Lagos-based football club, Community Action Through Sports (CATS) Ladies, secured the championship in the 2023/2024 Women Accredited Football Academy (WAFA) League.
They emerged victorious by defeating Papa Soccer Ladies Academy 1-0 in the Super Eight final held at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State on Sunday, July 7.
The closely contested match saw CATS Ladies take the lead through an own goal in the first half, with both teams unable to score in the second half. Coach Chinasa Ukandu expressed excitement about their performance in their debut league season.
Agboola Dabiri, Project Director of CATS Project, praised Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for fostering an environment conducive to sports excellence, dedicating the team’s triumph to the Governor.
The CATS Project, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) with over 300 youths, aims to use sports to attract young people who are less privileged across Lagos State and train them to make a meaningful impact in society through leadership and vocational activities.
With more support from the Lagos State Government, Agboola believes more youths will be integrated into society using sports as a veritable tool to attract them.
Organised by Female Football Academy Proprietors (FEFAP), the WAFA league aims to showcase amateur teams and prepare them for the Nigeria Women Football League championship.
Adeboye Soneye, Chairman of the league, commended the soccer artistry and talent displayed during the weeklong Super Eight.
FEFAP President Jaiyeola Damilare emphasised that the league provides essential exposure for players. Abolore AbdulRahman, a Board Member of Lagos State Football Association, called for corporate organisations to invest in women’s football.
CATS Ladies received medals, the championship trophy for their victory in the WAFA Super Eight.
Additionally, they dominated individual awards, securing Best Goalkeeper, Most Valuable Player (MVP), and Best Coach honors. Aisha Bolarinwa of Ghetto Tigers Ladies, with seven goals in the league, earned the highest goal scorer award, while the fair play award went to Honour Ladies Football Academy.
