By Esther Onyegbula

Women’s football development in Lagos received another boost as Aya Care reinforced its investment in grassroots female sports with the successful conclusion of the “Give To Gain” season edition of the Aya Women Socca League, where Flying Falcons SC emerged champions after a dramatic final.

The competition, sponsored by Aya Care and organised by The HIVE Sports Leagues alongside Socca Naija, drew hundreds of women from across Lagos who participated in weeks of training and competitive football activities.

Flying Falcons SC defeated Dream Girls SC via penalties in an intense final match after both sides battled fiercely in regulation time. The victory earned the champions a share of over N500,000 distributed as cash prizes, player rewards and recognition awards throughout the season.

The league, played in the increasingly popular five-a-side Socca format, featured six female clubs competing weekly, providing structured opportunities for women to actively participate in organised football.
Organisers said Aya Care’s sponsorship covered players’ training, match participation and league operations, helping to remove financial obstacles that often limit women’s participation in sports.

Speaking on the initiative, Co-Founder of Aya Care, Inya Ajanaku, said the company’s commitment extends beyond menstrual health products to broader women empowerment efforts.
“For us, this is much bigger than football,” Ajanaku said.

“Too many women in Lagos want to play sport, stay active, compete and build confidence, but lack access, funding, or safe organised spaces. Aya exists to support women beyond period care, and this league is one of the ways we invest directly into women’s wellbeing, ambition and community.”

She noted that the growing participation recorded in the league demonstrates the impact of providing women with access, support and opportunities to thrive through sport.

Also speaking, Co-Founder of The HIVE Sports Leagues, Henry Koko, described the season as impressive, citing the commitment and talent displayed by the participating teams.

“We’re proud to help create the structure and platform for these women to compete consistently. The energy, commitment and talent we’ve seen this season has been incredible,” he said.

The Aya Women Socca League has steadily evolved into one of Lagos’ prominent grassroots football platforms for women, combining athletic competition with community engagement and personal development.

Aya Care, founded in Nigeria by Adriana Lica and Inya Ajanaku, is widely known for its ultra-thin sanitary pads designed specifically for African women. Beyond its products, the company has expanded into women-focused initiatives including period poverty alleviation, sports development and community impact projects.

Industry observers say such private sector-backed initiatives are becoming increasingly important as interest in women’s football continues to rise across Nigeria and globally.

Organisers disclosed that plans are underway to sustain and expand the programme as part of broader efforts to create more opportunities for women to participate, lead and excel both on and off the pitch.