Prime Minister Hamza Commends Ocean Queens Ahead of Historic CECAFA Women’s Cup Campaign

Mogadishu (SONNA) — The Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Hamza Abdi Barre has praised Somalia’s women’s national football team, the Ocean Queens, as they prepare to represent the country at the CECAFA Women’s Cup in Tanzania, marking the first time in decades that Somalia will field a women’s national team in a major regional competition. The Prime Minister described the team’s participation as a historic milestone for Somali sports and a testament to the resilience, determination, and perseverance of Somali athletes and sports administrators who have worked tirelessly to revive the country’s sporting sector despite years of challenges. “This achievement reflects the strength of the Somali spirit and demonstrates that with dedication and perseverance, dreams once thought unattainable can become reality,” the Prime Minister said. He noted that Somalia’s growing presence in regional and international sports is evident in the achievements of athletes who have proudly represented the nation on the global stage, including internationally acclaimed referee Omar Artan and boxer Ramla Ali. Prime Minister Hamza commended the Somali Football Federation, coaches, officials, and all stakeholders whose efforts made the Ocean Queens’ participation possible, describing the development as an important step toward expanding opportunities for women and girls in sports. He said the team’s historic appearance at the tournament would inspire young Somali girls across the country to pursue their ambitions and contribute to the nation’s future through sports and other fields. The Prime Minister encouraged the Ocean Queens to compete with confidence, unity, and pride, emphasizing that they carry the hopes and aspirations of the Somali people as they represent the nation on the regional stage. The Ocean Queens are expected to compete against some of East Africa’s strongest teams during the CECAFA Women’s Cup, a tournament that marks a new chapter in the development of women’s football in Somalia.