All eyes will be on the nation’s capital this Sunday, September 29, 2024, as Plateau United Queens and CATS Ladies go head to head in the final of the inaugural Girls Play Sports Football Tournament. The tournament, which started with 61 teams 40 from the South and 21 from the North has showcased some of Nigeria’s finest grassroots women’s football talent. The grand finale will take place at the FIFA Goal Project near the NFF Headquarters inside the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, with kick-off scheduled for 2 p.m.
Both teams’ coaches expressed confidence ahead of the final. CATS Ladies’ coach, Ukandu Chinasa, highlighted his team’s hard work and readiness to compete, while Plateau United Queens’ coach, Edward Weng, praised his team’s resilience and focus on winning the title.
Honourable Ayo Omidiran, founder and chairman of the organizing committee, praised the success of the tournament, emphasizing the immense talent in Nigerian women’s football. The winning team will receive a cash prize of two million naira, while the runners-up will earn one million naira for their efforts.
Editorial
The Girls Play Sports Football Tournament final between Plateau United Queens and CATS Ladies is a remarkable moment for women’s football in Nigeria. We view this tournament as a critical step toward developing and showcasing female football talent at the grassroots level. Both teams have fought hard to reach the final, and the quality of football displayed throughout the competition shows just how much potential there is in Nigerian women’s football.
Plateau United Queens reached the final after a series of gritty performances, including a 2-1 win over Mighty Jets Mata at the Jos centre, and two narrow 1-0 victories against Nazareth Queens and Moje Queens Feeders during the Abuja playoffs. CATS Ladies, on the other hand, showed dominance with a 2-0 victory over SGH Sports Amazons and triumphed in a dramatic 8-7 penalty shootout against Victory Queens after a 3-3 draw. They secured their final spot after beating STM Doves 2-0 and defeating Adewale Babes 4-0 in the Southern playoffs.
The initiative to organize such a tournament is not only a testament to the growing interest in women’s sports but also a signal of the need for more investment in women’s football development. This final is more than just a match it represents the future of female athletes in Nigeria, and we believe that platforms like this will inspire the next generation of footballers.
Did You Know?
- This is the first edition of the Girls Play Sports Football Tournament, aimed at promoting women’s grassroots football in Nigeria.
- Plateau United Queens and CATS Ladies were the top teams from the Northern and Southern regions, respectively.
- The FIFA Goal Project in Abuja, where the final is taking place, is a global initiative to promote football development.
- Honourable Ayo Omidiran, the organizer, is a two time member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives and a strong advocate for women in sports.
- The tournament featured 61 teams from across Nigeria, highlighting the extensive reach and growing interest in women’s football.
