The Ayomidiran Foundation has launched the inaugural “Girls Play Sports” Women’s Football Tournament.
The initiative is aimed at discovering and promoting sports development among young girls in Nigeria.
Ayo Omidiran, the CEO of Ayomidiran Foundation and Chairman of the Organising Committee, expressed delight while addressing newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday.
“This ‘Girls Play Sports’ initiative is set up to promote and empower young girls through the game of football.
“It aims to provide a developmental platform, minimise social vices among young girls, and foster unity across Nigeria.
“The ‘Girls Play Sports’ Women’s Football Tournament is more than just a tournament it is a movement aimed at fostering equality among others.
“By involving grassroots teams from both the North and South of Nigeria, we seek to minimise social vices among young girls and promote a spirit of unity and inclusivity,” she said.
She said that she is looking forward to witnessing the massive girl-child talent discovery.
Dr. Muhammad Sanusi, General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF), who represented the NFF President, hailed the initiative and its alignment with the administration’s agenda for women’s football development.
He lauded Omidiran for her pivotal role and remarkable contributions in supporting the women’s game.
“To us at the NFF, this is a welcome idea. The board of the federation keys into the FIFA vision of football development with various league programmes and a focus on ‘catch them young,’” he said.
“This is the right step in the right direction. This programme will greatly impact the grassroots and help to elevate the standard of women’s football in Nigeria.
“I will ensure that the Director of the Technical Department and Competitions identifies with this laudable programme.
“We cannot thank the Proprietor of Ayomidiran Foundation enough. It is not surprising that you are doing this because we know that she is one of the pioneers of women’s football in Nigeria.
“We cannot forget the exploits of Omidiran Babes and the role she played when she was in the National Assembly to ensure peace and harmony in Nigerian football,”he said.
The inaugural championship will run from Aug. 30 to Sept. 30, with eight teams making it to the Northern and Southern playoff finals from the preliminary round in the country’s six geopolitical zones.
Registration is free and will only open to non-league clubs via the Ayomidiran Foundation website (ayomidiranfoundation.com) from July 24 and will close on Aug. 23.
Teams will have one month to train and prepare, with a maximum of 30 players per team.
Draws and fixtures will be determined after the registration period ends.(NAN).
