By Akeem Busari 

The second edition of the Ifeanyi Chiejiene memorial football tournament will kick off Monday, December 11th to December 17th, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State, with twelve female teams lined up to battle for the ultimate prize and trophy. 

The football tournament which is in remembrance of late Super Falcons star Ifeanyi Chiejine, is packaged and sponsored by Judith Chime Foundation named after its founder, Judith Chime, who was also the Super Falcons goalkeeper to the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup held in USA, where late Chiejine, made history as the first youngest ever female player in the senior world cup, at age 16.

Meanwhile, the organisers have continued to receive supports and endorsement from different organisations and individuals, home and abroad, including USA based organisation, Home Of Ballers, who in its letter of endorsement, described the tournament, as historic.

 

Another important endorsement came from the Chairman of Nigeria Women Football League (NWPL), Nkechi Obi, who said, "it's my pleasure to support the Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup, as a way to immortalize a player who wore her shirt for Nigeria with pride and gave her all when representing her country."

"I must commend the efforts of her colleague and compatriot Judith Chime for her tireless efforts to ensure we never forget Ifeanyi by organizing this annual tournament. Late Ifeanyi Chiejine, was the youngest in the 1999 Super Falcons squad.  God bless Judith and may Ifeanyi's soul continue to rest in peace, Amen," she added. 

 

Organisers of the fastly growing Evolution football Cup also maintained its  support for Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup after donating soccer balls ahead of the second edition of the tournament. Judith Chime, brain behind the tournament expressed her gratitude for the continued support from the organisers of Evolution Cup.

The tournament is also enjoying tremendous support from friends and associates of Judith Chime, including USA based young footballer Justice Nmeregini, who was one of the players handled by Kamala, as Judith, was fondly called in her playing days.