In a move aimed at empowering the girl-child and promoting grassroots sports, Princess Barr. Helen Ifeoma Mbakwe (Ada Igwe), the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) candidate for Anambra Central Senatorial District, is sponsoring the maiden edition of the Idemili Women Champion’s League.

The tournament, tagged “She Can Play Football,” is organized by the Idemili Sports Association and is set to kick off on 24th October 2026, by 3:00 PM at the Eziowelle Civic Center Field, Eziowelle.

According to the organizers, the competition will feature 12 female teams competing in 4 groups, with over 300 female footballers drawn from women football clubs, academies and school teams across Anambra State. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the next round.

A total prize package worth Six Hundred Thousand Naira (N600,000) is at stake.

In a statement contained on the official flyer, the organizers noted that registration is FREE, weekend matches only will be played on home and away grounds of participating teams, and no professional players will be allowed — a deliberate move to discover and promote raw, local talents.

The tournament is not just about football. With the theme “Empowering Women, Building Champions, Changing the Game,” it aligns with Ada Igwe’s long-standing focus on women and youth development — a track record that predates her political ambition.

Sports enthusiasts in Idemili and Anambra Central have described the initiative as timely, noting that women’s football in the grassroots has suffered neglect despite abundant talents.

For Ada Igwe, whose humanitarian interventions in education and community development have been documented, this sponsorship is seen as an extension of her belief that empowerment must go beyond handouts to creating platforms where young women can showcase their potential.

The Idemili Sports Association has called on interested teams to contact Hon. Ubakaeze on 08022464749 for registration and enquiries.

The stage is set in Eziowelle. For 12 teams and over 300 girls who dream of football, this is more than a tournament — it is an opportunity to be seen.