Former assistant captain of the Nigeria Super Falcons, Francisca Ordega, through her foundation, The Francisca Ordega Foundation, in collaboration with Al-Ittihad FC of Saudi Arabia, has organized a two-day female football clinic at the McCarthy Stadium in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. The football clinic, which started on Sunday, January 4th, 2026, and ended on Monday, January 5th, 2026, aimed at empowering young female athletes with professional training and mentorship from Super Falcons stars, including the initiator of the project, Francisca Ordega, and Ashleigh Plumptre, amongst others. Professional football coaches from Saudi Arabia were also present.
According to the Head of Programmes, Francisca Ordega Foundation, Comrade Michael Tavershima Iortim, the initiative, which is arguably the first of its kind in Benue State, targeted young female footballers aged 14-18 years to acquaint them with modern football techniques and skills development, amongst others.
“The clinic, which targeted players aged 14-18, focused on modern football techniques, tactical awareness, and skill development, also featured cultural exchanges, with Plumptre participating in local Tiv traditions, highlighting the event’s emphasis on community and cultural connection,” Iortim said.
The event was part of the Francisca Ordega Foundation’s efforts to promote women’s football in Nigeria and provide opportunities for young girls to develop their skills.
The successful event ended with the grand finale of the second edition of the Francisca Ordega Foundation Female Soccer Competition, where Charity Academy FC of Gboko defeated Invincible Angels FC Gboko 1-0 to emerge champions of the 2025 edition.
While thanking the participants, partners, and supporters for making the maiden edition of the football clinic a huge success, the Nigerian dazzling winger promised to make it bigger next year and ensure Benue State becomes a hub of female football.
“Thanks to our partners, supporters, and above all, our international guests; Azeez, Shahi, Ashleigh Plumptre, and Dozie Kennedy, as well as lovers of Francisca Ordega Foundation across the globe for wonderful support. To our participants, thank you for your commitment. We look forward to bigger opportunities as we will not relent in making Benue State, Middle Belt, and of course Nigeria, become the hub for female footballers,” Ordega said.
