Sports
Plateau Utd Queens, CATS Ladies Battle For Inaugural Girls Play Sports Football Tournament Title
Lovers of women’s football will converge at Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as Northern champions Plateau United Queens face off against Southern victors the CATS Ladies in the final of the Inaugural Girls Play Sports Football Tournament, slated for Sunday.
Biztellers reports that the tournament, drew a total of 61 entries — 40 from the South and 21 from the North — has been a remarkable showcase of grassroots women’s football talent across Nigeria.
ALSO READ: CATS Ladies Win Southern Finals Of Girls Play Sports Football Tournament
For the top prize, the two best teams will clash in the grand finale at the prestigious FIFA Goal Project, near the NFF Headquarters inside the Moshood Abiola National Stadium (Package B), Abuja.
The match kicks-off at 2p.m.
Plateau United Queens battled their way to the final with a string of gritty performances. After defeating local rivals Mighty Jets Mata 2-1 at the Jos center, they progressed to the Abuja playoffs, where they narrowly edged out Nazareth Queens and Moje Queens Feeders with 1-0 victories to claim their spot in the national final.
On the other side, the CATS Ladies displayed early dominance with a 2-0 win over SGH Sports Amazons at the Lagos center. Their semifinal against Victory Queens witnessed a thrilling 3-3 draw, with the CATS triumphing 8-7 in a dramatic penalty shootout.
They then comfortably beat STM Doves 2-0 to secure the Lagos center’s crown.
In the Southern playoffs, the CATS maintained their momentum, thrashing Adewale Babes 4-0 and drawing 1-1 with Royaltoms Queens to book their place in the final.
Ahead of the final, the CATS Ladies’ head coach, Ukandu Chinasa, expressed his team’s readiness to challenge for the coveted title glory.
Ukandu said, “The girls have put in the hard work, and now it’s time to showcase that on the biggest stage. We respect Plateau United Queens, but we’re confident and ready to take the trophy home.”
Plateau United Queens head coach, Edward Weng, also shared his optimism.
“Our girls have shown resilience throughout the tournament. We’re up against a strong side, but we’re focused on the ultimate goal — lifting the championship,” Weng said.
Founder and chairman of the organizing committee, Hon Ayo Omidiran, praised the teams and the tournament’s success.
According to Hon Omidiran, “This competition has been a remarkable display of the immense talent and potential in Nigerian women’s football. Both teams have earned their place in the final, and I’m proud of how far they’ve come,” said the two-time House of Representative member.
“The legacy of this tournament will continue to inspire the next generation of female athletes. I wish both teams the best as they compete for the ultimate prize.”
The winning team will walk away with a cash prize of two million naira, while the runners-up will receive one million naira, recognizing their exceptional efforts throughout the competition.
Sports
Chelsea Handed Injury Boost As Omari Kellyman Nears Return
Chelsea are set to receive a welcome boost with Omari Kellyman nearing a return to action after a frustrating start to his Stamford Bridge career.
The 19-year-old midfielder, who joined the Blues from Aston Villa in a £19 million summer transfer, has been sidelined with a serious hamstring injury since September.
Kellyman initially made an impression with Chelsea’s Under-21s, scoring twice in three appearances, including during a 4-2 defeat to Leipzig in the Premier League International Cup. However, his progress was halted by the injury, which has kept him out of action for months.
READ MORE: Chelsea Desires Permanent Deal For João Félix After Collapse Of Omorodion Deal
According to reports from the Daily Mail, Kellyman is now on track to return within the next four weeks, offering Chelsea a much-needed boost as the team looks to navigate a congested festive fixture schedule. The teenager is expected to be fit before Christmas and could soon make his senior debut for the club.
Reflecting on his move to Chelsea earlier this year, Kellyman expressed his excitement about joining the West London outfit. “It is fantastic to be standing here as a Chelsea player. It’s a massive club with an amazing history, so it is great to join. It is a dream come true for sure. I’m buzzing to have put on the shirt and can’t wait to get started,” he said.
Kellyman’s footballing journey began at Derby County, where he progressed through the youth ranks and was promoted to the first-team squad by Wayne Rooney at just 16 years old.
After leaving Derby for Aston Villa in 2022, he signed his first professional contract and made his Premier League debut last season against Manchester City.
Despite his brief stint at Villa, which included a Europa Conference League appearance, Kellyman made the high-profile move to Chelsea in June, signing a six-year contract.
Now, as he edges closer to full fitness, both the player and the club will hope his long-awaited debut signals the start of a successful tenure at Stamford Bridge.
Sports
Chelsea Holds Scouting Summit With Enzo Maresca
Earlier this month, Chelsea Football Club convened a comprehensive meeting of their first-team recruitment team, aimed at aligning their efforts with the club’s overarching vision.
This scouting summit brought together approximately 30 of the club’s key talent identifiers, with the objective of reinvigorating the search for future stars in world football.
Adding an extra layer of inspiration to the gathering, Leicester City manager and former Manchester City assistant, Enzo Maresca, made a guest appearance. Maresca, who briefly worked alongside some of Chelsea’s current personnel during his time under Pep Guardiola, took time to pose for a group photograph with the team. Those present reportedly left the summit feeling “enthused, energised, and as motivated as ever” to uncover the next generation of footballing gems.
READ MORE: Osimhen Casts Doubts Over Touted Winter Move To Chelsea
The Italian tactician has maintained an interest in Chelsea’s squad and their emerging talents. A source close to Maresca suggested that he harbours a keen desire to see Cole Palmer, one of Chelsea’s brightest young signings, team up with Joao Felix, the Portuguese forward who enjoyed a brief but impactful loan spell at Stamford Bridge last season.
While Palmer continues to thrive at Chelsea following his summer move from Manchester City, Felix’s future remains uncertain, with speculation persisting about whether the Blues could revisit a permanent deal for the Atlético Madrid star.
Chelsea’s recruitment team will undoubtedly keep such possibilities in mind as they look to execute their shared vision, leveraging the energy from this summit to identify players capable of complementing the club’s long-term strategy. With Maresca’s words and presence leaving a lasting impression, the search for the world’s finest footballing gems continues in earnest.
Sports
Lukeba’s €90m Clause Attracts Real Madrid, PL Clubs
RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba has become a hot topic in the transfer market following details about his new contract.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Lukeba’s release clause will come into effect in the summer of 2025, starting at around €90 million and varying from season to season.
This development has drawn the attention of football giants, with Real Madrid reportedly keeping a close watch on the French centre-back’s progress. Premier League clubs are also monitoring Lukeba as a potential defensive reinforcement for 2025.
READ MORE: Wizkid Breaks Spotify Records With ‘Kese (Dance)’ Release
The 20-year-old, who joined Leipzig from Olympique Lyonnais in 2023, has already made an impression in the Bundesliga with his composed defensive skills and tactical versatility. His rising profile has placed him among Europe’s most promising young defenders, making him a coveted target for top clubs.
Leipzig’s decision to include a fluctuating release clause highlights their commitment to protecting Lukeba’s value while leaving the door open for a future big-money move.
With Real Madrid and several Premier League sides in the mix, the 2025 summer transfer window is already shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Lukeba’s career. Fans and scouts alike will be closely watching his development as he continues to shine in Leipzig’s backline.