The Lagos State delegation from the Office of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) departed for Riyadh on Tuesday to participate in the Y2024 edition of the Global Goal Women World Cup (GGWWCUP) Finals hosted by the Saudi Football Federation.
The team will be representing Nigeria at the two-day event, taking place between Thursday, 7th and Friday, 8th March alongside other teams from various countries showcasing a mix of cultures and the spirit of sportsmanship in promoting the global agenda.
Addressing the team before departure, the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDG, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih confirmed that the team’s participation reaffirms the country and the state government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and sustainable society through partnership and collaborative efforts.
According to her, the GGWWCUP, which she described as the World Cup for Community Good, is aimed at uniting women worldwide with a passion for sports and a collective commitment to creating a sustainable social impact. The tournament serves as a powerful platform to foster global collaboration and inspire positive change in communities across the globe.
Her words, “Motivated by this administration’s love of sport and a shared desire to enhance the quality of life in local communities, this global initiative leverages the power of sport to address the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals”.
Acknowledging Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s unwavering support of women’s empowerment, Dr. Finnih said the Lagos team stands poised to contribute to this noble cause on the international stage, furthering the state’s commitment to enhancing gender equality and opportunities for women in sports.
While informing that the Lagos team would be competing alongside international teams from Norway, Denmark, Colombia, Egypt, and GCC teams, she asserted that Nigeria’s representatives would be driven by the belief that sports can contribute to building a just and equitable world.
“To qualify for the global showpiece, the Lagos team emerged as champions of the Y2023 Nigeria Global Goal World Cup hosted in Lagos as the team led a campaign both on and off the pitch, advocating for Goal 17 of the UN Global Goals (Partnerships) which was based on action, mobilisation, creative style, and soccer skills”, she noted.
The team is expected back in the country on Saturday, 9th March, 2024.