On Saturday, May 18, 2024, amidst a backdrop of enthusiasm and anticipation, the inaugural Ibidoyin Aina Cup is scheduled to commence at the Legacy pitch within the iconic National Stadium Surulere.
The Ibidoyin Aina Cup, conceived as a platform to spotlight and celebrate the burgeoning talent of female footballers in Nigeria, promises to be an event brimming with both athletic prowess and community engagement.
Conceived by Ibidoyin Aina, a prominent legal practitioner and former footballer herself, the tournament embodies her dual commitment: to give back to her community and to champion the advancement of women’s football in Nigeria.
Expected to become a recurring fixture on the sporting calendar, the maiden edition of the tournament will showcase four teams representing distinct regions of Lagos State: Epe, Badagry, Lagos Island, and Lagos Mainland.
Beyond its competitive aspect, the Ibidoyin Aina Cup carries a multifaceted mission. It aims to celebrate the skill and dedication of female footballers across Lagos State, foster gender equality, and provide a platform for grassroots development and exposure in women’s football.
Furthermore, the tournament will serve as a conduit for community cohesion, uniting diverse segments of society through the universal language of sport. In addition to its sporting objectives, the Ibidoyin Aina Cup endeavors to raise funds for charitable endeavors benefiting women and girls throughout Lagos State.
About Ibidoyin Aina
Ibidoyin Aina is a distinguished legal practitioner specializing in Sports, Entertainment, Banking, and Finance Law.
Her journey in football began at the age of six, igniting a lifelong passion for the sport. A fervent advocate for gender equality, particularly within the realm of sports, Aina has been a trailblazer for women’s representation and empowerment.
At an early age, Aina took the initiative to establish female football teams within her primary and secondary schools, as well as at the university level, where she notably served as captain for five consecutive years, leading her team to numerous victories.
Throughout her career, Aina has provided steadfast support to female football clubs and athletes, offering invaluable legal counsel to clubs and academies alike. Since 2021, she has served as legal advisor to FEFAP and WAFA, female football organizations in Nigeria, steadfastly championing the cause of female empowerment in sports.
