The AMAC Area Council emerged champions of the maiden FCT FA Women’s Inter-Area Councils Football Tournament, edging Gwagwalada Area Council 1-0 in a tightly contested final at the FIFA Goal Project Pitch, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

A first-half solitary strike from Ruth Torsue secured the historic triumph for Atandex Taiwo’s side in the final, held at the FIFA Goal Project Pitch, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Speaking during the tournament, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, who had just returned from the CAF African Schools Football Championship finals in Ghana, praised the FCT Football Association and tournament sponsor Pat Ajuma Ayegba for their unwavering commitment to grassroots football.
Gusau said: “I am fulfilled being part of this huge success. Championships like this are the real platforms for talent discovery, and I must commend the organizers for their vision and execution.

“I made a vow to be here and am proud to identify with initiatives like this. It aligns perfectly with my agenda of promoting grassroots development since coming into 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 the earlier third-place playoff, Kwali edged Kuje 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time to secure the bronze medal.

As part of the tournament rewards, AMAC received a ₦250,000 cash prize, while Gwagwalada and Kwali were awarded ₦150,000 and ₦100,000 respectively.

A major highlight of the day was the conferment of a Meritorious Award on the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and First Vice President of WAFU Zone B, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to football development in Nigeria and beyond.
Tournament initiator and sponsor, Pat Ajuma Ayegba, expressed immense satisfaction with the successful delivery of the competition.

She said: “This is a dream come true. I congratulate all the participating teams, especially the champions AMAC, for their outstanding performance.

“I sincerely thank the NFF President for the incredible honor of his presence and the fond memories offered to these young, ambitious female footballers. I also deeply appreciate the support of the Minister of Women’s Affairs and the humongous backing of the FCT FA leadership.”

FCT FA Chairman, Alhaji Muktar Adam Mohammed, represented by First Vice Chairman, Alhaji Salihu Kolo, also hailed the success of the tournament and applauded Pat Ajuma Ayegba’s landmark achievement.

Mohammed said: “We are extremely proud of the successful maiden edition of this championship. The attendance of the NFF President and the dedication shown by Pat Ajuma Ayegba have given this tournament a strong foundation for future growth.”

In a similar vein, 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.”

In recognition of outstanding performances, Jimoh Kairat of Gwagwalada was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, while the Best Goalkeeper award went to AMAC’s impressive shotstopper, Duru Blessing. Saratu Danladi also shone brightly, emerging as the tournament’s Highest Goal Scorer.

The well-attended final also attracted several high-profile dignitaries, including former FCT FA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National League (NNL), Emmanuel Attah; General Manager of NTA Sports, Kayode Adeniyi; Corps Command Daniel Asanya; former Chairman of FCT Coaches Association, Godwin Bamigboye; as well as FCT FA Board Members Femi Ajilore, Patrick Bassey, and FCT FA Secretary, Haruna Ilerika.