A Festival of Goals, Grit and Greatness: ANWFCC Marks 30 Years of Talent Discovery

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The Association of Nigeria Women Football Club Coaches (ANWFCC) has once again reinforced its commitment to grassroots development with the successful hosting of the ANWFCC All Stars Football Festival, a flagship programme dedicated to aspiring female footballers across Nigeria.

Established in 1997, the festival has grown into a trusted platform for football talent exhibition and discovery, nurturing young players and opening pathways to professional careers.

The 2026 edition marked the historic 30th anniversary of the tournament—three decades of empowering girls through football.

Tournament Overview

The 30th edition kicked off on January 5 and concluded on Saturday, January 17, delivering two weeks of thrilling football action.

This year’s competition featured 15 teams, creatively named after countries, with over 300 players drawn from different parts of Nigeria—an impressive showcase of depth, diversity, and raw talent.

Knockout Stage Highlights

Quarter-Final Results

Switzerland 0 (3) 🆚 0 (2) South Africa

Brazil 1 🆚 0 England

Nigeria 1 🆚 2 USA

Austria 2 🆚 0 Netherlands

Semi-Final Results

Switzerland 0 (2) 🆚 0 (3) USA

Brazil 0 🆚 1 Austria

Losers’ Match

Switzerland 0–0 Brazil

(Brazil won 4–2 on penalties)

Grand Final

USA 1–1 Austria

(Austria won 4–3 on penalties)

After a tense and exciting final decided from the spot, Team Austria emerged champions, capping off an outstanding tournament.

Final Standings

1st Place: Team Austria

2nd Place: Team USA

3rd Place: Team Brazil

4th Place: Team Switzerland

The festival also celebrated individual excellence, with several players standing out for their remarkable performances:

Highest Goal Scorer: Oboko Emmanuella

Most Valuable Player: Oboko Emmanuella

Best Attacker: Oboko Emmanuella

Fastest Goal: Oboko Emmanuella

Best Left Winger: Oboko Emmanuella

Best Midfielder: Odebode Omolara

Best Defensive Midfielder: Uchegbu Adaeze

Best Defender: Okike Treasure

Best Right Back: Folayemi Florence

Best Left Back: Bulus Christiana

Best Right Winger: Adeboye Christiana

Best Goalkeeper: James Vivian

Second Best Goalkeeper: Aghedo Hannah

Most Improved Player: Zainab Ateere

Oldest Player: Adetayo Titilayo

Best Coach: Adeboye Shoneye

Upcoming Players to Watch

Anioke Onyinyechi

Banjoko Aduragbemi

As the ANWFCC All Stars Football Festival celebrates 30 years of impact, it continues to stand as a beacon of hope and opportunity for young female footballers in Nigeria. Beyond competition, the festival remains a powerful tool for talent discovery, mentorship, and the growth of women’s football nationwide.

The future is bright and the stars are just getting started.