Ghetto Tigers Ladies Fight Back to Earn Valuable Point as SJ Odi-Olowo Chairman's Cup Season 6 Begins in Style

 

The 6th edition of the SJ Odi-Olowo Chairman's Cup kicked off in spectacular fashion on Monday, July 27, with goals, thrilling comebacks, outstanding individual performances, and memorable moments across different age categories at the Jide Sanwo-Olu Arena.

One of the biggest talking points of the opening day came in the Female Category, where Ghetto Tigers Ladies showed resilience and determination to recover from a goal down and secure a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Lakeside Queens.

Lakeside Queens struck first through jersey No. 11, Aniyaloye Arike, putting the Ogun State side ahead in a tightly contested encounter. However, Ghetto Tigers Ladies refused to surrender and found a deserved equaliser through Akingboye Grace (No. 20), whose composed finish ensured her side claimed a valuable opening-day point.

Grace's impressive display earned her the Woman of the Match award after inspiring her team's spirited comeback.

The youngest stars wasted no time entertaining spectators.

Ajibade FA U8 and HB Utility U8 shared the spoils in an exciting 3-3 draw. Ajibade looked set for victory after leading 3-1, but HB Utility mounted an incredible comeback to rescue a point.

Adedeji Khalid of Ajibade FA was named Man of the Match following another impressive performance despite the late comeback.

In the day's other U8 fixture, Evergreen FA survived a late scare to defeat Adeola FA 4-3. Evergreen stormed into a commanding 3-0 lead before Adeola launched a spirited fightback that almost produced another dramatic comeback.

Quyum Musbaudeen was deservedly named Man of the Match after inspiring Evergreen's winning display.

The U13 fixture between Monak FA and FC Rainbow produced arguably the comeback of the day.

Monak raced into a comfortable 2-0 lead thanks to a first-half brace from Godwin Johnson, before Ayomide Omotayo extended the advantage to 3-1 in the second half.

However, FC Rainbow refused to give up. Mohammed Ahmed scored twice, including the dramatic equaliser, after Kalid Tairu had started the comeback.

The pulsating contest ended 3-3, with Mohammed Ahmed earning the Man of the Match award for his outstanding second-half performance.

The U15 clash between Hakade 2020 and Action Lion FA lived up to expectations.

After an entertaining first half ended 2-2, Alim Abdulsalam produced the decisive moment in the second half, scoring his second goal of the afternoon to hand Hakade a thrilling 3-2 victory.

The striker finished with two goals and one assist, earning a deserved Man of the Match award.

If Ghetto Tigers Ladies showed character in earning a point, the club's U19 boys made an even louder statement.

They dominated FC Phoenix from start to finish, recording a convincing 3-0 victory to begin their campaign on a perfect note.

Yakub Shamsu was named Man of the Match after leading a commanding all-round performance that announced Ghetto Tigers as serious contenders in the U19 category.

Day One of the SJ Odi-Olowo Chairman's Cup showcased exactly why the competition has become one of Lagos' premier grassroots football tournaments.

Across the U8, U13, U15, U19 and Female categories, supporters witnessed dramatic comebacks, seven-goal thrillers, young talents announcing themselves, and teams displaying remarkable fighting spirit.

For Ghetto Tigers Ladies, their comeback draw against Lakeside Queens may prove to be a crucial point in the race for qualification, while victories for Evergreen FA, Hakade 2020 and Ghetto Tigers U19 ensured the opening day ended with plenty of excitement.

With many more fixtures still to come, the battle for honours in the SJ Odi-Olowo Chairman's Cup Season 6 is only just beginning.