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
Tragedy Hits Spanish Football As Tenerife Striker Jesus De Miguel Dies At 30
Spanish football has been thrown into mourning following the death of CD Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who died at the age of 30 after suffering serious injuries in a collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a second-division match.
Tenerife confirmed the player’s death on Tuesday, November 3, revealing that he died at 8:00 a.m. following complications from injuries sustained during the encounter.
The incident occurred towards the closing stages of the match, which was tied at 2-2, when Owono, an Equatorial Guinea international, rushed out of his goal and collided with De Miguel in the middle of the pitch.
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The goalkeeper was sent off following the incident, while the match was subsequently abandoned.
Spanish media reported that De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest after the collision and was resuscitated. However, Tenerife later announced that his neurological condition had deteriorated before he eventually died.
In a statement announcing the tragedy, the club expressed profound sadness over the loss of the striker and extended its condolences to his family, friends and supporters.
“Broken with pain, with a lump in our throat and unable to believe this is real, CD Tenerife announces the tragic death, at 8:00 am (7am GMT), of Jesus de Miguel Alameda,” the club said.
De Miguel joined Tenerife in the summer of 2025 from Castellon and had spent just over a season with the Spanish side.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across Spanish football, including former Barcelona defender and FC Andorra majority shareholder Gerard Pique.
“I am so deeply sorry. Rest in peace, Jesus,” Pique wrote on social media.
FC Andorra also expressed its condolences to De Miguel’s family, teammates and Tenerife, while Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and several other Spanish clubs sent messages of sympathy.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation equally expressed its grief, describing the news as deeply saddening and extending its condolences following the striker’s death.
Sports
Sanwo-Olu Pledges Full Support as Lagos Prepares to Host 2026 CAF Awards
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has pledged the state government’s full support for the successful hosting of the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards.
Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance on Sunday after meeting with a CAF delegation led by Dr Christian Emeruwa, Project Lead for the CAF Awards and CAF General Assembly.
The governor said his administration would pay particular attention to security, logistics, branding and venue access to ensure a memorable experience for participants and visitors.
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In a statement shared on his social media account, Sanwo-Olu said, “Meeting with the CAF delegation, led by Dr Christian Emeruwa, Project Lead for the CAF Awards and CAF General Assembly, I assured them of our full support, with particular attention to security, logistics, branding and venue access.”
He described Lagos as a city with the energy and capacity to host major international events.
“Lagos is a city of talent, culture, enterprise and youthful energy,” the governor said.
He added, “We look forward to welcoming football leaders, stakeholders and visitors from across Africa and beyond, while showcasing our hospitality and ability to host major international events.”
The meeting comes as preparations continue for the continental football awards, which will bring together prominent figures in African football to celebrate outstanding performances and achievements.
The latest engagement follows the arrival of a 15-member CAF delegation in Nigeria on Friday, October 16, for a final inspection of facilities ahead of the awards and the organisation’s 48th Ordinary General Assembly.
The delegation, led by Emeruwa, was expected to assess facilities in Lagos and Abuja as part of efforts to evaluate the country’s readiness to host the two events.
The inspection also followed an earlier visit by CAF officials in August, when Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence in Lagos’s readiness to host the awards after a delegation inspected the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Theatre, in Iganmu.
The 2026 CAF Awards are scheduled to hold in Lagos on December 7, while Abuja is expected to host the CAF Ordinary General Assembly on November 21.
The awards ceremony will recognise outstanding performances and achievements in African football, bringing together players, coaches, officials and other stakeholders from across the continent.
Sports
Iheanacho Flaunts Turkish Nickname
After scoring twice and providing an assist as Bursaspor beat Muglaspor 3-0 in the Turkish 1. Lig on Thursday, Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho took to social media to declare himself boss.
The Super Eagles forward who moved to the Turkish league from Celtic to Bursaspor has made history, becoming the first football player to score in 10 consecutive league matches for the club and in the Turkish professional league football.
He took to his social media handles to flaunt his Turkish nickname – “Agabey”.
In a post on his verified handle on X, the Nigerian forward shared a picture of himself in traditional Turkish dress with a new nickname, “Agabey”. The caption read, “We go ball till eternity, Kelechi Agabey.”
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The word is a respectful Turkish title that translates as “Big Brother” or “Boss”.
The 30-year-old has now scored in all 10 games he has played for Bursaspor, and including his appearance for the Super Eagles, he has found the net in 11 straight matches. He has 14 goals and three assists since joining from Celtic.





