The Ebonyi State Football Association (FA) has officially welcomed First Mahi Babes Football Club, a Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship side, to Abakaliki, the capital city of Ebonyi State.
The club, formerly based in Imo State, has successfully affiliated with the Ebonyi State FA and completed its registration for the forthcoming FA Cup tournament, where it will represent the state. The move is expected to boost the visibility and development of female football in Ebonyi State.
At a formal reception organized by the Ebonyi State FA, First Mahi Babes, led by their Chairman and business mogul, Chief Prince Onuoha, presented branded jerseys to members of the FA executive as a symbol of collaboration.
Representing the FA Chairman, Senator Joseph Obinna Ogba, the Secretary of the association, Mr. Ifeanyi Oyibe, welcomed the team on behalf of the Ebonyi State FA and expressed optimism about the partnership.
“We welcome you to Ebonyi State and are happy to have you here. This is more than a relocation; it is a partnership that will give Ebonyi State a strong presence in female football at the top level. Your arrival will also encourage grassroots teams we have been working on. We will provide all the support you need to thrive and ensure you have a healthy competition in the FA Cup. On behalf of the Ebonyi State Government, we welcome you,” Oyibe said.In his response, the Chairman of First Mahi Babes, Chief Prince Onuoha, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and assured the state of the team’s commitment to excellence.
“I thank the Ebonyi State FA for their hospitality. We are grateful for the warm reception and support. As a professional team, we aim to bring glory to Ebonyi State by competing at the highest level and showcasing the state’s potential in women’s football. First Mahi Babes will work towards a strong and fruitful relationship with the association. Together, we will achieve greatness,” Onuoha stated.Adding to the welcome, the FA Assistant Secretary, Mr. Itumo Ikechukwu, promised the association’s full support to help the club settle and thrive.
“We will create an enabling environment for the team and ensure you settle in as quickly as possible. We are proud to have you here and look forward to seeing you succeed,” he said.With the official affiliation and relocation of First Mahi Babes FC to Ebonyi State, the club is poised to make an impact in the upcoming FA Cup tournament and strengthen the state’s presence in Nigerian female football.
