In what has been described as a landmark moment for African representation on the global football stage, Debbie Larry-Izamoje, the Chief Executive Officer of Brila Media, stood out prominently at this year’s World Football Summit (WFS), held in Rabat, Morocco. The annual gathering, which is one of the most prestigious global platforms for football dialogue and innovation, brought together top industry stakeholders to deliberate on the theme: “Challenges for Football Clubs: Similarities of European and African Clubs and What They Can Learn from Each Other.”
Debbie, making her first appearance at the summit, was a driving force in one of the most engaging panel discussions of the event. Her bold perspectives and insightful contributions set the tone for a thought-provoking session that explored the intersection of football culture, club management, and structural challenges shared by both continents. She was in distinguished company, sitting alongside high-profile football administrators such as Eng. Hersi Said, President of Young Africans SC and Chairman of the African Club Association; Mohammed Hamdi, International Director of Sport at Dutch side Feyenoord; José Collado Ripoll, Head of International Sports Projects at Sevilla FC in Spain; and Sarah Solemale, an internationally respected legal expert in football governance.
With a clear grasp of the business dynamics of football and a knack for drawing out meaningful narratives, Debbie held the attention of the summit’s audience—stimulating discussions on how African and European clubs can learn from each other, especially in areas such as talent development, financial models, infrastructure, and media rights. Her presence and performance at the summit further cemented her growing influence as a formidable voice in football leadership, both within and beyond Africa.
Her recognition at the WFS was not in isolation. Debbie Larry-Izamoje was one of the few Nigerians acknowledged for their impactful contributions during the summit. She shared this honour with Shehu Dikko, Chairman of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission. Both were lauded for their active roles throughout the summit, adding credence to Nigeria’s growing prominence in international football discourse.
Beyond the spotlight of global conferences, Debbie’s impact is deeply rooted in local action. Through her initiative, Football for Girls Africa (FGA), she is empowering young girls across Nigeria by leveraging football as a tool for personal development, education, and professional exposure. FGA is more than just a sports programme—it is a movement aimed at opening doors for girls into the wider football ecosystem, which includes careers in sports media, coaching, law, medicine, and business.
Supported by the Nigeria Football Federation and a range of corporate partners, the initiative is targeting 2,500 girls over a three-year period, with the goal of equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to pursue opportunities within the game and beyond. This effort speaks directly to Debbie’s broader vision of inclusivity in sports and her commitment to reshaping narratives for the next generation.
Under her leadership, Brila Media has also continued to push the boundaries of sports media innovation in Nigeria, bridging the gap between traditional broadcasting and the evolving digital landscape. Her consistent drive for excellence, coupled with her advocacy for gender equity and youth empowerment, has positioned her as one of the leading figures shaping the future of African football.
As the football world grapples with complex challenges and explores new possibilities, Debbie Larry-Izamoje is not just contributing to the conversation—she is actively steering it.
