FC Robo Queens were crowned champions of the inaugural Lagos Queens Cup after defeating Ayisat Yusuf FA 4-2 on penalties following a goalless draw in an enthralling final at the Legacy Pitch, Surulere, on Saturday.
The two sides produced a fiercely contested encounter but could not be separated after 90 minutes, forcing the title to be decided from the penalty spot. FC Robo Queens held their nerve to convert four of their spot-kicks and claim the historic maiden trophy.
Both teams created clear-cut chances during regulation time. FC Robo Queens came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 16th minute when Mariam Yahaya struck the post, while Ayisat Yusuf FA were denied after Awawu Iyanda rounded goalkeeper Mercy Olodu, only for the FC Robo defence to recover in time and clear the danger.
Earlier, FA Victory Queens secured third place with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over CATS Ladies.
Olaronke Ola scored the decisive goal in the 28th minute after being set up by Chidera Isaiah, taking her tally to three goals in the tournament. FA Victory Queens’ impressive display capped a strong campaign throughout the competition.
The tournament also attracted the attention of international scouts, including Faith Ikidi-Michael, Maiju Ruotsalainen, Marko Saranlinna and James Burgin, who were in attendance to assess emerging talents.
The Lagos Queens Cup was organised with the support of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), 36 Lion Investment, Herizon Sports Initiative, Ayisat Yusuf Football Foundation, Diego Nakamura, Ivory Health Club and the Africa Football Empowerment Congress.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, LSFA Chairman, Hajji Gafar, praised the quality of football on display and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to investing in the women’s game.
“As an association, we will not stop here. We will invest more in women’s football because this is where the future is. We need to create more platforms like this so our girls can be seen, be scouted and get the opportunities they deserve,” he said.
Gafar also commended the tournament’s partners for their collective commitment to empowering young female footballers.
“I want to thank our partners for pulling their resources together to support the girl child. Without Herizon Sports Initiative, Ayisat Yusuf Football Foundation, Diego Nakamura, Ivory Health Club and the Africa Football Empowerment Congress, this would not have been possible. This is teamwork, and this is how we grow the game,” he added.
The successful staging of the maiden Lagos Queens Cup, characterised by competitive football, outstanding individual performances and the presence of international scouts, has been widely hailed as a significant step forward for women’s football development in Nigeria.
Attention will now turn to ensuring that players who impressed during the tournament benefit from the scouting opportunities and take the next step in their football careers.
