Francisca Ordega Champions Youth Football in Benue
Nigerian professional footballer and Super Falcons star, Francisca Ordega, has launched a youth football clinic in Benue State aimed at discovering and nurturing young talents. The clinic, organized under the Francisca Ordega Foundation, was held at the McCarthy Stadium and featured intensive coaching drills and technical training for aspiring footballers.
Ordega personally led the sessions alongside her international teammates, including Super Falcons defender Ashley Plumptre, providing hands-on guidance to young players and inspiring the next generation of Nigerian football stars.
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Partnership with Al-Ittihad FC to Boost Grassroots Football
The football clinic, held in partnership with Saudi Arabia-based Al-Ittihad Football Club, targets youths aged 14 to 18 and also trains local coaches in modern football techniques. This initiative reflects Ordega’s commitment to developing grassroots football in Nigeria, particularly for young girls, addressing gaps she experienced during her early career.
“Opportunities like this were rare when I was growing up. I want to make sure talented young girls and boys get the chance to shine and reach their potential,” Ordega said.
Over 100 Young Players Participate
The two-day programme attracted over 100 participants, all eager to learn from elite professionals. The clinic concluded with a charity football match, where Charity Academy Football Club narrowly defeated Invincible Angels FC 1–0, taking home the championship trophy.
The initiative not only provided technical football training but also instilled discipline, teamwork, and confidence among participants—qualities Ordega believes are essential for success both on and off the pitch.
Empowering the Next Generation
For Francisca Ordega and her international partners, the clinic is more than football; it’s a commitment to giving back to society and empowering young athletes. The foundation plans to continue such grassroots initiatives across Nigeria, ensuring that talent is identified early and nurtured professionally.
