The passion for women’s football in Nigeria continues to rise, and nowhere was it more evident than at the maiden edition of the RAAF Lagos Female Unity Cup, a grassroots tournament that brought together twelve dynamic female teams across Lagos State. Organized by the Raliat Anako Abdusalam Foundation (RAAF) in collaboration with the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), this two-day festival of football culminated in a dramatic finale at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.
Emerging champions of the tournament were Ayisat Yusuf Football Academy (FA)—a team with deep roots and high ambitions, founded by former Super Falcons star Ayisat Yusuf Aromire. Their journey to glory was anything but easy, but it was one fueled by grit, discipline, and unshakeable team spirit.
In the final match against a formidable CATS Ladies side, the encounter ended goalless after regular time. The tension peaked during the penalty shootout, where Ayisat Yusuf FA held their nerves and emerged victorious with a 5-3 win.
The Road to Victory
Ayisat Yusuf FA began their campaign with a win over Victory Queens, followed by a nail-biting penalty shootout victory against Dannaz Ladies Feeders in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, they edged past Unification Talents FC, setting the stage for the climactic final.
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Their triumph was rewarded with the giant Unity Cup trophy and a ₦300,000 cash prize. The runners-up, CATS Ladies, walked away with ₦200,000, a respectable finish to their impressive run in the tournament.
Earlier in the day, Unification Talents FC clinched third place with a convincing 3-0 win over Phenix FC, earning themselves ₦100,000 in prize money.
In a display of inclusivity and support for grassroots development, each of the twelve participating teams received ₦100,000—a rare and commendable move in grassroots tournaments.
A Star Emerges
The tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) accolade went to Omolara Odebode, the inspirational captain and midfield engine of Ayisat Yusuf FA. Her vision, composure, and leadership on the pitch earned her an additional ₦100,000, as she played a pivotal role in her team’s historic victory.
A Celebration of Women’s Football
The final drew notable dignitaries from Nigeria’s football elite, including Chief Felix Anyasi-Agwu, First Vice President of the NFF, and Augustine Eguavoen, former Super Eagles captain and coach. Also present were Waidi Akanni, Engineer Adams Salauddin, and Alhaji Gafar Liameed, the LSFA Chairman, among others.
This tournament was made possible through the support of dedicated sponsors and partners such as Addosser Microfinance Bank, Ivory Health Club, 36 Lion Investment, DigiKolo, Centre Grace Assembly, Lagos State Sports Commission, and the Lagos State Football Association.
The success of the RAAF Lagos Female Unity Cup underscores the vast potential of women’s football at the grassroots level and signals a bright future for the next generation of Nigerian football stars.
