Sunday Dare charges Super Falcons to bounce back from Aisha Buhari Cup loss to South Africa

Youth and Sports Development Minister Sunday Dare has challenged members of the Nigeria senior national Women's football team- Super Falcons to learn from Tuesday's loss to South Africa's Bayana Bayana in the final game of the Aisha Buhari Cup and bounce back.

The Nigerians were outclassed by their opponents 4-2 in the final game of the inaugural edition of the invitational tournament against the expectations of many who had thronged the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan Stadium, Lagos to support them.

Dare told the Super Falcons after the game that they do not have to dwell too long on their disappointing loss.

"I know you are all disappointed with this result. We all wanted a better result and performance but things like this happen in football.

"You have to raise your heads. Watch the game again and identify where you faltered, correct the mistakes then bounce back stronger. Learn from the loss."

The Sports Minister further encouraged the team to switch focus to their next assignment which is just a few weeks away.

"There is another opportunity around the corner. I am happy that we do not have any major injuries to any of you. So you can return to your clubs in good condition and be back for your next assignment in great shape.

"We will continue to appreciate and encourage you for your service to this country. We will always be a pillar of support for you," Dare added.

The next competitive game for the Super Falcons will be against their tough rivals and neighbours, the Black Queens of Ghana who were also beaten by the South Africans 3-0 in one of their games at the just concluded invitational tournament.

Air Peace Airline Boss, Onyema doles out N20million to Falcons

President of Air Peace Airline, Barrister Allen Onyema was not dismayed by the lashing received by the Super Falcons in the hands of South Africa’s Banyana Banyana at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Tuesday.

 

He presented the sum of N10 million to the Super Falcons’ class of 1999 that reached the quarter finals of the FIFA Women’s Cup in USA and were honoured by the NFF at a special Awards ceremony in Lagos on Monday, and also gifted the present bunch the sum of N10 million.

 

It would be recalled that Barrister Onyema, whose company became the Official Airline of the Nigeria National Teams following a contract agreement signed earlier this month, motivated the Super Eagles with the sum of N20million to win their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifier against Cape Verde in Mindelo. He promptly redeemed the pledge on the team’s arrival after their victory.

 

The Super Falcons lost the final match of the Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament 2-4 to South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, but it was a good lesson for Nigeria to set store by her young brood.

ABC: "Lagos State Government are a strong pillar of support for Nigerian football" - Sunday Dare

The Lagos State Government has been commended for the successes recorded so far at the ongoing Aisha Buhari invitational tournament also  called the Aisha Buhari Cup.

The Governor Babajide Sanwoolu led administration has also been applauded for its support for football evidenced by their hosting of the men's senior national football team- the Super Eagles.

Youth and Sports Development Minister Sunday Dare remarked on Thursday that a lot of the successes recorded by the football teams in recent times would not have happened if not for the support of the Centre of Excellence- Lagos.

"Lagos State Government are a strong pillar of support for Nigerian football," Dare disclosed in his speech during the visit of the delegation from the world soccer governing body, FIFA, to President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja.

"Governor Babajide Sanwoolu and his team left no stones unturned. They have been a rock of support for our national teams - Super Eagles, Super Falcons and all the positive news about the ongoing Aisha Buhari Cup would not have been without them.

"It is important that we appreciate them for what they are doing now as well as praise and encourage them for the laudable plans in place for the future."

Governor Sanwoolu had revealed at the special dinner organised by the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) for the delegation of FIFA led by its President Gianni Infantino that the nine mini stadia would be built across the State soon.

He said these stadia would help in talent discovery, exposure and management in Lagos State.

Aisha Buhari Cup: Tagnaout strikes late to see Morocco win battle of Lionesses against Cameroon

A brilliant goal by Fatima Tagnaout 13 minutes from time separated Cameroon and Morocco in the second match of the maiden edition of Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Tournament at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.

 

Both Lionesses were matched in all aspects for large swathes of the game, with the North Africans showing both power and athleticism on similar scale as can be found in sub-Saharan teams.

 

Goalkeeper Khadija Errmichi and defenders Zineb Redouani, Nahla Nakkach and Sabah Seghir stood firmly between the France 2019 World Cup finalists and any goal, before the nimble-footed Tagnaout showed much calmness in picking her spot on a counter attack to put the more experienced Lionesses to the sword.

 

Cameroon reached the final of the Women African Cup of Nations the country hosted in 2016 (losing the trophy to Nigeria) and featured at the FIFA World Cup finals in France, but that did not matter to the Moroccan girls as they went tackle-for-tackle in the evening sun.

