By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The Gateway Girls of Ishielu Local Government Area have emerged victorious in the grand finale of the Ebonyi Female Football tournament, defeating Ikwo Local Government Area 2-0 in a thrilling match held at Pa Oruta Township stadium, Abakaliki.
The tournament, which kicked off on November 20, 2024, and concluded on January 3, 2025, featured 24 matches and was organized by the office of the First Lady, Chief Mrs. Mary Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development. The initiative aimed to identify and nurture female football talents across Ebonyi State.
Chief Mrs. Nwifuru expressed her delight in the successful execution of the initiative, stating that the tournament was not just about football, but about amplifying the voices of women, stopping gender-based violence, and giving girls a stage to shine. She envisioned that before her husband leaves office, the players would be competing internationally.
Adding “I saw female footballers last year during a competition between Rivers and Edo states, but none were from Ebonyi. That inspired me to create this platform.
“Today, I’m happy because all these girls, from all 13 LGAs of Ebonyi, have showcased their immense talent. This is not just about football; it’s about amplifying the voices of women, stopping Gender based violence.”
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Richard Idike, emphasized the significance of the tournament, highlighting the dream of creating a female football academy to nurture talents and showcase them on bigger stages.
Stating “this is a talent hunt organized by Her Excellency under BERWO Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The dream is to create a female football academy to nurture talents and showcase them on bigger stages. Today’s performance proves Ebonyi has world-class players,” he stated.
Prof. Nkechi Echiegu, Team Lead for BERWO Foundation, noted that the initiative would help curb crime in society by offering opportunities to talented girls and proving that the girl child is more than the societal stereotype.
The Ezza North Chairman, Ogodali Nomeh, reflected on the tournament, expressing pride in his team’s efforts and pledging continued support. He emphasized the importance of sustaining the platform, just like the Ebonyi Angels and Queens under Dr. Sam Egwu.
The final standings of the tournament included: Ishielu Local Government Area clinched 1st position, Ikwo LGA 2nd position and Ezza North LGA, 3rd position.