In a landmark moment for African football leadership, Debbie Larry-Izamoje, CEO of Brila Media, made a powerful debut at the prestigious World Football Summit (WFS) held in Rabat. This year’s summit centered around the theme: “Challenges for Football Clubs: Similarities of European and African Clubs and What They Can Learn from Each Other.”
Debbie played a central role in one of the event’s most engaging panels, energizing the discussion with bold insights and visionary thinking. Joining her were top football figures such as Eng. Hersi Said, President of Young Africans SC; Mohammed Hamdi of Feyenoord; José Collado Ripoll of Sevilla FC; and renowned football governance lawyer Sarah Solemale.
Her expert grasp of football business dynamics and ability to spark meaningful dialogue underscored her rising status as a key voice not just in African football but in the global sports industry. Her contributions resonated widely, helping highlight common ground and mutual lessons for clubs across continents.
Debbie was also one of the few Nigerians honored with an active role at the summit, alongside Shehu Dikko, Chairman of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission. Their participation further emphasized Nigeria’s growing influence in international football discourse.
Beyond the global stage, Debbie is driving real change at home. Through her initiative, Football for Girls Africa (FGA), she is empowering young girls with access to football—not just as players but as future professionals in fields like media, law, coaching, medicine, and business. With the support of the Nigeria Football Federation and corporate partners, FGA is set to impact 2,500 girls across Nigeria within three years.
With a track record of sports media innovation, passionate advocacy for inclusivity, and strong leadership at Brila Media, Debbie Larry-Izamoje is not only shaping the future of football in Africa—she’s helping to lead its global evolution.
