NSF: Why I took Naija Ratels FC to Benin – Edeh

Paul Edeh, Chairman, Naija Ratels FC said on Thursday that the club’s presence at the National Sports Festival (NSF) in Benin was to support female football and grassroots sports development.

Naija Ratel FC is a Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship club-side.

Edeh, who was represented by Bankole Oloowokere, coach of the Abuja-based female football team told newsmen that they were also in Benin on training tour and to impact the life of the girl-child.

The Naija Ratel FC chairman had earlier presented customised match balls to Edo and Lagos state female teams for emerging as the winners and runners-up in the just concluded festival’s football event.

“The reason why we are in Benin is simply to show our support for grassroots development especially for female football.

“I am amazed at the number of footballing talents we have seen in this festival and I know stakeholders are amazed at the level of female football development in the country.

“We decided to also show our support by presenting customised Naija Ratels match balls to the finalists of the female event.

“It was just to encourage them to continue to do sports especially football,” Edeh said.

Edo state emerged champions of the female football event in the finals played at the University of Benin on Monday, while Team Lagos finished as runners-up.

The NSF which began on April 2 came to an end on Wednesday.