CATS Football Academy have emerged champions of the 2nd Ibidoyin Aina Cup, held at the Campos Memorial Mini Stadium, Lagos Island.
Goals from Ruth Nwaneri and Motunrayo Ganiyu in each half secured a commanding 2–0 victory over a resilient WAZBAK side in the final of the one-day knockout competition.
To reach the final, CATS Football Academy defeated Ayisat Yusuf FA 3–0 on penalties after a goalless regulation time, and edged FC Phoenix 1–0 in the semifinals before completing their impressive run against WAZBAK.
One of the organisers, Miss Ibidoyin Aina, said this year’s theme, “Her Game, Her Power,” celebrated women who are breaking barriers and asserting their place in football and beyond.
The former footballer and legal practitioner noted that the tournament’s long-term goal is to serve as a scouting platform for Nigeria’s women national teams.
“There is so much focus on men’s football. This competition is our own way of getting communities to support women. The plan is to use this platform to identify talents for women’s football in Nigeria.
Most of the teams here are Lagos-based. I only extended invites to two teams from Ogun State. Next year, I might invite teams from other state FAs”
Ijamido FA clinched the bronze medal after defeating FC Phoenix 2–0 in the third-place match.
Teams and players also received prize money, individual honours, and other awards for outstanding performances. Looking ahead, Aina — who is also a member of the Lagos State FA Women’s Football Development Committee — revealed that the next edition may feature more teams from across Nigeria.
