By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, FCC, Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has pledged her full support for the development of women’s football in the Federal Capital Territory.
Omidiran made the commitment during a courtesy visit by the President of HerGame Foundation and FCT Football Association Board Member, Dr Pat Adjuma Ayegba, in Abuja on Thursday, ahead of the 2026 FCT FA Women’s Inter-Area Council Football Tournament.
The FCC boss is expected to grace the tournament’s opening ceremony on Friday, August 21, signalling strong institutional support for an initiative aimed at discovering and nurturing young female football talents across the FCT.
Expressing her delight at Ayegba’s visit, Omidiran said their shared passion for the development of the girl child provides a strong foundation for collaboration.
She described the tournament as an important platform for giving young girls opportunities to develop their talents, pursue careers in sport and contribute meaningfully to society.
“We love the girl child. We want the development of the girl child on all fronts. And that’s why I’m fully supporting the foundation, and I’m willing to show up tomorrow at the opening ceremony,” Omidiran said.
She further described the competition as a fresh beginning for women’s football development in the FCT, expressing optimism that sustained support would help rebuild the grassroots structure and produce players capable of reaching the professional and international levels.
Organised by the FCT Football Association, the tournament brings together women’s teams from the six Area Councils—Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali.
The councils have been divided into two groups, with Bwari, Gwagwalada and AMAC in Group A, while Abaji, Kuje and Kwali make up Group B.
The group stage will be played on a home-and-away basis, followed by the semi-finals on September 2, with the grand finale scheduled for September 5.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday, as the FCT FA begins what organisers hope will become a sustainable pathway for discovering and developing the next generation of female football stars.
