Lagos’ State Football Association’s quest to develop female football in the state has given birth to a new championship, the Ekofootball Queens Championships with 24 teams set to battle for the giant trophy presented by one of the board members, Prince Ifalade Oyekan.

Speaking at the LSFA office on Thursday, the Chairman of the association, who doubles as the 1st Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Seyi Akinwunmi, said the association is doing its best to improve on the height female football already attained in the state.

Akinwunmi said he was happy with the decision of the women committee of the board, led by their chairman, Yemisi Cole, to come up with the competition.

He added that LSFA has taken football to another height in the state with several innovations including returning the Super Eagles to Lagos while also hosting several national teams in the state.

Also speaking at the press conference, the Vice Chairman of LSFA, Tade Azeez, stated that the revolution experienced at the Nigeria Women Football League Super Six at the Dipo Dina International Stadium Ijebu-Ode encouraged the Lagos FA to do more for women’s football development in Nigeria, while also stressing that, majority of the players that showcased their talents at the Super Six, were players who had their early development in the game in Lagos.

The chairman of the women committee, Cole, revealed that 24 teams would be taking part in the competition that will feature only amateur players with games expected to take place at the Agege Stadium and the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Lagos.

According to her, the competition will run for two weeks, starting from Wednesday, June 2, while adding that the tournament is not about the winner or the loser, but about developing women’s football in the state.

She added that the teams will be in four groups of six teams each for the competition that would first be played on league basis before going into the knock-out series until the final game.

Victory Queens, Unification FC, Heroes FC, Lakeside Queens, SGH Queens, FC Phoenix, BFA English and Oracle Angels are among the teams that would be fighting for honour at the tournament.

The Ambassador made this disclosure over the weekend.

He stated that Ratels Foundation will ensure that Benue State Football Association is well equipped ahead of the Super 8.

Edeh added that the Ratels Foundation was ready “to support you (Benue State Football Association) all through as we are very happy to grow the development of Benue football. Ratels believes that this is a partnership that works and must continue to deliver value to the delight of all the people of Benue.”

“I’m happy with the way Benue State League was well organized and this has spurred me to do more at the Super 8.”

Ratels Foundation single-handedly sponsored the recently concluded Benue State Football League.

The Foundation blessed first to third placed teams with cash prizes, jerseys and Ratels branded balls.

Barrister Paul Edeh is the owner of Nigeria Women’s Football League clubs, Naija Ratels and Honey Badgers.

Sarata Bello, an undergraduate of Ahmadu Bello University has been named best player of the Richy Inter University Football League in Kaduna.

The youngster who also captains the Ahmadu Bello University squad, helped the team to finish first on the ladder.

“I am very proud of this award. I was named as the best player in the tournament, all this has been possible thanks to your continued support,” Bello said in message to the Media during the award nite.

The soft spoken baller says that she draws inspiration from Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala.

“As a footballer you strive to become good and improve in all ramifications. For me I always watch the video clips of Asisat Oshoala. She is my role model.

The youngster who was brilliant for the ABU team tormented defenders with her direct and mobile approach.

The Methodist High School product will be hoping to further develop herself as a footballer in years to come.

As a NIGERIAN football writer, the question that everybody always wants to ask you never changes: who is the next big star of the Female Football game?

Still in Nigeria and young, Desire Oparanozie is already a veteran in the eyes of many. She is now old news.

People are already wanting to look beyond the youngster and, if you like.

There are, of course, plenty of candidates. Some will doubtless make it to the top of the game.

So, let’s take a look at six teenage players tipped for the top in future years.

There are too many to mention!

6. Amirat Adebisi

A safe choice for the list, Adebisi has been tipped for the top for some time now and was the star of Robo Queens U13.

A diminutive attacking midfielder, Adebisi operates at the point of the midfield, looking to open up defences for her team’s attacking players.

Also an excellent free-kick taker, the player has a taste for goals and is often found making late runs into the area to finish off attacking moves that she may very well have instigated.

The talent is there, but the step up to star at first-team level is perhaps the greatest challenge a No. 10 will face in their career.

5. Monday Gift

Having played as a wide forward at Under-10 and Under-12 level, it was recently that she began to be used as a central striker. It was in this position that her game began to evolve from one of just electric pace, to now being regarded as a fine all-around attacking player.

Gift’s progress is being carefully monitored by many in high places—she will soon have the chance to prove herself at Under-17 and Under-20 level.

4. Sarata Bello

Bello is just one of a rising double-act making waves at Methodist High School. She is leading the way for the team’s much-hyped next generation.

Blessed with great speed, Bello is blessed with grit and determination.

The youngster has excellent close control and has shown herself to be a fine finisher when presented with chances.

3. Barakat Olaiya

Attacking midfielder Olaiya is just one of a handful of promising talents currently emerging at Bayelsa Queens.

A rapid dribbler with the ball, the No. 10 has proven herself to possess the technical attributes needed to both beat defenders and pick a key pass to her teammates. She has also built a reputation as a consistent goalscorer at youth levels.

2. Rofiat Sule

Often praised for her down-to-earth attitude, Sule is a surprisingly mature player for her age. She is quick and well-built, but relies primarily on her technical ability and footballing intelligence to shine.

Rofiat Sule is a natural goal poacher.

1. Rasheedat Ajibade

Renowned for her intelligent positioning, ability to beat opponents and, of course, her finishing, she is already being quietly compared in style to Desire Oparanozie and the legendary Perpetual Nkwocha.

Such is the talent of Ajibade that she scored a screamer for FC Robo Queens against Confluence Queens on 17th May 2013.

Date: 25th April, 2010

The teenager has caught the eye of spectators at the ongoing 2010 Yaba Female Football Competition.

Coming from a royal family in Nigeria, Sarata Bello has so far fulfilled the first phase of her dream.

Hailing from an area which has a rich history of unearthing Nigerian internationals, Sarata has never been short of inspiration to one day don the green and white of the Super Falcons.

“I am happy to have such an opportunity at a young age, to come here and represent Methodist High School.

“I thank organizers for this opportunity. If there wasn’t a tournament I would not be here enjoying the fruits of being a hardworking soccer player.

“Organizers have transformed me into a better person.

“I want to use this tournament as a foundation for my career and a huge stepping for me to one day play in a big league or play for the Super Falcons of Nigeria,” said Bello.

When the soft spoken utility player was quizzed about what she would do if she was not a footballer or if she was to stop playing football tomorrow, she was not shy to emphasize where her ambitions lie.

“If for certain reasons beyond my control I do not make it as a footballer I would pursue a career in health sector or sports Administration.”