The maiden edition of Madam Musilimat Abegbe Sanusi Memorial (MASM) National U-17 Girls Soccer Tournament has been slated for 1st of July, 2018.
The football competition, which is organized by Ilaji Stadium and Resort Center in collaboration with the Youth Sport Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), Oyo State chapter, will hold between 1st and 7th July, 2018 at Ilaji Stadium and Resort Center in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a press conference to herald the commencement of the memorial soccer tournament, the National Secretary of YSFON, Mr. Patrick Okpavuerhe, disclosed that the body was the first youth sports organization in Nigeria to introduce female football.
He expressed delight in the action Plan of Engr. Dotun Sanusi, who is the Chairman, Ilaji Stadium and Resirt Center to seriously drive development of female football in Nigeria.
The YSFON scribe further noted that the current national approach of recycling players is worrisome, adding that the only alternative solution is to replace aging players with fresh legs to ensure the best for the nation’s female football team.
While speaking on the level of preparation for the maiden tournament, Okpavuerhe opined that the organizers have put necessary plans in motion to ensure hitch-free competition.
He said that to ensure safety of lives of the participants and the spectators, necessary security operatives have been contacted.
The YSFON secretary expressed happiness on the level of facilities put in place by Ilaji Stadium and Resort Center, submitting that the owner of the sporting outfit has shown determination in developing sports particularly at the grassroots level.
Mr. Okpavuerhe appealed to the Nigeria Football Federation to give YSFON necessary support to produce talents that can lift female football in the country.
The Manager of Ilaji Stadium and Resort Center, Mrs. Adenike Remi-Olarinde, said that the sponsor of the the tournament, Engr. Dotun Sanusi has put packages for the participants and winner of the competition.
She listed jerseys, T. Shirts, certificates and some other things as part of rewards for the participants apart from financial aspect which will be announced by the sponsor.
Mrs. Remi-Olarinde added that adequate arrangements have been put in place for all the participating teams from 15 states that have registered for the competition, including accommodation for all the 330 participants.
Packaged by Kunle Gazali
