The Benue State Government says it is strengthening grassroots sports development through a new partnership with Nigerian international footballer Francesca Ordega, with a focus on improving the quality of young talents progressing to the national level.
The Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Creativity, Tiza Imojine, makes this known at the grand finale of the two-day Francesca Ordega Grassroots Female Talent Hunt and Football Clinic at the McCarthy Stadium in Makurdi, Mediaplusng.com reports. He says the collaboration aims to build a sustainable pathway for young female players while addressing gaps in grassroots sports development.
The football clinic brings together over 100 young female players aged 14 to 18, alongside local coaches, in a programme designed to combine football education with academic balance. The initiative also features Super Falcons stars Francesca Ordega and Ashleigh Plumptre, who share professional insights, modern training techniques, and tactical knowledge with participants.
As the morning sessions begin at the McCarthy Stadium, Ordega and Plumptre lead intensive drills focused on skill development, discipline, and game intelligence. The programme also includes capacity-building sessions for local coaches, supported by visiting trainers from Al-Ittihad FC of Saudi Arabia, Mediaplusng.com understands.
Local coaches and participants describe the clinic as impactful, noting improved understanding of modern football methods and player management. They commend the organisers for exposing grassroots coaches and players to international best practices that are often unavailable at the community level.
Attention later shifts to the tournament final, where Charity Academy Gboko, the club where Ordega began her football journey, competes against another Gboko-based side. The keenly contested match draws strong support from fans and officials, highlighting the growing interest in female football in the state.
Charity Academy Gboko emerges winner of the competition, with players calling on the state government to increase investment in grassroots sports, especially female football. Officials from the Ministry of Youths, Sports and Creativity commend the performance of the teams and the level of talent discovered during the programme.
Expressing satisfaction with the outcome, Francesca Ordega and Ashleigh Plumptre reaffirm their commitment to mentoring the young players and supporting their journey toward professional football. They describe grassroots development as key to the future success of women’s football in Nigeria.
The Benue State Government says it will continue to support similar initiatives, describing the programme as a long-term investment in youth development. The football clinic leaves a lasting impact on participants and sets a strong foundation for the growth of female football across the state.
