By Adegboyega Segun
GSSS Mopa has won Ruth Roseline Fanwo First Female Secondary Schools Tournament in Mopamuro Local Government Area.
Ruth Roseline Fanwo Secondary School Female Football Tournament is a football competition organised by wife of Kogi State Commissioner of Information and Communications, Mrs Ruth Fanwo, with the aim of providing the young girls with a platform to showcase their football talent and do exploit in sport generally.
Speaking at the final ceremony held at MMLGEA football pitch Takete Ide Amuro on Friday, 4th April 2025, Mrs Fanwo emphasized that the initiative aims to provide young girls with a platform to showcase their football talent and foster unity among communities.
“I want to take a moment to reflect on the initiative and journey we have shared. This tournament has been more than just a display of athletic skill; it has been a celebration of unity, determination, and the relentless spirit of our young female footballers.” Mrs Fanwo stated.
She maintained that remarkable talents, intense competition, and the blossoming of friendships that unite communities and bless schools have been witnessed during the competition, adding that the girls had demonstrated courage, resilience, and the power of teamwork.
In her words, “You are breaking barriers and paving the way for those who will follow in your footsteps. Your hard work and dedication have made a lasting impact on these young girls and our community. Together, we can create a world where every girl knows she has the ability to shine and prove to the world that what a man can do, a woman can do even better.” Mrs Fanwo remarked”.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo pointed out the tournament had shown the spirit of sportsmanship and fostered unity among the communities, urging the young girls to continue with the high spirit as the tournament would be an annual event.
The final match took place between Government Day Secondary School Takete Ide and Government Special Science School College, Mopa where GSSS Mopa secured a 1-0 victory, the only goal scored by Obatomi Eunice.
The winning team, GSSS Mopa with the gold medal received a cash prize of ₦300,000, while the first runner up GDSS Takete-Ide with the silver medal received ₦200,000.
Similarly, the third place which took place between CMC Mopa and OCHS, where CMC Mopa came second runner up with a Bronze Medal with the cash prize of ₦100,000.
Additionally, the highest goal scorer of the tournament, Victoria Jeffrey of GDSS Takete-Ide received ₦100,000 and the best goalkeeper of the tournament, Moses Testimony of GSSS Mopa received ₦100,000.
In attendance were the former Chairman of Mopamuro LGA, Hon. Sunday Moses Alumo who supported the winners, first runner up, and second runner up with N50,000, N30,000 and N20,000 respectively, with the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Temitope Daniel, as well as serving and former government officials at both state and local government levels in attendance.
The chairman organising committee, Mr Shola Olowu commended the sponsor, Chief (Mrs) Ruth Fanwo for creating the platform for female gender to showcase their talents and prayed to God to bless and reward her.
Meanwhile, the scorer of the only goal, Obatomi Eunice from GSSS Mopa said she and her team mates felt excited about the new development in the local government area, adding that it gave them avenue to showcase their hidden talents. She appreciated Mrs Fanwo for bringing the tournament to a limelight, praying to God to bless the sponsor.
The captain of GDSS Takete-Ide female team, Olukomogbon Hannah expressed happiness for the historic event which had helped the young girls to discover their talents and prayed for Mrs Fanwo for God’s abundant blessings in all her endeavours.
