By Saheed Afolabi
Teenager sensation Harmony Achifula was the herione of the match as Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship side, Imo Strikers defeated 2022 Ogun State FA Cup winners, Castmog FC 2-0 on Thursday.
A first half brace from Achifula was all Imo Strikers required to silence the third-tier NWFL Nationwide side in one of the opening games of the maiden Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup in Asaba, Delta State capital.
The result brightens Imo Strikers’ chance of making it to the semi-final of the maiden Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup from Group B.
In the other Group B game, Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens emerged as the biggest winner of the opening set of games as the Lagos-based side earned a 4-0 win over Fortress Ladies with four different goal scorers.
Bronze medal-winning Nigerian U-17 player, Mosaku Bisola scored the first goal of the game followed by strikes from Shodunke Rofiat, Babalola Anuoluwapo, and Ikediuba Peace to guarantee Eletu Queens dominance.
The only Group A match of the day between Anambra Angels and Delta Babes ended 0-2 in favour of Delta Babes.
Etaingbene Happiness scored the fastest goal of the maiden Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup within the opening seconds of the game for Delta Babes while Itebore Destiny doubled its lead in the 46th minute.
Moje Queens were on bye in Group A and will face Delta Babes in the first game of Matchday two on Friday.
Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens will square up with Imo Strikers while Castmog FC trades tackles with Fortress Ladies.
The maiden Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup is in honour of Late Super Falcons player, Ifeanyi Chiejine who was and is still the youngest player to play at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
