By Aderonke Ojo
Horvel Prime Academy have been crowned champions of the 2025 HerGame Girls Football Tournament after a commanding 2–0 win over defending champions Fosla Academy on Saturday’s final at the Area 3 football Pitch in Abuja.
This second edition marked a major milestone for the fast-growing initiative, expanding from an FCT-only competition into a full North Central Regional event featuring 16 teams — a testament to its rising influence and impact.
The final delivered football of the highest quality. Agatha John opened the scoring in the first half before star forward Lilian Odide curled in a stunning free-kick to seal the victory. Fosla had a golden chance to level earlier in the game, but Queen Joseph smacked her penalty against the crossbar with the score at 1–0.
In the third-place match, SIK Paragons of Jos edged Generation Next 1–0 to claim bronze.
Prize money: Bronze – ₦100,000; Silver – ₦150,000; Champions – ₦250,000.
Captain Jessica Yongu was ecstatic after leading Horvel Prime to the title.
“I’m so excited. Our coaches really put us in order. We fought to the end and we won the gold.”
Fosla captain Bawa Janet reflected on the disappointment of failing to retain their crown.
” I feel sad because I came with the intention of winning it again. But the team played their best. I believe what happened is what God ordained.”She added:
“We beat them in our opening match, but today it was different. We’ll go back, work on our shortcomings, and come back stronger.”
Though Fosla fell short, Habila Patricia’s brilliance throughout the tournament earned her the MVP award.
“We planned to win the trophy again, but it didn’t happen. I didn’t expect to be MVP — I’m so happy and grateful.”
Horvel Prime’s goal queen and Golden boot winner Lilian Odide expressed gratitude and determination.
“First, I thank God for giving me strength. More focus, more training — without practice you cannot reach your goals.”
On Horvel’s turnaround after losing their opening match:
“We had communication, we had Jinja from our fans. After we lost the first game to Fosla, the coach told us we are better and must put more effort — and we did.”
SIK Paragons’ goalkeeper Flora William also stood out as the best goalkeeper
“This is my first time here and I’m very happy. Even though we didn’t reach the final, we really thank God.”
After the final whistle, HerGame Foundation founder and convener Dr. Pat Ajuma Ayegba expressed deep satisfaction.
“I feel really fulfilled. Seeing these girls proud and excited gives me immense joy.”
She highlighted the tournament’s life-changing influence:
“One girl told me football kept her away from crime and social vices. Football is giving these girls direction and showing them they can build a career.”
She acknowledged that despite tremendous growth, she still had bigger plans:
“It was bigger and better, but still below what I wanted. I was financially handicapped — I used personal resources, and it was overwhelming.”
On the talent witnessed:
“The technical committee struggled to pick the MVP because the talent level was so high. I even saw girls collecting jerseys, saying they now want to play football.”She said :
“There will be a third edition — bigger and better.”
Among the dignitaries in attendance were:
– Hon. Kabiru Amadu, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Sports
– Hajiya (Dr.) Nafisa Shehu Mohammed, President of Road Safety Officers Wives Association (ROSOWA)
– Hajiya Amina Sani-Zango-Daura, Head of Women’s Football at the Nigeria Football Federation
– Former NFF President and Founder of FOSLA Academy, Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi
– FCT FA Secretary, Haruna Ilerika
President of ROSOWA, Nafisat shehu Muhammad, praised the impact of the HerGame initiative.
“This is very commendable. When women are given the space to showcase their talents, it goes a long way.”
She emphasized unity and empowerment:
“We are not here to intimidate one another. We are here to hold hands, support each other, and make names for ourselves.”
With Horvel Prime lifting the trophy…
Fosla showing heart…
Stars like Lilian, Patricia, and Flora emerging…
And powerful voices championing the girl child…
HerGame 2025 proved once again that the future of women’s football in Nigeria — and across the North Central region — is bright, bold, and unstoppable.