Community Action Through Sports CATS Ladies showcased their prowess at the Southern Finals of the inaugural Girls Play Sports Football Tournament on Sunday, September 22, 2024, held at the New Maracana Stadium, Ajegunle, Lagos. They began the tournament with a commanding 4-0 victory over Adewale Babes, setting a dominant tone from the start.
In their second game, CATS Ladies drew 1-1 against Royaltoms Queens in a tense match, successfully defending despite a late equalizer from their opponents. Adewale Babes, recovering from their opening defeat, managed a 2-1 win against Royaltoms Queens in their final game.
In the end, CATS Ladies topped the group on goal difference, sharing four points with Adewale Babes but edging them out for first place. Royaltoms Queens finished third with one point. As Southern champions, CATS Ladies will now head to the grand finale in Abuja on September 29, 2024, where they will face off against the Northern champions for the overall title.
Honourable Omidiran, reflecting on the success of the tournament, remarked, This competition is an opportunity for young girls to showcase their talents and inspire the next generation of female footballers. We are excited about the final in Abuja and proud of all the teams involved.
The tournament saw 61 initial entries, and with the Southern champions crowned, attention now shifts to the Northern finals scheduled from September 23 to 25, 2024, in Abuja.
Editorial
The success of the inaugural Girls Play Sports Football Tournament signifies more than just another competition on the Nigerian sporting calendar. It is a critical platform for promoting female empowerment through sports and providing young girls with opportunities to excel in football a sport that has traditionally been male dominated.
We, as observers, celebrate the triumph of CATS Ladies, not just for their athletic skills, but for what their victory symbolizes. This tournament is a testament to the increasing recognition of women in sports and an important step towards gender equality on the field. Football, often seen as a male preserve in Africa, is slowly becoming a space where women can thrive, thanks to initiatives like this one.
The enthusiasm around the tournament also shows a growing acceptance and support for female athletes in Nigeria. More than 60 teams entered the competition, a clear indication that interest is there, and the passion for football is not bound by gender. It also highlights the importance of investing in grassroots sports programs, where young talents like those in this tournament can grow and gain the exposure they need to pursue professional careers.
But we must not stop here. This is only the beginning. The media and sponsors should rally around such initiatives to ensure their sustainability. The ultimate goal should be to have continuous platforms where female athletes can regularly compete at higher levels, eventually moving on to international competitions.
In the end, it’s not just about winning a trophy; it’s about fostering an environment where girls can dream, work hard, and achieve their goals. We are confident that this tournament will inspire many more to take up football and possibly lead to the discovery of future stars who will represent Nigeria on the global stage.
Did You Know?
- Nigeria’s national women’s football team, the Super Falcons, has won the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations a record 11 times.
- The first Women’s World Cup was held in 1991, and Nigeria’s Super Falcons have participated in every edition since.
- The Nigerian Women’s Football League NWFL was established in 1990, promoting female participation in football across the country.
- The Nigerian Football Federation NFF has made it a priority to develop women’s football, establishing youth leagues and grassroots initiatives.
- Female football players in Nigeria are increasingly gaining recognition, with some even securing contracts with international clubs.
