Gateway Girls Defeat Ikwo Team To Emerge Winner of Ebonyi First Lady's Cup

Wife of Ebonyi state Governor, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru has applauded the Gateway Girls of Ishielu who defeated Ikwo Local Government Area 2-0 in the grand finale of the Ebonyi Female Football competition.

The thrilling match held at Pa Ngele Oruta Township stadium, Abakaliki, Ebonyi state capital featuring 24 matches since its commencement on November 20, 2024, was concluded with Ishielu Gateway team emerging as the Champion.

Speaking, the first lady, Mrs. Nwifuru expressed delight in the successful execution of the initiative, stating that she saw female footballers during a competition between Rivers and Edo states, but was motivated to organize one in Ebonyi. The wife of the Governor who was optimistic that before their exit from office would watch the players in International fora said that the exercise was not just about football; but it amplifies the voices of women, stopping Gender based violence (GBV) , and giving Ebonyi girls a stage to shine.

The state Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Prince Richard Idike and team led Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons Foundation,( BERWO), Professor Nkechinyere Echiegu in their separate interview pointed the significance of the tournament and maintained that the initiative would go along ay to curb crime in the society. Also, the Ezza North Council Chairman, Ogodali Nomeh appreciated his team for their wonderful performance and appealed for the sustenance of the tournament.

Our Correspondent reports that the football competition as organized by the office of the First Lady, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development with the aim to identify and nurture female football talents across the state saw Ezza North top, third position, while Ikwo clinched the second position and Ishielu Local Government Area emerged first position in the competition.