Made In Africa Sport

CATS Ladies outclass Plateau United Queens to lift first Girls Play Sports Football title

Made In Africa Sport — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 18:35:32 +0000

(PRESS RELEASE) – 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, 29 September 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 State.

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Girls Play Sports: Abuja set for showdown as Plateau United Queens meet CATS Ladies in final

Made In Africa Sport — Sat, 28 Sep 2024 18:52:36 +0000

(PRESS RELEASE) – All eyes will be on the nation’s capital as northern champions Plateau United Queens face off against southern victors CATS Ladies in the highly anticipated final of the inaugural Girls Play Sports football tournament, taking place this Sunday, 29 September 2024, in Abuja.

The tournament, which drew a total of 61 entries—40 from the south and 21 from the north—has been a remarkable showcase of grassroots women’s football talent across Nigeria.

Now, the two best teams will clash in the grand finale at the prestigious FIFA Goal Project, located near the NFF headquarters inside Moshood Abiola National Stadium (Package B), Abuja. Kick-off is set for 2 p.m.

On their journey to the final, Plateau United Queens battled their way with a string of gritty performances. After defeating local rivals Mighty Jets Mata 2-1 at the Jos centre, they progressed to the Abuja playoffs, where they narrowly edged out Nazareth Queens and Moje Queens Feeders with 1-0 victories to claim their spot in the national final.

On the other side, CATS Ladies displayed early dominance with a 2-0 win over SGH Sports Amazons at the Lagos centre. Their semi-final against Victory Queens ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, with CATS triumphing 8-7 in a dramatic penalty shootout.

They then comfortably beat STM Doves 2-0 to secure the Lagos centre crown. In the southern playoffs, CATS maintained their momentum, thrashing Adewale Babes 4-0 and drawing 1-1 with Royaltoms Queens to book their place in the final.

Speaking ahead of the final, CATS Ladies head coach, Ukandu Chinasa, expressed his team’s readiness to challenge for the coveted title glory.

“The girls have put in the hard work, and now it’s time to showcase that on the biggest stage. We respect Plateau United Queens, but we’re confident and ready to take the trophy home.”

Plateau United Queens head coach, Edward Weng, also shared his optimism.

“Our girls have shown resilience throughout the tournament. We’re up against a strong side, but we’re focused on the ultimate goal—lifting the championship.”

Founder and chairman of the organising committee, Hon Ayo Omidiran, praised the teams and the tournament’s success.

“This competition has been a remarkable display of the immense talent and potential in Nigerian women’s football. Both teams have earned their place in the final, and I’m proud of how far they’ve come,” said the two-time House of Representatives member.

“The legacy of this tournament will continue to inspire the next generation of female athletes. I wish both teams the best as they compete for the ultimate prize.”

The winning team will walk away with a cash prize of two million naira, while the runners-up will receive one million naira, recognising their exceptional efforts throughout the competition.

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Mushin Development Program Kicks Off with Bet9ja Women’s Football Championship

Ọlámìdé O. Abé — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 07:23:26 +0000

The inaugural project of the Mushin Development Program is set to kick off on September 15th with a women’s football championship.

The championship, which is being sponsored by Bet9ja Foundation, will take place at Saint Judes Primary School in Mushin and will run through September 24, 2023, featuring eight teams.

The participating teams are:

FC Robo Queens
Arising Stars
Phoenix Queens
Cats Ladies
Nakamura FA
Unification FC
Oracle Queens
Heroes Queens

The draws will be happening on Monday, September 11, 2023, and teams will be split into two groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semifinals. The winner of the championship will receive a prize of N150,000, while the first runners-up will receive N100,000 and the second runners-up will receive N50,000.

The championship is part of the Mushin Development Program’s goal of promoting sports and youth development in the community. It is expected to spark excitement in the Mushin community and provide a platform for talented female footballers to showcase their skills.

According to the organizers, what makes this championship even more special is its commitment to becoming a yearly tradition. With each passing year, the number of participants and the prize money will surge, ensuring that this event continues to capture the hearts and minds of football enthusiasts in Mushin and beyond.

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