Aisha Buhari Invitational tournament is an association football tournament organized by the Nigerian football federation for the female national team.
Inaugural edition
The Inaugural edition held in Lagos with both FIFA and CAF president who honored the event.
The competition comprises six nations which includes, Ghana, South Africa and the hosts Nigeria.
The tournament held from 13th – 21st September 2021 and the competition features women’s national teams from Nigeria, Mali, Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco and South Africa featuring some of Africa’s top women footballers.
Aisha Buhari
All six matches of the international showpiece in honour of Aisha Buhari, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria held at the remodelled Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan.
Matches
While Morocco and Mali are in Group A with Nigeria, Ghana’s Black Queens, two-time runners-up of the Women Africa Cup of Nations, will tackle Cameroon and South Africa in Group B.
Referees
Madu was the only Nigerian referee on the list of officials for the Aisha Buhari tournament. The others were Juliet Appiah (Ghana), Marie Diangha (Cameroon), Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco), Vicentia Amedomè (Togo), Zouwaira Souley (Niger Republic) and Christelle Aurore (Benin Republic).
The assistant referees were Mary Tei (Ghana), Beauty Kabenda Terah (Nigeria), Victorine Bahane (Cameroon), Ennouajeli Ihssane (Morocco), Mfon Akpan Friday (Nigeria), Adbedanou Abra Sitsofé (Togo), Douno Moussa Hawa (Niger Republic), and Bio Bangana Djaria (Benin Republic).
Falcons, Banyana Battle On Final Day
South Africa’s Banyana Banyana beat Super Falcons of Nigeria 4-2 to win the maiden edition of the Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Tournament at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos State on Tuesday.
Banyana Banyana were gifted their opening goal in the early stages of the first half courtesy of an own goal by Alozie Chidi in the 5th minute.
It got better for Desiree Ellis’ charges after Linda Motlhalo slotted home from the penalty kick spot in the 17th minute after Ebi Onome handled the ball in the penalty box.
While Nigeria had a goal disallowed midway into the game, Banyana Banyana went on to bag a third goal three minutes before the half-time break, thanks to Gabriel Salgado’s effort.
Vivian Ikechukwu gave the Super Falcons a lifeline after pulling a goal back shortly after the break in the 47th minute.
The striker further reduced the deficit to one goal when she bagged her second goal in the 53rd minute.
While the Super Falcons were unable to add to their tally till the end of the second half, Banyana Banyana were awarded a second penalty kick, however. It was converted by Mamello Makhabane in the 86th minute to seal the win.