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CATS Ladies Crowned Inaugural Champions of Girls Play Sports Football Tournament

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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

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Cricket: Nigeria To Host ICC U19 Men’s World Cup Qualifier

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Joel Ajayi

Nigeria Cricket Federation , NCF, says it is ready to host five other nations for the International Cricket Council ,ICC, Under 19 Men’s World Cup African Qualifier.


The tournament is billed for Lagos, with the matches to be held at the cricket ovals in Tafawa Balewa Square ,TBS, and the University of Lagos ,UniLag, from March 26 to April 6.


Uyi Akpata, President of the Federation, said in a statement on Sunday, that the tournament is about celebrating the growth of the game on the continent.


“Nigeria is thrilled to welcome these talented young cricketers and their supporters to Lagos.
“Our nation is known for its warm hospitality and fascinating cricketing potential, and we are committed to making this qualifier a memorable experience for all.


“This tournament is not just about competition; it’s about celebrating the growth of cricket in Africa and inspiring the next generation of players”, Akpata noted.


However, Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Tanzania and Sierra Leone will join Nigeria to jostle for the continent’s sole ticket to the 2026 ICC Under 19 Men’s World Cup.


Meanwhile, Nigeria will be hoping to secure the ticket, having achieved same feat in 2019 and competing at the World Cup in South Africa 2020

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