 

Bella Rose, who plays for Malabo King in Equatorial Guinea, brought the crowd to its feet after the quarter-hour when she targeted the near post after beating two opponents on the edge of the penalty box. The ball rocked the crossbar and went out.

 

Tagnaout, Ghizlane Chebbak, Chhri Ghizlane, Redouani and Salma Amani all showed flashes of brilliance in a match officiated by Zouwaira Souley Sani from Niger Republic.

 

On Friday, Ghana’s Black Queens and the Banyana Banyana of South Africa will square up on Day 3 of the tournament at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

This is unarguably the best pitch I have played on here in Nigeria" - Ellis

South Africa head coach, Desiree Ellis is confident that her team are ready to fire on all cylinders at the Aisha Buhari Cup after having a feel of the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium turf laid by Monimichelle Sports Facility Construction Ltd.

Banyana Banyana are one of the participating teams at the prestigious competition currently hold in the commercial City of Lagos.

 

The charismatic Ellis tinker her team the Black Queens of Ghana (Friday) in what would be their first game of the competition. 

The ex Spurs Ladies gaffer who spoke ahead of the cracker was full of praise for organizers of the #AishaBuhariCup for providing top class facilities.

The 58-year-old tactician stated that the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium turf is something she has fallen in love with, while declaring that her wards would relish playing on the Hybrid Synthetic Pitch.

"The facilities here are top class, the grass is so beautiful. This is unarguably the best pitch I have played on in here in Nigeria…so I am very excited about this. We have enjoyed ourselves since arriving Lagos and we hope to have a good tournament," the former Athlone Celtic, Wynberg St Johns, Joyces United, St. Albans City and Spurs Ladies star mused.

It would be recalled that Monimichelle Sports Facility Construction Ltd which laid the Mobolaji Stadium turf constructed the Enyimba Stadium in Aba where Enyimba has in the last couple of years been playing their continental games.

The Chief Executive Officer of the well regarded firm, Ebi Egbe has always made it clear that the vision of his company is to eradicate bad football pitches in Nigeria and Africa as well as change the face of stadium facilities in the continent.

Monimichelle Sports Facility Construction Ltd. also put in place the facilities at Mohammodu Dikko Stadium and Samson Siasia Stadium.

Source: Vanguard News

NFF Boss, Amaju Pinnick sees Infantino, Motsepe’s visit as a boost for girl-child advocacy

 

President of the Nigeria Football Federation and FIFA Council Member, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick says that the presence of President of world –governing body FIFA, Mr Gianni Infantino and CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe at the opening ceremony of the maiden Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament in Lagos on Wednesday is a huge fillip to the push for more interest and attention to the challenges confronting the girl-child all over the African continent.

 

“I feel very happy that Mr Infantino and Dr Motsepe were able to grace the opening ceremony of this special tournament. It is a bonus and a boost for the girl-child advocacy. It shows there is genuine desire and keen interest of football leaders to not only improve the standard and visibility of the women’s game, but to also scale up the lot of the girl-player economically and ensure she can earn as well as the boy-player.

 

“Already, we can see that desire and interest manifest with the increase in the participating teams at the FIFA Women’s World Cup to 32 – the same number as the men’s finals – as from the next competition in 2023. On the African front, the Confederation of African Football has put in place a CAF Women Champions League which finals will hold in November. All these are key building blocks to improving the lot of the girl-player.”

 

Infantino and billionaire businessman Motsepe who took reins of the African football –ruling body six months ago landed in the City of Lagos on Wednesday, hours before the commencement of a tournament staged in honour of the name and Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic, Dr (Mrs) Aisha Buhari and with the instrumental theme, Playing for Good. It also dovetails with the key objectives of the First Lady’s Future Assured Programme (under the Aisha Buhari Foundation), which is concerned with the health, education and economic empowerment of women and the girl-child.

 

The two prominent figures in the global game shared the presidential box of the remodeled Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Lagos Island with top –ranking political figures such as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, his wife Ibijoke, Youth and Sports Development Minister Sunday Dare and the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen.

 

There were also FA presidents from other African nations, including Ghana FA President Kurt Okraku (who is also president of the WAFU B) and the president of Mali FA, Mamoutou Toure.

 

Infantino and Motsepe were then treated to a blue-riband dinner at the Sky Lounge of the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, where they mingled with the best of Nigeria corporates that included billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote, Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele and chief executive officers of NFF’s partner and sponsor-companies.

