The Defiant Ladies U-17 Tournament, a landmark event aimed at empowering young girls through football and also addressing critical social issues affecting them, is set to begin tomorrow with the arrival of ten competing teams today in Asaba, Delta State.
Organised by Mrs Henrietta Ehiabor, an astute figure in the administration and promotion of female football in Nigeria, the tournament will run from 6 to 11 November, 2024, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium. Today’s arrival will also feature the event’s eagerly anticipated team draws at the VVIP Hall at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, thus setting the stage for the tournament’s five days of competitive engagement.
The tournament’s roster includes ten formidable teams: Royal Queens Football Club, Delta Babes Football Club, Mighty Wanderers Ladies Football Club, Female Titans Football Club, Thunder Bay Football Club, Brave Heart Football Club, Dream Star Ladies Football Club, Bayelsa Princesses of Yenegoa, Danaz Ladies, and Fortress Ladies Football Club.
Each team will not only compete for victory and laurels but also participate in promoting key values and issues impacting young girls across Nigeria.
According to Mrs Ehiabor, the tournament aims to leverage the power of sport as a potent tool for addressing prevalent nagging societal challenges.
“This tournament is about much more than football,” she said.
“It’s a platform for advocacy on vital issues like teen pregnancy, child marriage, trafficking, and gender-based violence. Through sport, we hope to promote education, health, and hygiene among young girls, fostering a supportive and nurturing environment.”
The tournament aligns with Mrs Ehiabor’s broader mission to develop female football and to celebrate the Girl- Child, as well as empowering young female athletes, while simultaneously advocating for a future of increased opportunity and equality.
The tournament schedule includes matches beginning on 7 November, with a seminar on social issues, education, and female empowerment set for 9 November. The final match and closing ceremony will take place on 10 November, and winning teams, as well as outstanding individual players will receive prizes. Teams are expected to depart on 11 November.
Through the Defiant Ladies U-17 Tournament, Mrs Ehiabor hopes to cultivate not only athletic talent but also sportsmanship, respect, and unity among young female athletes. This event marks a critical moment for women’s football in Nigeria, offering participants a chance to engage in competitive yet respectful gameplay and to build friendships and camaraderie within the football community.
By Ifeanyi Uwagwu
