Aisha Buhari Cup Will Boost Female Football Development – Sports Minister
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, has assured that the maiden edition of the Aisha Buhari Female Football Championship would boost female football development in Nigeria, Africa and globally.
The Minister made this assertion in his office in Abuja when he received in audience the Local Organising committee of the Aisha Buhari Cup competition.
“Let me commend the wonderful work that has been done so far by the organizing committee towards having a successful event,” Dare said. “I knew that you started with little or no funds, but seeing how much you have done means you are miracle workers.”
“I read a lot about what you have done when I was at the Olympics. I’m not surprised because the theme of the competition ‘Playing For Good’ is in sync with the vision of the Aisha Buhari Foundation which encourages the girl child to excel.”
The Minister assured that all necessary support will be given to make the competition a huge success.
“When Amaju told me of the plans to stage the competition, the first question I asked him was if he had enough time and he said yes and I promised to lend my support,” Dare added. “I’m glad that the event is now a reality. The competition will excite, inspire and unite people.”
“Whatever will unite people has the full support of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development. So my support is total especially since it has to do with female football. FIFA is unapologetic about female football Development.”
“The competition is going to attract more women to take to female football. So it would be nice to see alot of collateral like jerseys, caps, ball pens, keyholders and other souvenirs printed so that further interest can be generated. I hereby pledge my support and will also get others to support.”
“I know the Lagos State Governor is already doing alot, but I intend to speak with him to see what more can be done to make the event a success,” Dare concluded.
In his remarks, Chairman of the committee Seyi Akinwumi thanked the Minister for his support by getting the PTF to grant permission to have the event staged in Nigeria.
He said the importance of the competition is underscored by the interest shown by the 6 top female football playing nations of Ghana, Morocco, Cameroon, South Africa, Mali, host Nigeria and Cote d’ivoire. Akinwumi appealed to the Minister to assist in accelerating the issuance of entry visas to the teams.
The competition will take place in two venues, the Agege Stadium and the new refurbished Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, Onikan from September 13th-21st, 2021.
Chidi Nwoke/FMIC.
