Nigerian footballer Francisca Ordega has launched a grassroots football clinic in Benue State to discover and develop young talent. Organized by the Francisca Ordega Foundation, the event took place at McCarthy Stadium and offered intensive coaching and technical training to more than 100 participants. Targeting players aged 14 to 18, the two‑day clinic was led by Ordega and her international colleagues, including Super Falcons defender Ashley Plumptre.
The program also equipped local coaches with modern training techniques to improve grassroots football development, in partnership with Saudi Arabia‑based Al‑Ittihad Football Club. Young players received a rare opportunity to train under elite professionals, and many expressed excitement and gratitude for the experience.
Ordega, a native of Benue, emphasized that the clinic reflects her commitment to giving back to society by advancing women’s football and creating opportunities that were largely unavailable to her during her early playing days. The initiative concluded with a competitive charity match in which Charity Academy Football Club edged Invincible Angels FC 1–0 to claim the championship title.
The clinic forms part of a broader effort to promote grassroots football development in Nigeria, focusing on empowering young girls and women through sport. It has been well‑received by the local community, with many praising Ordega’s dedication to her home state. The event also highlights the growing importance of women’s football in Nigeria, as the Super Falcons remain one of the country’s most successful national teams. As the sport continues to gain popularity, initiatives like Ordega’s clinic are crucial for developing the next generation of players and fostering grassroots growth. 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.
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