In a thrilling final held at the FIFA Goal Project in Abuja on Sunday, September 29, 2024, CATS Ladies from Lagos emerged as champions of the first-ever Girls Play Sports GPS Football Tournament. They secured a 2-1 victory over Plateau United Queens, rallying from a goal down. Plateau United took an early lead in the 9th minute with a goal by Agnes Otata, but CATS Ladies responded with two quick goals from Ebube Anyanwu in the 50th and 54th minutes to clinch the win.
The tournament was praised by Honorable Ayo Omidiran, who initiated the competition through the Ayomidiran Foundation, as a powerful platform for advancing grassroots women’s football and empowering young girls. CATS Ladies’ head coach, Chinasa Ukandu, commended the team’s determination, while GPS ambassador and Olympic legend Mary Onyali highlighted the tournament’s impact on young female athletes across Nigeria.
The Nigeria Football Federation’s Secretary General, Dr. Muhammad Sanusi, described the tournament as a crucial step in developing women’s football in the country.
Editorial
The success of the inaugural Girls Play Sports Football Tournament is a triumph for women’s football in Nigeria, providing a platform for young female athletes to showcase their talents. CATS Ladies’ resilience in overturning an early deficit to win the tournament is a reflection of their hard work and determination.
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CATS Ladies’ victory marks a significant milestone in Nigerian grassroots women’s football. As champions, they were awarded a cash prize of two million naira, while runners up Plateau United Queens received one million naira. Other finalists were also rewarded for their participation.
For us, this tournament signifies a crucial investment in the future of women’s football in Nigeria. By offering financial rewards and national recognition, it sets the stage for the continued development of female athletes who might otherwise go unnoticed. The involvement of legends like Mary Onyali and the support of the Nigeria Football Federation also show that this initiative is being taken seriously at all levels of sport in Nigeria.
This tournament has laid the groundwork for even greater achievements in women’s football, not only at the grassroots level but for the country’s broader international aspirations.
Did You Know?
- CATS Ladies were crowned champions after rallying from 1-0 down to win the tournament final 2-1.
- The tournament awarded two million naira to the winning team, marking a major financial boost for grassroots women’s football in Nigeria.
- The Girls Play Sports GPS Football Tournament is one of the first large scale initiatives aimed at developing female football talent at the grassroots level in Nigeria.
- Ebube Anyanwu scored both goals for CATS Ladies in the final, becoming the standout player of the tournament.
- Olympic legend Mary Onyali, serving as the GPS ambassador, highlighted the tournament as a game-changer for young female athletes in Nigeria.
