Community Action Through Sports (CATS) Ladies of Lagos secured a 2-1 victory over Plateau United Queens to win the maiden Girls Play 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 to seal their triumph as the inaugural champions.
Chinasa Ukandu, Head Coach of CATS Ladies, celebrated the victory as a landmark achievement for her team.
Ukandu said her girls showed tremendous determination to excel, adding that the win was a testament to their hard work.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CATS Ladies received a cash prize of N2 million as the champions, while runners-up Plateau United Queens pocketed N1 million.
Other finalists from the Northern and Southern zones were also rewarded with various cash prizes for participating in the championship.
Ayo Omidiran, initiator and founder of the Ayomidiran Foundation, commended the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Federal Housing Authority for their support.
She also commended State Football Associations and the 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), lauded the organisers of the tournament.
Ojo said FHA was proud to be part of an initiative that had empowered young girls through sports and promoted national unity.
Muhammad Sanusi, NFF’s Secretary General, highlighted the tournament’s significance, noting that it had laid a strong foundation for the growth of women’s football in Nigeria.
Sanusi added that the NFF was eager and 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.
She said that the tournament gave young female athletes the platform they deserve to excel.
NAN also reports that the event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, and Sen. Adebayo Adeyeye, Chairman of the Board of Nigerian Ports Authority.
Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chairman, Nigeria Premier Football League, was also at the event.
Others at the event were NFF Director of Competitions, Ruth David and Chief Operating Officer, Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Modupe Shabi.
NWFL board member, Rukayat Alaya and Sen. Gbenga Obadara, an APC chieftain from Ogun State, also graced the event. (NAN)
