The National Financial Secretary of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria SWAN, Orji Sampson has congratulated Imo Strikers Queens on their victory at the just concluded National U-17 Queens Cup at Lokaja, Kogi State.
Speaking to Trumpeta sports desk on the young girls impressive outing which saw them edge their closest rival, Royal Toms FC of Ogun state drawing 1- 1 in their last match over the weekend, Orji commended the girls and the management team for making the state proud extolling the clubs Proprietor, Prince and the clubs coordinator, Nelly Orisakwe for their love in promoting grass roots female football.
The team apart from winning the trophy also ran away with the top scorers award and most valuable player of the tournament won by Imo Strikers Queens Harmony Achilefula “Messi” who bagged double hat trick and a total of 7 goals.
Orji who was impressed with the level appreciation female football is gaining in Imo particularly urged the state Football Association to factor a female football league in their programme to promote grass roots female football development and charged well meaning imolites and cooperate bodies to also support the development of female football by sponsoring the tournament which he pointed out will not just help to empower the girl child but build the next Perpetual Nkwocha , Desire Oparanozie and Chiamaka Nnadizie’s.
The tournament in Brief;
Six clubs, one Venue, one Winner.
The teams that took part in the one week soccer fiesta include, Jewel Queens of Gombe (North East), Kaduna Queens of Kaduna (North West), Abruka Queens of Ilorin (North Central), Fortress Ladies of Benin (South South), Royaltoms Queens Academy (South West) and Imo Strikers Queens of Owerri (South East)
However, after Jewel Queens of Gombe pulled out due to financial constraints, so for each day, 2 matches were played with a team on bye.
All The Results;
Match Day 1
Fortress Ladies 1-0 Abruka Queens
Royaltoms Queens 3-0 Kaduna Queens
Match Day 2
Imo Strikers 2-0 Abruka Queens
Fortress Ladies 0-1 Royaltoms Queens
Match Day 3
Imo Strikers 6-0 Kaduna Queens
Abruka Queens 0-0 Royaltoms Queens
Match Day 4
Kaduna Queens 1-4 Abruka Queens
Fortress Ladies 2-3 Imo Strikers
Match Day 5
Kaduna Queens 0-4 Fortress Ladies
Imo Strikers 1-1 Royaltoms Queens
Final Table:
1. Imo Strikers Queens -10 points
2. Royaltoms Queens Academy – 8 points
3. Fortress Ladies – 6 points
4. Abruka Queens – 4 points
5. Kaduna Queens – 0 points
