By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Sept. 30, 2024 (NAN) Community Action Through Sports (CATS) Ladies of Lagos secured a 2-1 victory over Plateau United Queens to claim the maiden Girls Play Sports Football Tournament title in Abuja.
The final match played at the FIFA Goal Project, on Sunday, saw Plateau United Queens, who qualified for the national finals as Northern champions take the lead in the 9th 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 champ
Chinasa Ukandu, head coach of CATS Ladies, celebrated the victory as a landmark achievement for her team.
Ukandu said her girls showed tremendous determination and heart, adding that the win was a testament to their hard work.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that champions, CATS Ladies received a cash prize of N2 million, while runners-up Plateau United Queens were awarded N1 million.
Other finalists from the Northern and Southern zones were also rewarded with varying cash prizes for their appearances.
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.
Omidiran said that the success of the tournament showed the power of collaboration and a shared commitment to advancing grassroots women’s football and empowering the girl-child through sports.
Oyetunde Ojo, Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), praised the tournament’s organisation.
Ojo said FHA was proud to be part of an initiative that empowers young girls through sports and promotes national unity.
Muhammad Sanusi, NFF’s Secretary General, commended the tournament’s significance.
Sanusi said that the competition has laid a strong foundation for the growth of women’s football in Nigeria, adding that the NFF are excited to see its future impact.
Girls Play Sports (GPS) ambassador and Nigerian Olympic legend Mary Onyali also lauded the initiative.
Onyali said the tournament was a game changer for young female athletes across the country, giving them the platform they deserve to excel.
NAN also reports that the event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, represented by Comptroller O.A Adebakin, Sen. Adebayo Adeyeye, Chairman of the Board of Nigerian Ports Authority and Chairman of the NPFL, Gbenga Elegbeleye.
Others were NFF Director of Competitions, Ruth David; NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi; NWFL board member Rukayat Alaya; and Sen. Gbenga Obadara, an APC chieftain from Ogun State.(NAN)
