By: Uzorigwe Gloria, Abakaliki.
The first lady of Ebonyi State, CEO of BERWO Foundation Chief Mrs Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Ogbonna Nwifuru, has sponsored a female football talent hunt in the state.
This tournament, which kicked off on November 20, 2024, and concluded on January 3, 2025, featured 24 matches and was organized by the office of the First Lady, Chief Mrs. Mary Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development. The initiative aimed to identify and nurture female football talents across Ebonyi State.
Chief Mrs. Nwifuru expressed her delight in the successful execution of the initiative, stating that the tournament was not just about football, but about amplifying the voices of women, stopping gender-based violence, and giving girls a stage to shine. She envisioned that before her husband left office, the players would be competing internationally.
Adding “I saw female footballers last year during a competition between Rivers and Edo states, but none were from Ebonyi. That inspired me to create this platform
Today, I’m happy because all these girls, from all 13 LGAs of Ebonyi, have showcased their immense talent. This is not just about football; it’s about amplifying the voices of women, stopping Gender-based violence.”
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Richard Idike, emphasized the significance of the tournament, highlighting the dream of creating a female football academy to nurture talents and showcase them on bigger stages.
Stating, “This is a talent hunt organized by Her Excellency under BERWO Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The dream is to create a female football academy to nurture talents and showcase them on bigger stages. Today’s performance proves Ebonyi has world-class players,” he state
Chief Dr Ogodali Nomeh, the Executive Chairman of Ezza North Local Government Area, reflected on the tournament, expressing pride in his team’s efforts and pledging continued support. He emphasized the importance of sustaining the platform, just like the Ebonyi Angels and Queens under Dr. Sam Egwu.
The final standings of the tournament included: Ishielu LGA took 1st position, Ikwo LGA 2nd position, and Ezza North LGA, 3rd position.
