Our Editor
Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, became the cynosure of the global soccer lenses on Wednesday, as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was joined by the President of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, at the opening round of the maiden Aisha Buhari International friendly tournament.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons played against Mali’s Les Aiglonnes in the international tournament hosted by the Lagos State Government at Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan.
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick, and top FIFA officials also joined the dignitaries at the tournament.
Also, Lagos First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and members of the Lagos State’s Executive Council were also at the arena to witness the international soccer tournament.
The tournament, sponsored by MTN Nigeria and supported by Lagos State Government, was initiated to promote female football in Africa, gender equality and draw attention to development issues affecting women.
The first half of the opening match ended with a draw. However, 83 minutes into the second half, Super Falcons’ forward, Gift Monday, scored the first goal of the friendly encounter, leaving the Malian side disoriented.
At 91 minutes into the added time, Monday again netted another goal, which gave the Falcons victory over their opponents.
Six nations are participating in the tournament, which will draw to a close on September 21. Other participants include South Africa, Morocco, Ghana, and Cameroon.
The tournament continues tomorrow (Thursday) with Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses playing against Moroccan Atlas Lionesses.
