Nigerian footballer Francisca Ordega has launched a grassroots football clinic in Benue State, aimed at discovering and developing young talents. The initiative, organized by the Francisca Ordega Foundation, took place at the McCarthy Stadium, offering intensive coaching and technical training sessions to over 100 participants.
The two-day clinic, which targeted players aged 14 to 18, was led by Ordega and her international colleagues, including Super Falcons defender Ashley Plumptre. The program also provided local coaches with modern training techniques to improve grassroots football development, in partnership with Saudi Arabia-based Al-Ittihad Football Club.
The clinic provided a rare opportunity for young players to train under elite professionals, with many participants expressing excitement and gratitude for the experience. Ordega, who hails from Benue, noted that the clinic represents a commitment to giving back to society by advancing women’s football and creating opportunities for young girls that were largely unavailable to her during her early playing days.
The program concluded with a competitive charity match, where Charity Academy Football Club edged Invincible Angels FC 1–0 to claim the championship title. The clinic is part of a broader effort to promote grassroots football development in Nigeria, with a focus on empowering young girls and women through sports.
The initiative has been well-received by the local community, with many praising Ordega’s efforts to give back to her home state. The clinic also highlights the growing importance of women’s football in Nigeria, with the Super Falcons being one of the country’s most successful national teams. As the sport continues to gain popularity, initiatives like Ordega’s clinic are crucial in developing the next generation of players and promoting grassroots development. With plans to expand the program in the future, Ordega’s foundation is poised to make a lasting impact on women’s football in Nigeria.
