Nigerian Football Icon Focuses on Women’s Football and Youth Opportunities.
Nigerian Football Icon Focuses on Women’s Football and Youth Opportunities.
Nigerian football star Francisca Ordega has launched a grassroots football clinic in Benue State, aimed at discovering and nurturing young football talents. Organized under the auspices of the Francisca Ordega Foundation, the initiative took place at McCarthy Stadium and featured intensive coaching drills and technical training sessions. Ordega personally led the programme, alongside her international colleagues, including Super Falcons defender Ashley Plumptre.
The foundation, in partnership with Saudi Arabia-based Al-Ittihad Football Club, targets aspiring players aged 14 to 18. The programme also focuses on empowering local coaches by imparting modern training techniques to boost grassroots football development in the region. Over 100 young participants attended the two-day event, many expressing excitement at the unique opportunity to learn from elite professionals and promising to make the most of the experience.
For Ordega, a native of Benue, the clinic underscores her commitment to giving back to society by promoting women’s football and creating opportunities for young girls—opportunities she lacked during her early playing days. She emphasized the importance of inspiring the next generation and expanding the reach of football among youth, especially girls, in Nigeria.
The event culminated in a friendly charity match, with Charity Academy Football Club narrowly defeating Invincible Angels FC 1–0 to win the tournament. The football clinic not only provided valuable training but also fostered community spirit and hope among young athletes, demonstrating Ordega’s dedication to grassroots development and women’s empowerment through sports.
