Honourable Ayo Omidiran, the C.E.O of Ayomidiran Foundation and Chairman of the Organising Committee, expressed her delight at the launch of the “Girls Play Sports” program during a press conference held at the NFF Technical Centre in Abuja on Tuesday.
“This ‘Girls Play Sports’ initiative is set up to promote and empower young girls through the sport of football, aiming to provide a developmental platform, minimize social vices among young girls, and foster unity across Nigeria,” Omidiran, a two-time House of Representative member told the media.
“The ‘Girls Play Sports’ Women’s Football Tournament is more than just a tournament; it is a movement aimed at fostering equality, building confidence, encouraging a healthy lifestyle, and providing gainful opportunities through sports among our young girls.
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 through the love of football.
“With the support of the Nigeria Football Federation, our partners, and women’s football stakeholders, we aim to create a lasting impact on these young girls’ lives. We are excited about the journey ahead and look forward to witnessing the massive girl-child talent discovery and development that will emerge from this championship.”
Dr. Muhammad Sanusi, the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, who also represented the NFF President, hailed the initiative and its alignment with the administration’s agenda for women’s football development, while lauding Honorable 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 NFF keys into the FIFA vision of football development with various league programs and a focus on ‘catch them young,’” the NFF scribe said.
