BY SAB OSUJI

Semi matches take center stage today, Saturday, December 16, in the 2023 edition of the Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup Championship holding here at St Patrick's College, Asaba, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

In the first semi final fixture, free scoring Imo Strikers will come face-to-face with Fortress Ladies.

To reach the last four, Fortress Ladies saw off Awka Angels 4-3 on penalty kicks after a scoreless regulation time result.

On the other hand, Imo Strikers, clearly tournament favourites, whipped Papa Soccer of Lagos in a dramatic second half scoring blitz.

With leading scorer, Chidi Harmony, leading the goal charge, Imo Strikers have succeeded in planting fears in the minds of their opponents in the tournament with their unquenchable appetite and rush for goals.

With her strike partner, Precious, Harmony can singlehandedly wreck any team and today's fixture cannot be an exception.

Coach Nelly Orisakwe, the cool, calm and unassuming tactician of the Arugo Girls, is clearly living her dream here and feels the journey to her dream title push just started.

"It gets really tougher as the competition progresses. This is a semi final game and you don't take anything for granted", Orisakwe snapped.

In the other semi final clash, Giant Empress will slug it out with Delta Babes.

Giant Empress flushed Unification out of the championship following a 2-0 triumph in Friday's quarter final match. Similarly, Delta Babes fought their way through to the last four after a dramatic 5-3 win on penalty kicks that followed a 1-1 scoreline at regulation time.

The competition comes to a fitting end on Sunday, 17 December, 2023.