FCT FA Gives N720,000 To Area Councils As Inaugural Women’s Football Tourney Kicks Off April 10

The Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT FA) has allocated a total of N720,000 to the six Area Councils in the Territory in preparation for its inaugural Inter-Area Councils Women’s Tournament, set to commence on April 10, 2025.

The funding announcement was made in a press statement signed by the head of media committee, FCT FA, Mrs Uche Nwudoh Hillary, saying each of the six participating Area Council teams will receive N120,000 to assist in their preparations for the competition.

LEADERSHIP reports that the six Area Councils in the FCT—Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali—were all represented at the event.

FCT FA Chairman, Alhaji Adam Mouktar Mohammed, highlighted that the tournament aligns with his administration’s vision of promoting women’s football and providing opportunities for young female players in the capital.

“This tournament is part of our commitment to creating a platform for girls through football,” Mouktar stated. “We believe this initiative will not only increase women’s participation in the sport but will also transform the perception and narrative of women’s football in the FCT and beyond.”

He also credited the initiative to Mrs. Pat Ayegba-Jubril, a member of the FCT FA Board and head of the women’s football committee, praising her determination to advance the women’s game in the region.

“I must acknowledge Mrs. Ayegba-Jubril for her vision and commitment to the development of women’s football in the FCT. Her dedication to this cause has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to fruition, and we are excited about the positive impact it will have on the future of the game,” Mouktar explained.

Mrs. Ayegba-Jubril stressed the essential role of financial support in ensuring that teams were adequately prepared for the tournament.

“This funding will help the councils prepare their teams for the competition,” Ayegba-Jubril noted. “It’s time to elevate women’s football and ensure that girls at the grassroots level have access to the same opportunities as their peers globally. We are passionate about grassroots development and must encourage more girls to participate in sports.”

The FCT FA Inter-Area Councils Women’s Tournament will feature six teams divided into two groups, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the semi-finals.

In addition to chairman Alhaji Adam Mouktar Mohammed and Mrs. Pat Ayegba-Jubril, several key figures attended the event, including former Nigerian star Femi Ajilore, 2nd Vice Chairman John Gabaya, and coach Patrick Bassey, as members of the FCT FA board.