Judith Chime Delivers Again as Championship 2025 Produces Champions, Million-Naira Rewards and Lasting Impact
Rangers Women FC were crowned champions of the Judith Chime Championship after a commanding 2–0 victory over Awka Angels in the final played on Saturday, with kick-off at 2pm, marking a fitting climax to one of Nigeria’s most impactful grassroots women’s football tournaments.
The final, played before an enthusiastic crowd, lived up to expectations in intensity and drama. Rangers Women capitalised on a decisive turning point when Awka Angels were reduced to 10 players early in the contest. The Angels’ central defender was controversially sent off for a last-man professional foul, a decision that significantly altered the balance of the game.
With the numerical advantage, Rangers Women pressed aggressively and were rewarded with the opening goal just before halftime, taking a deserved lead into the break. The pressure continued after the restart, and within the first 10 minutes of the second half, Rangers Women struck again to seal the contest and confirm their dominance.
Despite playing with one player down for over an hour, Awka Angels showed resilience and discipline, earning respect for their fighting spirit against a well-drilled Rangers side.
Beyond the football action, the Judith Chime Championship delivered tangible rewards that underline its growing stature. The top three clubs shared a total of ₦1 million in cash prizes, a rare financial incentive at grassroots level.
In addition, items worth millions of naira were distributed, including three giant trophies presented to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd placed teams, reinforcing the tournament’s commitment to professionalism and player motivation.
The tournament also celebrated individual brilliance, rewarding outstanding performances across different categories:
Best Goalkeepers (2 Goalkeepers)
Ekene Favour (Rangers Women)
Ebere Nzukwo (Awka Angels)
Youngest Player
Orban Joy (Utes Young Professional Girls FC, UYPG)
Top Scorer
Ohuche Agnes (Giant Empress) – 13 goals
Most Valuable Players (2 Players)
Keke Oluebube (Awka Angels)
Uzodinma Gold (Rangers Women)
Fair Play Award
Utes Young Professional Girls FC (UYPG)
These awards reflect the tournament’s focus on both performance and discipline, encouraging well-rounded player development.
One of the highlights of the closing ceremony was a novelty match featuring coaches and members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC). The exhibition game brought entertainment and unity, with custom jerseys provided for all 40 participants, showcasing the tournament’s attention to detail and celebration of everyone involved behind the scenes.
In another commendable gesture, take-home jerseys were also presented to all semifinalist teams, ensuring that players left with lasting memories and tangible appreciation.
At the heart of this remarkable tournament is Judith Chime, former Super Falcons star, whose vision continues to reshape grassroots women’s football in Nigeria. Through this championship, Chime has once again demonstrated her unwavering commitment to talent discovery, player empowerment, and structured development pathways for young female footballers.
From quality organisation to player welfare, fair officiating, and meaningful rewards, the Judith Chime Championship stands as a model for grassroots competitions across the country. The tournament not only provided a competitive platform but also restored belief that women’s football can thrive with the right leadership and support.
As the curtains fall on this successful edition, Judith Chime has once again called on corporate bodies, football stakeholders, and private sponsors to partner with the championship, stressing that sustained sponsorship is key to expanding opportunities for young talents nationwide.
With its professionalism, impact, and growing recognition, the Judith Chime Championship has firmly established itself as one of Nigeria’s most important grassroots women’s football tournaments, setting a benchmark for the future.












Comments
Post a Comment