HerGame Foundation Receives NSC Backing For Grassroots Women’s Football Development

HerGame Foundation Receives NSC Backing For Grassroots Women’s Football Development

By Niyi Busari 

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has pledged its full support to the HerGame Foundation, reaffirming its commitment to the development of women’s football at the grassroots level across Nigeria, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The commitment was made on Tuesday when officials of the Abuja-based non-profit organisation paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko.

Speaking during the visit, Dikko commended the foundation’s efforts in promoting girls’ football and empowering young female athletes through structured grassroots programmes.

“This foundation, with its extensive initiatives for women’s grassroots football development, deserves our support,” Dikko said while receiving a commemorative frame from the organisation.

“Going forward, the National Sports Commission will be actively involved in HerGame Foundation’s football activities and will assist in any way we can to ensure its continued success.”

Responding, the President of the HerGame Foundation, Dr. Pat Ajuma Ayegba, expressed appreciation for the Commission’s endorsement, noting that the support would significantly enhance the organisation’s programmes.

“The backing of the National Sports Commission will go a long way in ensuring the success of this year’s national grassroots football competition and our broader mission of empowering young girls through sport,” she said.

Founded by Dr. Ayegba, the HerGame Foundation is dedicated to promoting sports inclusion for girls and women through football. The organisation focuses on building confidence, creating opportunities for underprivileged female athletes, and providing clear development pathways for aspiring footballers.

Beyond organising tournaments, the foundation seeks to break gender barriers in sport while creating platforms that expose emerging talents to coaches, scouts and other stakeholders within the football ecosystem.

Its flagship competition has experienced remarkable growth since inception. The second edition of its North Central tournament expanded to feature 20 grassroots teams, reflecting increasing participation and interest in women’s football.

The foundation’s most recent championship culminated in a thrilling final at the Area 3 Sports Complex in Abuja, where Horvel Angels defeated defending champions Fosla Academy 2-0 to claim the 2025 HerGame Girls Football Championship title.

This year’s tournament represented a significant milestone for the organisation, evolving from an Abuja-based competition into a national event featuring more than 20 teams from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The expanded format provided a higher level of competition while uncovering a new generation of talented female footballers from across the country.

With the support of the National Sports Commission, stakeholders believe the initiative is well-positioned to further strengthen the development of women’s football and create greater opportunities for young female athletes nationwide.