Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has officially kicked off the ninth edition of the FAME Foundation International Women’s Day Football Tournament 2026, holding in Abuja.
The ninth edition of the annual event features 13 women’s football teams, including a team comprised of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) women, highlighting a commitment to inclusivity and empowerment through sports.
Speaking, Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim lauded the FAME Foundation for their consistent efforts and commended the participating teams.
“I commend them, applaud them. I congratulate Fame Foundation on this ninth edition of the International Women’s Day football tournament,” she stated.
“As we are aware, Nigerian women are phenomenal. They are energetic, they are smart. We have to engage them from every angle.”
The Minister also emphasised President Bola Tinubu administration’s unprecedented focus on women’s issues.
“Mr. President has made issues surrounding women central, not an afterthought. This is unprecedented. We must thank Mr. President, we must applaud him,” she said.
She assuring continued support for the Fame Foundation to explore and support women’s innovation and creativity, while highlighting the significant domestic investments and prioritisation of the women’s agenda under the current leadership.
The Minister also linked the tournament to the President’s declaration of 2026 as the “Year of the Families and Social Development,” explaining that strengthening homes leads to stronger and more secure communities.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim celebrated Nigeria’s sporting achievements, particularly in women’s football and basketball, citing the Super Falcons and D’Tigress’ consecutive victories in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and Women’s AfroBasket.
She affirmed the government’s commitment to engaging women in various sports and digital sectors to pave the way for leadership. She said numerous upcoming programs for women in both grassroots and urban areas were unfolding.
