2025 HerGame Girls Championship Kicks Off in Abuja

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

The 2025 HerGame Girls Football Championship has officially kicked off at the Area 3 Sports Complex, Abuja, with intense competition, rising talent, and renewed hope for the Nigerian girl child.

Now in its second edition, the grassroots tournament has quickly become one of the country’s most credible platforms for discovering young female footballers.

Organised and fully funded by the HerGame Foundation, led by Dr. Pat Ajuma Ayegba, the championship runs from November 29 to December 6 with 16 teams selected from 24 registered sides.

Each team receives free registration, jerseys, bibs, match balls, and logistical support, a rare sponsorship model that removes financial barriers for girls interested in football.

Breaking Barriers for the Girl Child

Ayegba, who also chairs the FCT FA Women’s Committee, said HerGame was created to bridge long-standing gaps that have kept many talented girls invisible in Nigeria’s football structure.

“We are breaking ceilings for the girl child. HerGame is that opportunity, a platform that says your dreams are valid, no matter where you come from.”

She added that the experience is transformative for many young players:

“When a girl from a remote community wears a jersey with her name for the first time, something powerful happens. Her confidence shifts. Her future expands.”

HerGame’s impact

Over 85% of last year’s players have advanced into organised leagues, and several became junior internationals, including one who featured at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Last year’s MVP, Queen Joseph, returned this year after emerging Nigeria’s top scorer at the Morocco 2025 U-17 World Cup.

Ayegba also announced that the championship will expand into a nationwide tournament in 2026, driven by growing national interest.

Opening Day Results

Fosla Academy 2–1 Horvel Prime

Scorers: Janet Bawa (16’), Rachel Samuel (37’), Queen Joseph (47’)

Generation Next 5–0 Emirates Queens

SIK Paragon 1–0 Jeremiah Angels

BIA Ladies 1–0 Gwagwalada Ladies

Defending champions Fosla Academy began strongly, with captain Janet Bawa-Shukaga reaffirming their ambitions:

“Being defending champions is an honour. We came prepared to defend our title again.”

Generation Next recorded the biggest win of the day, while SIK Paragon and BIA Ladies secured narrow but important victories.

Sunday Fixtures

Morning

Emirates Queens vs Nasarawa Shooting Stars

Generation Next vs Talent Developer

M Squared vs SIK Paragon

Afternoon

Fosla Academy vs Ladi Kwali

Horvel Angels vs EUPA Angels

Only the top two teams in each group will advance to the quarterfinals, making every matchday decisive.

A Trusted Grassroots Platform

Co-Head of the Organising Committee, Moses Nagogo Bako, praised HerGame’s authenticity and developmental value.

“The age alignment is proper, the structure is transparent, and the talent is raw. Last year, a player rose from here to the U-17 national team. We expect even more from this edition.”

He commended Ayegba’s commitment to fully funding the tournament:

“What she is doing here is beyond sports. She is building futures.”

As the competition heads toward the December 6 finale at the Goal Project, MKO Abiola Stadium, the message remains clear:

HerGame is not just raising footballers — it is reshaping the future of the Nigerian girl child.