By Saheed Afolabi
CATS Ladies have secured their spot in the grand finale of the inaugural Girls Play Sports Football Tournament in Abuja after a dominant performance to clinch the Southern Finals in Lagos. Held at the New Maracana Stadium in Ajegunle, Lagos, on September 22nd, the tournament showcased the exceptional talent of young girls footballers.
In a series of thrilling matches, CATS Ladies showcased their skill and determination. They began their campaign with a convincing 4-0 victory over Adewale Babes, setting the tone for their success. In their second match, they played to a 1-1 draw against Royaltoms Queens, demonstrating their resilience and ability to compete against tough opponents.
Despite a defeat to Royaltoms Queens in their final group match, Adewale Babes still managed to secure second place in the standings, narrowly edging out Royaltoms Queens on goal difference.
As the Southern champions, CATS Ladies will now travel to Abuja to face the Northern champions in the grand finale on September 29th. The winner of this match will be crowned the overall champion of the Girls Play Sports Football Tournament.
Omidiran expressed her excitement about the tournament platform which is serving as a leverage opportunity for young girls to find their feet in football.
“With this tournament, we are giving young girls the chance to showcase their talents and inspire the next generation of female footballers,” she said.
“We are proud of the teams that have reached this stage, and we look forward to an exciting final in Abuja.”
With 61 teams initially entering the tournament, the competition has been fierce. The Northern Finals will take place from September 23rd to 25th in Abuja, and the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to this groundbreaking event.
