Sports
CATS Ladies Crowned Inaugural Champions of Girls Play Sports Football Tournament
Community Action Through Sports (CATS) Ladies of Lagos State secured a 2-1 victory over Plateau United Queens to claim the first-ever Girls Play Sports Football Tournament title at the FIFA Goal Project, Abuja, on Sunday, September 29, 2024.
Plateau United Queens, who qualified for the national finals as Northern champions, took the lead in the ninth minute through Agnes Otata.
However, Southern champions CATS Ladies responded with two quick goals from Ebube Anyanwu in the 50th and 54th minutes, sealing their triumph as the inaugural champions.
As champions, CATS Ladies received a cash prize of two million naira, while runners-up Plateau United Queens were awarded one million naira. Other finalists from the Northern and Southern zones were also rewarded with varying cash prizes for their appearances.
Honorable Ayo Omidiran, initiator and founder of the Ayomidiran Foundation, expressed her gratitude for the support from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Federal Housing Authority, State Football Associations, and participating teams, stating, “This success reflects the power of collaboration and our shared commitment to advancing grassroots women’s football and empowering the girl-child through sports.”
Chinasa Ukandu, head coach of CATS Ladies, celebrated the victory as a landmark achievement for her team, saying, “These girls have shown tremendous determination and heart, and this win is a testament to their hard work.”
Honorable Oyetunde Ojo, Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority, praised the tournament’s organization, adding, “We are proud to be part of an initiative that empowers young girls through sports and promotes national unity.”
Dr. Muhammad Sanusi, Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation, commended the tournament’s significance, noting, “This competition lays a strong foundation for the growth of women’s football in Nigeria, and we are excited to see its future impact.”
Girls Play Sports (GPS) ambassador and Nigerian Olympic legend Mary Onyali lauded the initiative, saying, “This tournament is a game changer for young female athletes across the country, giving them the platform they deserve to excel.”
The event was also graced by several dignitaries, including Comptroller O. A. Adebakin (FDC, DSM, MNIM, PSC), representing the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service; Senator Adebayo Adeyeye, Chairman of the Board of Nigerian Ports Authority; Chairman of the NPFL Honorable Gbenga Elegbeleye; NFF Director of Competitions Ruth David; Nigeria Women Football League Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi; NWFL board member Rukayat Alaya; Secretary General of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria Ikenna Okonkwo; and Senator Gbenga Obadara, an APC chieftain from Ogun Stat
Sports
29 Days To AACT 2026: IBB Club Renewal Heralds Nigeria’s African Golf Showcase
Joel Ajayi
With 29 days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Nigeria is stepping up preparations to host the continental women’s team golf championship, with the extensive rehabilitation of the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja providing a major boost to the country’s readiness.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja Director of Communication AACT 2026, Kayode Adeniyi said the Club’s Board of Trustees has assured that the facility will be fully prepared to welcome golfers, officials and delegates from across Africa when the championship tees off on November 2.
Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, CFR, gave the assurance after inspecting ongoing rehabilitation works at the Club, expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded so far.
The IBB International Golf and Country Club has undergone extensive rehabilitation following its closure to regular golfing activities for more than a year. The intervention has focused on the golf course, selected holes, the clubhouse and other key facilities required to provide a befitting venue for the continental championship.
Justice Dongban-Mensem expressed confidence that the rehabilitation programme would be completed in time for the AACT, further reassuring stakeholders that the Club would be ready to host Africa’s leading female golfers.
Chairman of the Club’s Interim Management Committee, Peter Deshi, also expressed optimism over the progress of work, with regular golfing activities expected to resume ahead of the championship.
For the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the readiness of the host venue remains a critical component of the country’s preparations.
President of the Association, Dr. Lami Ahmed, has similarly expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparations to stage a successful championship.
The 2026 AACT is scheduled to take place from November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.
With the countdown now entering its final month, the rehabilitation of the Club is sending a strong message about Nigeria’s determination to deliver a successful championship and provide a worthy stage for Africa’s finest female golfers.
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