 

On Thursday morning, both eminent men flew to the nation’s Federal Capital, Abuja where they met with President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR at the Presidential Villa.

SESC Boss, Okumagba lauds Aisha Buhari Cup, celebrates Super Falcons bright start

President of the Super Eagles Supporters Club Prince Vincent Okumagba has congratulated the Super Falcons of Nigeria for beginning the Aisha Buhari Cup on a good note after they defeated Mali 2 nil at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, Onikan, Lagos. 

Prince Okumagba, speaking immediately after the match praised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), organizing committee for putting up this massive project. 

" It was indeed a nice atmosphere today, the last time we had something like this in Africa was the African Women Cup of Nations in Ghana, 2018. 

Once again, the NFF has shown how passionate they are for the development of Women Football in Nigeria, this will indeed go a long way in preparing the Super Falcons for the AWCON Qualifiers next month". 

The astute administrator lauded Chief Executive Officer, Monimichelle Sports Facility Construction Limited, Ebi Egbe for his top notch job on the Mobolaji Johnson pitch.  

"The pitch is lovely, you can see how the ball move freely on it. 

I want to commend Ebi Egbe, aka Monimichelle for showcasing Lagos and Nigeria at large to the world. 

 I hope the Lagos State Government will ensure it is maintained regularly". 

Prince Okumagba hinted that there will be continuous support from the Super Eagles Supporters Club until the end of the event. 

Meanwhile, matches continue tomorrow at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium as Cameroon takes on Morroco by 4pm.

Aisha Buhari Cup will boost Lagos State economic strength, says Kola Daniel

As preparations are building up to host the much anticipated Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament, the CEO of CKDMedia (www.ckdmedia.ng), Kola Daniel had an exclusive interview session with the African Independent Television (AIT) Correspondent in Lagos.

According to Mr. Kọla Daniel, while shedding light on the build-up to the maiden edition of Aisha Buhari Competition, he said, 

"The city of Lagos and vicinity of Eko Hotel is full of excitement as the build-up to the mouthwatering tournament continues. There is no doubt, Aisha Buhari Cup will boost the economic activities of the entire State, for the time being. He posited.

As a member of the Local Organising Committee of Aishatu Buhari Competition, Mr Kọla Daniel affirmed that the 

"The Super Falcons of Nigeria are also much around, the likes of Barcelona forward, Asisat Oshoala arrived at the early hours of today to join her team mates and i can tell you that they are ready to make the country proud.

"The invited teams have also arrived, the Malian, Ghanian, Morroccan Teams are fully on ground to grace the tournament. He affirmed

Kola Daniel, who is also the Media Aide to the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, spoke about the pedigree of the tournament, as FIFA approved.

He gave kudos to the President of the Nigerian Football Federation, Mr. Amanju Pinnick, for making it a reality.

While also thanking the Lagos State Government, for hosting the event.

The young and vibrant media practitioner concluded by thanking the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, for giving the go ahead and necessary support to ensure that the competition is given a benefitting standard.

The Aisha Buhari Invitational  Competition will commence Wednesday 15th day of September in Lagos.

Amene sees Aisha Buhari Cup as springboard to boost Women's Leagues in Nigeria

A board member of the Nigeria Women Football League and General Co-ordinator of the NWFL Nationwide League, Mr Joe Amene believes the Aisha Buhari Cup will further improve and develop the standards of the three tiers of the Nigeria Women Football League - the Premiership, Championship and the Nationwide leagues.

 

Amene noted that just as the Women African Cup of Nations is aimed at improving and developing the standard of women's football in host countries of the continent, as well as stadia infrastructure and general awareness of women football, it's going to be the same situation with the Aisha Buhari Cup as it concerns the Nigeria Women Football League.

 

"Last year, the NWFL witnessed a positive revolution in the area of development at the Premiership Super Six held in Ijebu Ode, which took the women's league to another level. This time around, the Aisha Buhari Cup will impact on upgrading of soccer artistry, display of skills and playing standard in the various clubs in the three tiers of the Nigerian Women league and other lower clubs in Lagos and other parts of the country.

 

"The players in these leagues, most definitely will mould their games in the ways that will be displayed by players from the leading six women football-playing countries in Africa. Some of them will even adopt pseudo names of top players in the competition.”

 

Amene, who is also a former board member of the Nigeria Professional Football League, stressed that development in the area of up-to-date international standard facilities in the assigned venues at the Agege Stadium and the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, both in Lagos, will be beneficial to the NWFL.

