played on a home-and-away basis, with the semi-finals scheduled for September 2 and the final billed for September 5.
Ayegba also welcomed the commitment of the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, to attend the opening ceremony, describing her as a strong supporter of women’s football and the development of the girl child.
She said Omidiran’s support could further strengthen efforts to create opportunities for young girls through football.
Ayegba said her visit to the FCC chairman was also aimed at building stronger partnerships around women’s football development, expressing satisfaction with Omidiran’s response and willingness to support the initiative.
“She has done so much for us. To whom honour is due, honour should be given. I came here today to see her in person, and she is actually a jolly good fellow,” Ayegba said.
“She is more than what I have heard of—a true supporter, one who has heart for the game of football, like myself. Like I have heard, I saw it myself today.”
With the opening ceremony set for Friday, Ayegba believes the competition can serve as more than a contest for Area Council supremacy, but as a scouting ground capable of producing players who will eventually represent the FCT, professional clubs and the national teams.
