The CATS Ladies of Surulere etched their name into the history books on Friday as the first-ever champions of the Lagos State Football Association Women’s State League, a groundbreaking competition aimed at promoting women’s football at the grassroots level.
After ten demanding weeks of regular-season action in the Atlantic Conference, the CATS Ladies stood tall with a record that spoke of tactical discipline and collective strength. They played 10 matches, winning six and drawing four, to finish with 17 points and an astonishing 12-goal tally without conceding a single goal — a remarkable feat that highlighted their defensive steel and team cohesion.
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Their dominance in Group B saw them top the Atlantic Conference and qualify for the Super 4 playoff round — the final showdown featuring the best four teams in the state.
Super 4 Brilliance
If their regular-season run was impressive, their Super 4 performance was flawless.
The Surulere-based team played three games, won all three, scored four goals, and conceded just once. Their final clash was a decisive one against Ayisat Yusuf FA, where Julianah James, the eventual League Most Valuable Player, scored the only goal of the match to seal a 1-0 win and confirm their status as champions.
It was a fitting end to a campaign defined by composure, strategy, and unyielding commitment from a team representing one of Nigeria’s most iconic football communities — Surulere, Lagos’ Sports City.
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Victory Queens: Close, But Not Enough
While the CATS Ladies stole the spotlight, Victory Queens of Ikorodu, the Mainland Conference winners, also impressed throughout the season.
They topped their group with a formidable 24 points from 10 matches, winning seven and drawing three — an unbeaten regular-season campaign. However, their Super 4 title hopes were dashed after a narrow 2-1 defeat to the CATS Ladies in matchday two, despite finishing the tournament strong with a 3-1 win over FC Phoenix.
That final win featured a brilliant brace from Jayeola Faith, who struck in the 14th, 23rd, and 81st minutes, showing that the Ikorodu side were strong contenders till the end.
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The inaugural Lagos State FA Women’s League showcased more than just football — it brought visibility to female players at the grassroots level, encouraged the development of women’s football, and celebrated community identity. With clubs like the CATS Ladies and Victory Queens setting a high standard, the future of Lagos grassroots women’s football is full of promise.
As the final whistle blew in Surulere, it was not just a league that ended, but a new legacy that began — led by the CATS Ladies.