Organizers announce MTN as Platinum Sponsor for Aisha Buhari Cup

The all-yellow fluorescence of Nigeria’s football firmament shone even brighter on Monday as the Local Organizing Committee announced that telecommunication giants, MTN has become the Platinum Sponsor of the much –anticipated Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Tournament starting next week Monday.

 

Scheduled for two venues (Mobolaji Johnson Arena and Agege Stadium) in the City of Lagos, the six-nation invitational brings together the A Women Teams hosts Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Morocco and South Africa.

 

Marketing Consultant of the tournament, Mr. Taye Ige told ABC Media that the Local Organizing Committee is enamoured by the decision of the telecommunication behemoth to support the showpiece happening in the City of Aquatic Splendour.

 

Nine-time African champions, Super Falcons will tango with the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco in the opening match at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

 

MTN had only last week signed a three –year agreement with the Nigeria Football Federation that immediately made the company the Official Communications Partner of the Super Eagles and other National Teams.

Aisha Buhari tournament coincides with 30th anniversary of women's football in Nigeria - Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi

By Akin Bolarinwa 

The Chairman organising committee of the Aisha Buhari Cup competition, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi has stated that the Aisha Buhari tournament is to commemorate the 30th year anniversary of the development of women's football in the country. 

www.ckdmedia.ng gathered that the Nigeria Football Federation is using the tournament to celebrate 3 decades of women's football development.

"We deliberated on what to do for women's football at 30 and that also coincide with the project we want to do with the 1st lady".

Barrister Akinwunmi who is the 1st vice president of the NFF declared that massive celebrations will herald the Aisha Buhari cup.

"We have a lot of people behind this project with their own individual strengths pulled together to ensure a better tournament for the nation".

The Lagos state football boss, also affirmed that the Aisha Buhari women football project is to generate discussions concerning women issues around the world.

"The discussion is also centred around the girls child, we want to give them identity, using football as the message carrier".

Naija Ratels president wants organizers to sustain Aisha Buhari Cup

 

The Proprietor of the Naija Ratels FC of Abuja, a current wave in Nigeria Women Football Barrister Paul Edeh has called on the organizers of the Aisha Buhari Cup to ensure that they sustain the tournament after the first lady must have left office.

Barrister Edeh who was the Guest on FCT Football Updates Personality Interview Segment on Sunday said the tournament is the best thing that will happen to Women Football not only in Nigeria, but in the whole of Africa.

According to him, the tournament will give the Super Falcons and other participating countries the opportunity to have robust competitions among themselves "this tournament is going to be the best thing to happen to our Women Football in Africa, I have endorsed the tournament, and I am very confident that the organizers will do more in ensuring that it's sustained".

The philanthropist who rated the Board of the Nigeria Women Football League high, said the body should work in synergy with the NFF to better the welfare of women football clubs in the country.

Aisha Buhari Cup: Barrister Paul Edeh gives ringing endorsement of LOC

 

The President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), Barrister Paul Edeh has strongly commended the work of the Local Organizing Committee of the upcoming 6-team African Women Championship (Aisha Buhari Cup) billed to begin on the 13th to the 21st of September 2021 in Lagos.

The legal Luminary is said he is full of confidence that the LOC, headed by NFF First Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi and Aisha Falode (Director Of Organisation) have all it takes to give Nigerians and Africans a fantastic tournament. 

The Chairman Of NWFL Premiership side, Naija Ratels FC gave a ringing endorsement of the Local Organizing Committee during an interview with Journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, hours after the official draws of the tournament. 

"From the standpoint of organization, a high level has already been set. I would like to commend the Local Organizing Committee of the Competition," Said Edeh. 

"It is glaring from all angles that we are going to have a great tournament. At the same time, I would also point out that the tournament shouldn't be a one-off, but should come up from time to time. 

"The Chairman of the LOC and everyone involved are people who have great experience in the women's football cycle. The Chairman is a great Football Administrator, who have over the years brought a lot of innovations to Nigerian Football as Vice President of the NFF,  The Director of Organization, Aisha Falode is well known as an astute administrator with decades of experience in Women's Football and one who has turned around the fortune of the Nigeria Women Football League since she resumed office as Chairperson.

"Undoubtedly, the quality of today's draws shows that a lot of work has gone into this project and certainly more work is required to make this project a huge success. All hands must be on deck to support the LOC to achieve there goals."

