CK Gefane FC made history in 2025 by launching its first-ever Women’s Football Program, marking a monumental shift for the club and expanding its reach within the football community. The initiative aimed to provide young women in Kaduna and across Nigeria with the opportunity to develop their football skills and to challenge gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport. This new program aligned with the club’s broader goal of creating an inclusive, global environment for the development of football talent, regardless of gender.

The Vision and Launch of the Women’s Program

The vision for CK Gefane FC’s women’s football initiative was clear: to nurture young female football talent, providing them with the same resources, coaching, and opportunities as their male counterparts. The club’s leadership, under the guidance of Mrs. Akadri Bilikisu Blessing, sought to empower young girls in the region through football, helping them gain skills both on and off the pitch while promoting gender equality in sports.

In 2025, the club began offering free coaching sessions for young girls, with an emphasis on basic skills, tactical understanding, and building confidence. The initiative quickly gained traction, with a large number of girls signing up for training, eager to learn and improve. The program’s launch was a historic event, bringing together local communities and football enthusiasts who were excited about the possibilities this would offer for women’s football in Kaduna.

Mrs. Akadri Bilikisu Blessing's Statement:

“This program is about more than just football; it’s about creating opportunities for young girls who might not otherwise have had the chance to play the sport they love. We want to show them that football is for everyone, and we are committed to providing them with a platform to succeed.”

Coaching, Mentorship, and Community Involvement

CK Gefane FC worked to create an environment of mentorship, where young female players could not only learn from professional coaches but also be inspired by role models who had achieved success in the sport. The club invited former professional female footballers, women’s league coaches, and local female athletes to conduct workshops and share their experiences.

In addition to football training, the women’s program incorporated workshops on nutrition, mental toughness, and leadership, which helped the participants develop holistically as athletes and individuals. Through these efforts, the club was able to create a nurturing environment that not only focused on football but also on personal growth, empowering the young female athletes both on and off the pitch.

Looking Toward the Future: A Women’s Senior Team and Beyond

The success of the grassroots women’s program led to plans for the creation of a women’s senior team that would compete in the Nigerian Women’s Football League (NWFL). This was a significant step in CK Gefane FC’s commitment to women’s football, and it represented the next stage in the club’s long-term vision for gender equality in sport.

Coach Abiola Adeyemi’s Reflection:

“It’s exciting to see the enthusiasm for the women’s football program. There is so much untapped talent in this region, and I believe this initiative will help us unearth some incredible players. We’re not just about building teams; we’re about building futures for these young girls, giving them the tools to succeed both in football and in life.”