Judith Chime, a former Super Falcons goalkeeper has told Exclusivenews.com.ng that the ongoing Judith Chime Championship is aimed at giving back to the society as well as 'letting the young girls know that someone really cares about their career and their education.

Chime spoke in Enugu on the side lines of the quarter final match of the tournament at the Rangers Training Ground, on Thursday.

She revealed that despite the harsh economic climate prevalent in the country, she had to put together the tournament in her desire to be of help to the girls future through education and football career.

"It's not about thinking about the frustrating aspect of Nigeria or about its harsh economy. We all are part of Nigeria. We all are Nigerians, both the governed, the individuals and everything, we're one.

"But the truth here is, I felt like the girls are not really getting much of what the boys are getting, you know, and the little one that we have, we just try to see how
we can support. But my main goal is actually about their education. And my  tournament is all about grassroots".

The ongoing tournament in Enugu is the third edition of the tournament, with the first two editions held in Asaba, Delta State, dedicated to the memory of her former national teammate, late Ifeanyi Chiejine.

Chime would go on to reveal reasons she moved the third edition to Enugu, her home state.

"And like I said before, the last two editions that I did were to really immortalise a teammate, late Ifeanyi Chiejine, just to keep her name going. I mean, you feel like letting people know that that name, is, indeed, a name to remember. 

"This time around, I decided to do mine, just to let the young girls know that somebody really cares; we do care, that nobody is neglecting them. Some of the areas that I'm looking at is their education. I want to help with their school. Even if you want to go to school here in Nigeria, that's good.

"Or even if you want to go to school abroad, all that you've to do is to make sure that you get your (school certificate) papers. Then, we have to start looking for schools for them, that's the major goal. 

"And also to see how we can get them to play in the national team, if possible. I'm very happy seeing Harmony Chidi play for the national team because she played in my tournament and I'm happy seeing how phenomenal she's become in the national team and that's part of the dream. That's just the Goal".

The dark-hued shot-stopper also explained reasons for taking the tournament to her home state, Enugu.

"For me, it's about giving back to the society. Don't forget, Charity, they say, begins at home. It's my state and I'm giving back to the society starting from my state".

The group phase of the tournament was concluded on Wednesday, 18 December 2024 with quarter final matches holding on Thursday, 19 December.

The tournament organiser was at the Rangers Training Ground to watch two quarter final matches involving Giant Express and Zohar as well as the Imo Strikers Queen clash against Solo Wonders.

Asked about her assessment of the quality of play put up by the young girls during the group games, Chime commended the huge turn out for the tournament.

"It's been a good turn out and like you talked about the frustrating part of it, I've put it behind me. I'm happy I'm here. The only concern I've about Enugu State is that Enugu State cannot have one of the biggest teams in the nation (Rangers) but does not have a women's team that we all can be happy to call 'Enugu Rangers Female Team'. 

"But I know they will get there. With Greenfoot and all of that, I know someday it gonna happen. But Today, looking at the calibre of players that come out of the Eastern part of the country and the ones that come out from the nearby states, I think Nigeria has talents. 

"We just have to invest in those talents. So, I'm coming back again next year. Its all about my state now".