The Dr Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Football Tournament, otherwise known as Aisha Buhari Cup, is an African Mini-Football tournament for six women National teams namely, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, South-Africa, Morocco and Mali.

Governor Sanwo-Olu says Lagos cherishes right to host Aisha Buhari Cup, promises fabulous tournament

The Government of Lagos State is delighted that the ‘Centre of Excellence’ was chosen to host the inaugural edition of the Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Tournament and will leave no stone unturned to stage a tournament for the beautiful side of memories, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu assured on Friday.

Speaking when Members of the Local Organizing Committee of the tournament led by NFF 1st Vice President/Chairman of Lagos State FA, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi paid him a courtesy visit at the State House, Marina, Sanwo-Olu did nothing to hide his enthuasiasm, and confessed a deepening love for football and especially the women’s game.

“Football is one of the lead factors that bridge the gap and bring communities closer together and is enabling a more exciting world. The women’s game has continued to pull its weight and can be said to be presently at par with the men’s game in the euphoria that it generates, and the sheer class, stamina, excellence and expertise that the players put on display.

“Lagos State, the State of aquatic splendour, is delighted to be named as host of this very important invitational tournament. We will aim to not only host a tournament befitting of the name and positive values that Her Excellency projects and promotes, but also want to showcase our State and the country at large through an efficient and effective organization that will be talked about for a long time.”

While heaping encomiums on President of Nigeria Football Federation and FIFA Council Member, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick for being “highly dedicated and passionate about the sport, and a man who always believes and works hard to make things happen,” Sanwo-Olu recalled the role Lagos State Government played in the Super Eagles travelling by waterways to the 2021 AFCON qualifying match against Benin Republic in Cotonou in March this year, and stated that the exercise has already produced direct spin-offs. 

“We have signed contracts to build nine

mini-stadia across the State and these will be of immense value to the youth of this country who are highly talented but only need infrastructure to nurture to world standard.”

Insisting that the ongoing renovation work at the Teslim Balogun Stadium will make the facility the best in the country, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos will be ready and proud to host First Lady, Dr (Mrs) Aisha Buhari during the tournament, and assured that the tenacious football fans in Lagos will add much colour to the week-long tournament. 

“The opportunities available in football are boundless, so we will commit to delivering a successful and model event that will spur us to encourage and support women’s football in our institutions of learning in Lagos State.”

Speaking earlier, Mr. Pinnick informed Governor Sanwo-Olu that the LOC members were A-list individuals carefully drawn from the football, business and political spheres, and are already aligned to the fact that the Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament must meet the best

standards possible anywhere, and has to leave worthy legacies that will reflect brilliantly on Nigeria’s image in the universe.

“I want to specially thank Governor Sanwo-Olu for the role has played in supporting the Super Eagles and other National Teams, but let me say here that the month of September is a loaded one. The Super Eagles will kick off their 2022 World Cup qualifying race against Liberia in Lagos on 3rd September, and then fly from here to play Cape Verde away. The Aisha Buhari Cup is a very big project, because nothing must go wrong. We want to do it so well that subsequent editions will have a template to fall back on.”

Chairman of the LOC, Barr. Akinwunmi praised Sanwo-Olu for his tremendous support and encouragement of football in Lagos State and nationally, and pledged that the committee will organize a tournament worthy of the name of the First Lady and which honours the Centre of Excellence.

In her vote of thanks, the Director of Organization, Aisha Falode said hosting the tournament is a big opportunity for Nigeria to make a statement, and that the entire LOC membership was attuned to the vision of using the tournament to engender new, positive narratives about Lagos State (the cradle of women’s football in Nigeria) and the Nigeria nation.

At the occasion were Pinnick, Akinwunmi, Falode, Sola Aiyepeku (Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission); Toyin Gafaar Bolowotan (DG, LSSC); Alh. Ibrahim Musa Gusau (Member, LOC); Dr Wole Aboderin (Member); Mr Saidu Suleman (Member); Mrs Amina Daura (Deputy Director of Organization); Rt. Hon. Margaret Icheen (Member); Hon. Ayo Omidiran

(Member); Mr Ademola Olajire (Director of Publicity); Mrs Ufuoma McDermott (Member); Miss Oluwakemi Areola (Member); Mr Olayinka Olagbemiro (Member); Miss Ese Okpomo (Member); Mr Kola Daniel (Member); Mr Rajan Zaka (Finance Director); Mr Mohammed Ameenu (Ag. Secretary) and Mr Taye Ige (Marketing Consultant).