FAME Foundation organized its annual Women’s Day Football Tournament on March 7, 2025, in commemoration of International Women’s Day under the theme “Accelerate Action.” The event is aimed at celebrating women’s achievements, promoting gender equality, and empowering women around the world. The event was supported by Bet9ja Foundation, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), MTN Nigeria, and the FCT Football Association.

The annual Women’s Day Football Tournament commenced on March 6, 2025, with all participating teams gathering at the Area 3 Football Pitch in Abuja for the pre-tournament draw. This was the moment when match pairings were revealed, allowing teams to know their opponents. The teams also received their kits in preparation for the tournament.

Participating teams included Team NUT (National Union of Teachers), Team ProSocial, Team IDP, Team FIDA (International Federation of Women Lawyers), Team FIRS (Federal Inland Revenue Service), Team FAME, Team ASWHAN, and Team Bet9ja Foundation.

The event was honored by the presence of dignitaries, including Honourable Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development; Alhaji Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission; Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, Executive Director of FAME Foundation; Victoria Miniase, Chairperson of FAME Foundation; and Oyetunde Anthony Aderibigbe, Board of Trustees, FAME Foundation. Also in attendance were sports administrators and other distinguished guests.

The tournament was officially kicked off by Honourable Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, alongside Alhaji Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission. The ceremony began with all participating teams shaking hands with the Minister of Youth before he formally launched the event.

Speaking at the ceremony, Honourable Ayodele Olawande reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting women, stating,
“We want to bring them(women) up in all areas. We want to harness all these skills, celebrate women in Nigeria, and encourage girls to harness their skills.”

Alhaji Shehu Dikko also delivered remarks, emphasizing the importance of sports as a unifying force. He noted,
“Sports is our national asset. As you can see, sports have been inculcated to celebrate Women’s Day. Look at what we are seeing here, women from different strata of society enjoying themselves, playing football. We have always been with FAME Foundation because this is sports, and we are here to support them. This is a good initiative. Women are crucial to the nation’s sporting success.” He further called for greater support and investment in women-oriented programs, stating that the day was set aside to recognize and honor the progress women have made in several fields, including sports.

Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, Executive Director, FAME Foundation, spoke about the journey of the tournament and the challenges faced in promoting women’s participation in football,
“This is the 7th edition. Over the years, trying to convince women to play football has not been easy. Getting funding and support for these women is also an issue,” she said.
She highlighted the broader impact of the tournament, adding, “Sports is the only unifying factor that brings people together. There is a lot happening here; we have dignitaries, speakers, health screenings, and teaching women about reproductive health, among others.”

During the tournament, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko, presented an award to the Minister of Youth Development, Honourable Ayodele Olawande, on behalf of FAME Foundation. The award recognized his outstanding contributions to the development of youth and women in Nigeria and celebrated his dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders.

The competition began with a match between Team NUT and Team ProSocial, followed by match between the remaining teams.

Throughout the event, a high spirited atmosphere was maintained, with cheerleaders from the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp entertaining the crowd with their performances.

FEMA provided essential health services, including blood pressure checks and first-aid treatment for injured players.

Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria conducted eye, hepatitis B, HIV, malaria, and cervical cancer screenings, ensuring participants had access to critical healthcare services.

EVA Nigeria played an important role by distributing free condoms and providing valuable information on their proper usage.

FAME Foundation held a powerful advocacy campaign alongside the tournament, reinforcing messages on gender equality and the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). Participants and spectators held placards with messages such as “Protect Women, Respect Women,” “Stop GBV Now!,” “Violence Against Women is a Global Crisis,” “Her Life, Her Right: Say NO to Violence,” “When She Says No, It Means No: End GBV,” “Femicide is Violence,” “GBV is Abuse,” and “We Demand Change Now!” These messages reflected the commitment of the participants to advocating for women’s empowerment, gender equality, and inclusiveness.

At the event, Ms. Odunola Ogunkanmi delivered a keynote address on “How Technology Can Empower the Next Generation of Women Leaders.” She emphasized the transformative power of technology in breaking down barriers, expanding access to education, and enabling women to lead in various industries. “Technology provides women with the tools to challenge limitations, access new opportunities, and take on leadership roles,” she stated, urging women to embrace digital innovation as a means of driving change.

As the tournament progressed, four teams: Team FAME, Team FIDA, Team Bet9ja Foundation, and Team FIRS advanced to the semi-finals. After intense competition, Team FIDA emerged victorious, securing first place, while Team FAME finished as the runner-up and Team FIRS claimed third place.

At the closing ceremony, medals were awarded to the top three teams in recognition of their outstanding performances. 2025 FAME Foundation Women’s Day Football Tournament was a success, serving not only as a celebration of women in sports but also as a platform for gender advocacy, health awareness, and empowerment. The event reaffirmed the importance of sustained investment in women’s development and the collective responsibility to create an inclusive and supportive society.