By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
President and Founder of HerGame Foundation, Dr Pat Ajuma Ayegba, is optimistic that the 2026 FCT FA Women’s Inter-Area Council Football Tournament will unearth fresh talents capable of progressing to the professional and international stage.
The FCT FA Board Member stated this ahead of Friday’s opening of the tournament, which will feature all six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory in a grassroots competition designed to strengthen women’s football and provide young players with valuable competitive exposure.
Ayegba said the tournament had already proven its potential as a talent-discovery platform, with promising players emerging from last year’s edition.
“We are hoping to see new talents. We are hoping to have new emerging professionals, international stars,” she said, adding that she was eager to see the progress of players discovered during the previous edition.
She commended the FCT FA for its preparations and support for the participating teams, while revealing that she personally supported each team with ₦120,000 during last year’s competition through her commitment to grassroots women’s football.
The 2026 tournament will see Bwari, Gwagwalada and AMAC battle 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 for September 5.
Ayegba also welcomed the planned presence of Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, at the opening ceremony, describing her as a passionate supporter of women’s football and the development of the girl child.
With the tournament set to kick off on Friday, Ayegba believes it can become more than a battle for Area Council supremacy, but a major scouting platform capable of producing future FCT stars, professional players and national-team prospects.
