The HerGame Girls Football Championship is set to return for its second edition from November 29 to December 6, 2025, with organizers announcing on Tuesday that the tournament has expanded from 16 to 20 participating teams drawn from across the North Central region.

 

Now in its sophomore year, the championship maintains its central mission of empowering the girl child through football—providing grassroots teams and emerging talents with a platform to gain competitive experience, build confidence, enhance visibility, and access structured pathways for long-term development in the sport.

 

Haruna Ilerika, Chairman of the Organising Committee and Secretary of the FCT Football Association, described the expansion as a testament to the rising credibility and influence of the HerGame initiative.

 

“Increasing participation from 16 to 20 teams reflects the growing credibility and impact of the HerGame initiative. This second edition will elevate the standards, giving more girls the opportunity to showcase their abilities in a supportive and inspiring environment,” the FCT FA scribe said.

 

Founder of the HerGame Foundation, Dr. Pat Ajuma Ayegba—who also serves as a member of the FCT FA Board and Head of the FCT FA Women’s Football Committee—reaffirmed that the tournament is closely aligned with the Foundation’s broader vision of using sport as a tool for inclusion and empowerment.

 

“HerGame Foundation was founded to unlock opportunities for young and underprivileged girls, giving them the visibility, confidence, and platform they need to pursue football at higher levels. The rapid growth of this championship demonstrates that, when given equal opportunities, girls rise and excel,” she said.

 

The HerGame Girls Football Championship continues to strengthen its commitment to grassroots football development, girl-child empowerment, and the sustained growth of women’s football in Northern Nigeria.

 

Last year’s maiden edition delivered memorable performances, with FOSLA Academy emerging as champions. Queen Joseph, who clinched the Highest Goal Scorer and MVP awards at the inaugural tournament, would go on to become Nigeria’s top scorer at the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco—a success story officials say underscores the importance of the platform.

 

Defending champions FOSLA Academy are set to return, this time facing a larger and more diverse field of competitors.

 

Organizers noted that detailed match schedules and program activities will be released prior to kickoff. The week-long tournament will be hosted at two venues: the Area 3 pitch and the training pitch of the Moshood Abiola Stadium.