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CATS Ladies Emerge Maiden Champions Of Girls Play Sports Football Tourney

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The Community Action Through Sports (CATS) Ladies of Lagos State secured a 2-1 victory over Plateau United Queens to claim the first-ever Girls Play Sports Football Tournament title at the FIFA Goal Project, Abuja, on Sunday, September 29, 2024.

Biztellers reports that Plateau United Queens, who qualified for the national finals as Northern champions, took the lead in the ninth minute through Agnes Otata.

However, the Southern champions the CATS Ladies responded with two quick goals from Ebube Anyanwu in the 50th and 54th minutes, to snatch the trophy, as the inaugural champions.

ALSO READ: Plateau Utd Queens, CATS Ladies Battle For Inaugural Girls Play Sports Football Tournament Title

As champions, the CATS Ladies received a cash prize of two million naira, while the runners-up Plateau United Queens were awarded one million naira.

Other finalists from the Northern and Southern zones were also rewarded with varying cash prizes for their appearances.

Founder of the Ayomidiran Foundation, Hon Ayo Omidiran, expressed gratitude for the support from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Federal Housing Authority, State Football Associations, and participating teams.

She said, “This success reflects the power of collaboration and our shared commitment to advancing grassroots women’s football and empowering the girl-child through sports.”

Head coach of CATS Ladies, Chinasa Ukandu, celebrated the victory as a landmark achievement for her team, saying, “These girls have shown tremendous determination and heart, and this win is a testament to their hard work.”

Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority, Hon Oyetunde Ojo, praised the tournament’s organization, adding, “We are proud to be part of an initiative that empowers young girls through sports and promotes national unity.”

Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr. Muhammad Sanusi, commended the tournament’s significance, noting, “This competition lays a strong foundation for the growth of women’s football in Nigeria, and we are excited to see its future impact.”

Girls Play Sports (GPS) ambassador and Nigerian Olympic legend Mary Onyali lauded the initiative, saying, “This tournament is a game changer for young female athletes across the country, giving them the platform they deserve to excel.”

The event was also graced by several dignitaries, including Comptroller O. A. Adebakin, representing the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service; Senator Adebayo Adeyeye, Chairman of the Board of Nigerian Ports Authority; Chairman of the NPFL Honorable Gbenga Elegbeleye; NFF Director of Competitions Ruth David; Nigeria Women Football League Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi; NWFL board member Rukayat Alaya; Secretary General of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria Ikenna Okonkwo; and Senator Gbenga Obadara, an APC chieftain from Ogun State.

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Australian Tennis Champion, Max Purcell Faces Doping Suspension

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Australian doubles champion, Max Purcell has been provisionally suspended after admitting to a violation of anti-doping regulations, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on Monday.

The 26-year-old, ranked 12th in the world for doubles, confessed to using a “prohibited method” and voluntarily entered a provisional suspension beginning December 10.

READ ALSO: Tragic Funfair Crush In Ibadan Claims Children’s Lives

The ITIA confirmed the suspension took full effect on December 12, stating, “Time served under provisional suspension will be credited against any future sanction.”

As a result of the suspension, the 26-year-old is banned from competing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis events sanctioned by the sport’s governing bodies.

This suspension rules him out of January’s Australian Open, where he was expected to be a strong contender.

Purcell’s career highlights include winning the 2022 Wimbledon doubles title with fellow Australian Matt Ebden and this year’s US Open doubles crown alongside Jordan Thompson.

In a statement, Tennis Australia clarified that the violation concerned a prohibited method rather than a banned substance.

“The International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed the breach relates to the use of a prohibited method, rather than the presence of a prohibited substance.

“As the matter is currently under investigation, it is inappropriate to comment further at this time,” it said.

The ITIA did not provide further details regarding the breach but noted that investigations are ongoing.

This case comes amid increased scrutiny over doping in tennis. Recent incidents include Polish world number two Iga Swiatek and Italian top-ranked player Jannik Sinner.

Swiatek received a one-month sanction earlier this year after testing positive for a banned heart medication, though the violation was deemed unintentional.

Meanwhile, Sinner was cleared after twice testing positive for traces of the steroid clostebol, though the World Anti-Doping Agency has appealed the decision.

Both Swiatek and Sinner are set to compete in the Australian Open, beginning January 12.

 

 

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CAF Awards: GTI Congratulates NFF, Lookman, Others

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Strategic partners to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), GTI Group has congratulated the football ruling body on the successful achievements of Nigerian footballers at the just concluded CAF Awards ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco where Super Eagles dare-devil striker Ademola Lookman was crowned the African Player of the Year.

Head of Media and Publicity, GTI, Andrew Ekejiuba, in a statement in Lagos, expressed great hope that the efforts of the NFF at restructuring and repositioning football development in the country has begun yielding the desired results.

Biztellers reports that CAF awards event also witnessed the back-to-back emergence of Super Falcons goaltender, Chiamaka Nnadozie as CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, while the Super Falcons carted home the Women’s National Team of the Year award.

ALSO READ: NWFL Board In Talks With StarTimes For More Visibility

Ekejiuba reiterated that the Alh Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF is gradually returning the country to the glorious years when Nigeria dominated the award and was once ranked 5th best soccer-playing nation by the world football ruling body FIFA.

“The achievements of our Nigerian players at the just concluded CAF Award is a testament to the abundance of talents in the country and the clear vision of Alh Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF board to ensure that these players realise their ambition to become the best in the continent and beyond.

“Therefore, GTI congratulates the Awardees for bringing honour to Nigeria,” he said.

“As strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League, GTI’s relentless effort with the NPFL Board has helped to lay a solid foundation for a prosperous elite league that will eventually attract the best legs locally and internationally. Also, by focusing on transparency, infrastructural development and security, GTI and NPFL are creating a sustainable environment where football can thrive”.

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NWFL Board In Talks With StarTimes For More Visibility

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In a bid to ensure increased visibility for the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) this coming season, the Board has reaffirmed its commitment by engaging with StarTimes, a key broadcasting partner.

This filtered out of the NWFL Annual General Assembly held in Abuja on Tuesday, which saw Chairman of the NWFL Board, Nkechi Obi, lead a high-powered delegation to meet with StarTimes management on Wednesday.

ALSO READ: NWFL Backs Edo Queens’ Historic Quest @ 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League

She said, “This partnership is a vital step in our mission to bring the excitement of the league to a wider audience and showcase the talent in women’s football.”

It was gathered that during the discussions, StarTimes’ Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Tunde Aina reiterated that, “StarTimes is committed to delivering top-quality coverage and ensuring that our viewers enjoy every moment of the women’s leagues.”

These initiatives aim to significantly boost audience engagement and elevate the NWFL’s profile both locally and internationally. The discussions covered the production and coverage of matches, highlight shows, and strategic marketing of league content across StarTimes’ diverse channels.

As a key outcome of the meeting, a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is being finalized, with both parties expressing optimism about concluding arrangements in time for the Season Opener.

The anticipated partnership is expected to kick off with the high-stakes NWFL Premiership clash between defending champions Edo Queens and Abia Angels at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on January 15, 2025.

The meeting was attended by high-ranking NWFL officials, including Vice Chairperson Hajiya Hussina Suleiman and Board member, Madam Henrietta Ihiabor.

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