The World football governing body, FIFA has provided the Local Organizing Committee with a final go-ahead to stage the maiden edition of the Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Tournament, otherwise known as the Aisha Buhari Cup.

The six-nation invitational is being organized in honour of the name and Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic, Dr (Mrs) Aisha Muhammadu Buhari.

In a letter dated 8th September 2021 and signed by Gordon Savic, Head of Qualifiers and International Matches, the world body noted it has sanctioned the 15th – 21st September showpiece that holds at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena and Agege Stadium in the City of Lagos, and featuring hosts Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Mali, Morocco and South Africa’s ‘A’ Women teams.

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“In accordance with the article 7 of the regulations, FIFA is happy to provide official authorization for this women’s tier 1 tournament… We hereby remind the participating teams that the Laws of the Game must strictly be applied to these tier-1 matches.

“Finally, we would also like to draw your attention to the contents of FIFA’s circular no.1735 of 1st October 2020. The strict application of the FIFA’s Return to Football – International Match Protocol (IMP), or an equivalent protocol of your confederation compliant with the said Protocol, is required.”

With this authorization, all is now clear for the commencement of the six-nation showpiece starting on Wednesday, 15th September with the clash between nine-time African champions, Super Falcons and the Female Eagles of Mali at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.

And a member of the South Africa team, Bambanani Mbane, revealed her excitement at the tournament.

“I’m very excited. Because it’s been a long time that we have not played international games. So this tournament will give us an indication as players how far we are with ourselves and football.” Mbane said via Sowetan Live on Thursday.