Paul Edeh, Proprietor, Naija Ratels FC has described next month’s Aisha Buhari Cup competition in Lagos as a platform for the development of women football in Africa.
Edeh, who is also the President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), stated this in a chat with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, in Abuja, while reacting to the draws for the competition finalised on Wednesday, in Lagos.
He commended the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for putting up the world class six-nation African Women Championships.
NAN reports that the Aisha Buhari Cup, an initiative of Nigeria’s first lady, is billed to hold from Sept. 13 to Sept. 21 in Lagos, with six top African women teams participating.
Edeh who chairs newly promoted NWFL Premiership side, Naija Ratels FC, Abuja, also said the competition would help the development of the local league.
The football administrator expressed confidence in the abilities of the LOC, led by NFF First Vice President, Seyi Akinwunmi and Aisha Falode, Director of Organisation, to put up a spectacular competition.
“From the standpoint of organisation, a high level has already been set. I would like to commend the Local Organising Committee of the competition for this.
“It is glaring from all angles that we are going to have a great tournament. At the same time, I would also point out that the tournament shouldn’t be a one-off, but should come up from time to time.
“The Chairman of the LOC and everyone involved are people who have great experience in women’s football circle.
”The Chairman is a great Football administrator, who has over the years brought a lot of innovations to Nigerian Football as Vice President of the NFF,
“The Director of Organisation, Aisha Falode, is well known as an astute administrator with decades of experience in Women’s Football, and one who has turned around the fortunes of the NWFL since she assumed office as Chairperson,” he said.
The Aisha Buhari Cup is an African Mini-Football tournament featuring six National female teams from Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, South-Africa, Morocco and Mali.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria, 10-time African champions, are drawn in Group A alongside Morocco and Mali and would play at the newly refurbished Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.
Group B comprises the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon, Black Queens of Ghana and Banyana Banyana of South Africa and will trade tackles at the Agege Stadium. (NAN)
