Joel Ajayi
The Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT FA) has disbursed a total of N720,000 to Area Councils in preparation for the inaugural FCT FA Inter-Area Councils Women’s Tournament, which is set to kick off on April 10, 2025.
The funding was announced at a media briefing held at Area 10 in Abuja on Thursday, with each of the six participating Area Council teams receiving N120,000 to support their preparations for the competition. The six Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)—Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali—were all represented at the event.
In his address, FCT FA Chairman Alhaji Adam Mouktar Mohammed revealed that the tournament aligns with his administration’s vision to foster the development of women’s football and provide opportunities for young female players in the capital.
“This tournament is part of our commitment to providing a platform for the girl-child through football,” Mouktar said. “We believe this initiative will not only boost women’s participation in the sport but also change the perception and narrative of women’s football in the FCT and beyond.”
He also credited the initiative to Mrs. Pat Ayegba-Jubril, an FCT FA board member and head of the women’s football committee, commending her dedication to advancing the women’s game in the region.
“I must acknowledge Mrs. Ayegba-Jubril for her vision and commitment to the growth of women’s football in the FCT. Her dedication to this cause has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to life, and we are excited about the positive impact it will have on the future of the game,” Mouktar stated.
Mrs. Ayegba-Jubril emphasized the critical role of financial support in ensuring that the teams are adequately prepared for the tournament.
“This funding will assist the councils in getting their teams ready for the competition,” Ayegba-Jubril stated. “It’s time to elevate women’s football and ensure that girls at the grassroot level have access to the same opportunities as their counterparts globally. We are passionate about grassroot development and must encourage more girls to participate in sports.”
The FCT FA Inter-Area Council Women’s Tournament will feature six teams, divided into two groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals.
Besides Chairman Alhaji Adam Mouktar Mohammed and Mrs. Pat Ayegba-Jubril, the event was attended by several key figures, including former Nigeria star Femi Ajilore, 2nd Vice Chairman John Gabaya, and coach Patrick Bassey as members of the FCT FA board.
In a statement issued on Thursday by theHead Media Committee Uche Nwudoh Hillary in Abuja
