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
From Streets to Stardom: Unique Futbol Academy Scouting Program Inspires Ibadan’s Young Footballers
Ibadan is buzzing with excitement as the Unique Football Academy Scouting Program kicks off, bringing together top European football clubs and talented young Nigerian players.
The four-day program, which commenced on Monday, features a delegation of four directors from prominent European teams, including two from Kosovo and one from India, led by renowned football agent Diego Martins from Portugal.
The scouting program aims to identify and select outstanding players who will be given opportunities to showcase their skills in Europe.
Successful players will be offered the chance to take their careers to the next level, with the organizers assuring them of opportunities abroad.
According to the Director of the program and founder of Unique Football Academy, Mr. Jelil Oladimeji, this is not the first time the academy has organized such an event.
“This is the 4th edition, and we are proud of the progress and impact we have made so far in terms of exposing our raw talent to the European market,” he said.
The program has already proven successful, with several players from previous editions going on to excel in European leagues. Some notable examples include Haruna Saleh with PAOK in Greece and Praisegod Emersons in Slovakia.
As the program continues, clubs are gearing up to exhibit their talents, and the future looks bright for Nigeria’s young football stars.
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