The 2024 edition of the OSEBABA CUP, Women’s Football Competition has taken centre stage in grand style at the Adeyemi Federal University of Education Sports Complex, Ondo State on Saturday 24, and Sunday 25, August as Afued FC emerged champions after stunning Casmorg FC 2-0 in the finals.
OSEBABA CUP 2024, a female football competition organised to discover young female talented footballers is an initiative of International Coach Benson Akinboni Osebababa, who is also the CEO of Makinz Sports Promotions Ltd and Makinz Football Club located in Abuja.
OSEBABA CUP 2024 will be remembered in history as a remarkable and groundbreaking female football competition; which attracted some of the most promising female footballers with global potential from the Ondo region and Kingdom.
OSEBABA CUP 2024 had some thrilling moments and matches, with standout performances from players and seven teams that participated, as Onimarg FC came 3rd, Casmog FC 2nd and AFUED FC lifted the trophy.
One of the most scintillating moments was captured during the semifinals, where Onimarg FC and AFUED FC settled for a 0-0 draw after an interesting 90 minutes but AFUED FC won 4-2 on penalties.
The effort made by Success FC was not enough to make them victorious against their opponent Casmog FC who won the second semifinal match 3-0.
OSEBABA CUP 2024 final was highly competitive as talented teams, AFUED FC and Casmorg FC both vied for the top prize. However, AFUED FC emerged as the 2024 champions after stunning their opponent Casmog FC 2-0 on Sunday.
During the competition, sports-loving fans and football enthusiasts such as students of Adeyemi University of Education, the Kegites Club, and others came out to support and cheer the participating teams and favourite players as they entertained everyone present.
Dignitaries and significant personalities from Nigeria, Ondo State, and beyond were also present. They are; the brainchild of Osebaba CUP, International Coach Benson, EX-Super Falcons of Nigeria Players and athletes, Vera Okolo, Lilian Ezeabasili, and Rita Nwadike.
Others are Hon. Moyinoluwa Ogunwumiju (Member House of Assembly Ondo West Constituency 1) Hon. Biola Oladapo (Member House of Assembly Ondo West Constituency 2), Hon. Niyi Akinyoseye (LA1 to Hon. Biola Makinde, Member House of Representatives Ondo East/West Federal Constituency), Mr. Alli Moshood (SA Media to Hon. Biola Makinde, Member House of Representatives Ondo East/West Federal Constituency), Mr. Adegoke Owolabi (General Secretary, APC Ondo West Ondo state).
Hon. Chief Mrs. Fayehun Roseline Abiola JP (Women Leader, APC Ondo West Ondo state), Dr. R.O Oloyede (H.O.D Physical and Health Education Department Adeyemi Federal University of Education Ondo kingdom Ondo state), Mr. Oladele Ajewole (Director of Sports, Adeyemi Federal University of Education Ondo Kingdom Ondo state), Dr. Sulaymon Raji (Ex-Director of Sports, AFUED Ondo kingdom Ondo state) amongst others were present.
Apart from the current winners of Osebaba Cup who won the grand prize, cash prizes were also given to outstanding players during the tournament, while exceptional coaches were also acknowledged for their professionalism.
The winners won 200k, lifted the trophy, and were given medals and other prizes. The second position got 150k, medals, and other prizes while the 3rd position won 100k, medals and other prizes. Three outstanding players were selected and given special awards.
Ten most skillful players were scouted to be taken to the Nigerian Women Football League (NWFL), Europe, UAE, or Asia.
No doubt, OSEBABA CUP and Women Football Competition is gradually achieving its aim of empowering the community through sports, with the feats achieved in the just concluded 2024 edition.
Last year, three promising young female footballers were discovered, selected, and taken to clubs in the Nigeria Women Football League. They are currently preparing to go to Europe. Interestingly, the number of selected players increased to ten this year.
OSEBABA Women Football Competition also known as OSEBABA CUP is poised to continue empowering the community through sports, as the organisers look forward to the next edition.