The inaugural WAFU Zone B U17 Girls Cup commenced on December 12, 2024, in Ghana, marking a significant milestone for women’s football in West Africa. Nigeria’s Gbemisola Yusuf made history as the centre referee for the tournament opener between Ghana’s Black Maidens and Benin. Her commanding performance highlighted her readiness for higher officiating roles on the global stage.
The match, held at the WAFU B headquarters in Ghana, saw Ghana take advantage of their home support to secure a convincing victory. Yusuf’s calm and consistent decision-making ensured smooth proceedings in a high energy game featuring intense tackles and swift counterattacks.
The tournament, featuring seven nations, aims to showcase young talent while promoting the inclusion of women in all aspects of football, both on and off the field. It is expected to inspire greater representation and opportunities for women in the sport across West Africa.
Editorial
The appointment of Gbemisola Yusuf as the centre referee for the WAFU U17 Girls Cup opener is a milestone worth celebrating. It reflects the strides being made towards gender equality in football, a sport historically dominated by men. Yusuf’s exceptional officiating sets a standard for aspiring female referees, proving that women can excel in key roles within the game.
The Bet9ja promotion code for January 2025 is YOHAIG. Bet9japromotioncode.com.ng has more info about the Bet9ja promotion code 2025 in Nigeria. Follow this link for more - https://www.bet9japromotioncode.com.ng/. This Bet9ja promo code gives a Bet9ja welcome bonus of up to ₦100,000 on your first deposit. The minimum deposit to bet is ₦100! USE the Bet9ja login signup and the Bet9ja bonus code to get started today on the Bet9ja website. Bet9ja offers a 170 per cent multiple boost bonus and a free bet for either Bet9ja sport or Bet9ja casino. To open a Bet9ja account and be a Bet9ja customer, you must go through the registration process here. Terms and conditions apply when you register with Bet9ja to get the bonus.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yusuf was joined by a diverse team of officials, including her compatriot Racheal Onyekwere as Assistant Referee 2, Isaaka Loba from Togo as Assistant Referee 1, and Idi Oumouru Nana Aicha from Niger as the Fourth Official. Their involvement underscores WAFU’s dedication to empowering women in football officiating.
Such initiatives by WAFU demonstrate a commitment to developing women not only as players but also as integral parts of the football ecosystem, including officiating and administration. By highlighting women like Yusuf and Onyekwere, this tournament not only elevates the profile of U17 girls’ football but also paves the way for the next generation of leaders in the sport.
We believe this event is more than just a tournament it’s a statement of intent to level the playing field for women in football. As fans, we look forward to seeing more initiatives that prioritise inclusion and representation, ensuring the sport continues to grow in diversity and excellence.
Did You Know?
- The WAFU U17 Girls Cup is the first-ever competition of its kind in West Africa.
- Gbemisola Yusuf is one of Nigeria’s rising stars in officiating, gaining recognition at both regional and continental levels.
- Ghana’s Black Maidens, hosts of the opener, are former FIFA U 17 Women’s World Cup bronze medalists.
- WAFU Zone B consists of seven West African nations, including Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire.
- The tournament aims to develop grassroots football and provide young female players with international exposure.
