AISHA BUHARI CUP: Nigeria to play Mali, Morocco in group Stage

Super Falcons of Nigeria will play against Mali and Morocco in the group stage of maiden Aisha Buhari International Women Football Tournament scheduled to hold in Lagos from September 13 to 21. They will play in Group A of the competition.

In Group B are Cameroun, Ghana and South Africa.

Among the dignitaries at the draw ceremony held at Eko Hotels and Suites were captains of industry, top officials of Lagos State Sports Commission, top acts of the local organising committee, Super Falcons’ players and Super Falcons’ assistant coach, women’s football financiers and enthusiasts, as well as representatives of the media.

Earlier at a press conference to herald the draw ceremony, LOC Chairman, Seyi Akinwunmi, outlined the objectives of the tournament, which includes “galvanising the critical sectors of the country to support the women’s game better in view of the abundance of talent in the country; promote and project what the First Lady, Dr. Aisha Buhari is doing with her Future Assured Programme; highlight the several opportunities and possibilities embedded in women’s football; showcase Lagos State, the Centre of Excellence and; further project to the international sphere Nigeria’s immense talent in women’s football, the good attitude of Nigerians and the organisational skill of Nigerians.”

Director of Organisation, Ms. Aisha Falode, explained that the organisers want to use the tournament to build positive and enduring narratives about women’s football, Lagos State and Nigeria generally.

Falode, who is also chairman of the Nigeria Women Football League, conducted the draw, with famous women’s football financier, Ayo Omidiran, Super Falcons’ assistant coach, Ann Chiejine, ace journalist, Cecilia Omorogbe, and Super Falcons’ forward, Gift Monday, picking from the pots to draw the teams in groups.

Nigeria and Morocco will square up in the opening match of the tournament at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan on September 13.

GUARDIAN