Debbie Larry-Izamoje shines at World Football Summit

In a defining moment for African football leadership, Debbie Larry-Izamoje, CEO of Brila Media, made her impactful debut at the prestigious World Football Summit (WFS), held this year in Rabat. The summit, known for drawing the brightest minds in global football, tackled the timely theme: “Challenges for Football Clubs: Similarities of European and African Clubs and What They Can Learn from Each Other.”

Debbie played a pivotal role in driving one of the summit’s most engaging conversations—setting the tone and energising the discussion with bold, thought-provoking perspectives. She was joined by notable figures including Eng. Hersi Said, President of Young Africans SC and Chairman of the African Club Association; Mohammed Hamdi, International Director of Sport at Feyenoord; José Collado Ripoll, Head of International Sports Projects at Sevilla FC; and Sarah Solemale, an internationally respected lawyer and football governance specialist.

Her deep understanding of the business of football and her ability to extract meaningful insights from the panel captivated the audience, sparking robust dialogue around shared challenges and opportunities between African and European clubs. The session underscored her rising influence in football leadership circles, not just in Africa but on the global stage.

Debbie was also one of the few Nigerians honoured at the event, alongside Shehu Dikko, Chairman of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission. Both were recognised with active participatory roles throughout the WFS—further solidifying Debbie’s status as a key player in the future of football on the continent.

Off the global stage, Debbie is making a tangible impact back home. As the founder of Football for Girls Africa (FGA), she is championing the empowerment of young girls through football—not just as a sport, but as a gateway to a wide range of careers in the sports industry. From coaching to media, law, medicine, and entrepreneurship, FGA is changing the narrative for girls who may have never imagined themselves in the world of football.

Supported by the Nigeria Football Federation and several corporate partners, FGA aims to reach 2,500 girls across Nigeria within three years — introducing them to the many possibilities the football ecosystem holds.

With a proven record in sports media innovation, her dynamic leadership at Brila Media, and her growing advocacy for inclusivity in sports, Debbie Larry-Izamoje is carving a powerful path as one of Africa’s most influential voices in football.

As the global football industry evolves, Debbie isn’t just part of the conversation—she’s steering it.