President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has reiterated his administration’s strong commitment to grassroots football development, emphasizing the importance of youth-focused initiatives in nurturing future talents.

 

Gusau made this known on Sunday during the grand finale of the maiden edition of the FCT FA Women’s Inter-Area Councils Football Tournament, held at the NFF-FIFA Goal Project, MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

 

“I am fulfilled being part of this success. Championships like this are real platforms for talent discovery, and I must commend the organizers for their vision and execution,” Gusau said. “I made a vow to be here, and I am proud to identify with initiatives like this. It aligns perfectly with my agenda of promoting grassroots development since taking office and taking the sport to every corner of the country. I am truly proud of the investment and dedication shown by Pat Ajuma Ayegba, and I fully support initiatives of this nature.”

 

In a thrilling final match, AMAC Area Council emerged champions after a solitary strike by Ruth Torsue secured a 1-0 victory over Gwagwalada Area Council. In the third-place playoff, Kwali defeated Kuje 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time.

 

AMAC received a cash prize of ₦250,000 for their triumph, while runners-up Gwagwalada and third-placed Kwali were awarded ₦150,000 and ₦100,000 respectively.

 

A major highlight of the day was the conferment of a Meritorious Award on Gusau in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to football development in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

 

Tournament initiator and sponsor, Pat Ajuma Ayegba, who also serves as Chairman of the FCT FA Women’s Football Committee, expressed immense satisfaction with the competition’s success.

 

“This is a dream come true. I congratulate all participating teams, especially champions AMAC, for their outstanding performance,” Ayegba said. “I sincerely thank the NFF President for honoring us with his presence and creating lasting memories for these young, ambitious female footballers. I also deeply appreciate the support of the Minister of Women’s Affairs and the FCT FA leadership.”

 

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by her Special Assistant Alkali Suleiman, commended the organizers for their transformative vision.

 

“This initiative is highly commendable, creating a platform that takes young girls off the streets and engages them positively through sports. On behalf of the Honourable Minister, I pledge our Ministry’s continued support to sustain and grow this laudable project as it aligns with our agenda,” Suleiman said.