Akinwunmi announces scholarship to four Ekiti State Cadet Team players

 

... Hails Olanlege on positive drive with Ekiti FA

Four outstanding players of the Ekiti State Cadet Team are to receive a year scholarship courtesy of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) 1st Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi.

Akinwunmi who was among the VIP guests at the maiden epoch-making Ekiti State Football Association Merit Awards told reporters in his speech, as he also commended the leadership qualities of Ekiti State FA Chairman, Bayo Olanlege who he said has taken football to a new level in the state.

"I want to firstly pour encomiums on Olanlege and his board members, as regards what they have done for the development of football in the state with a short space of time is massive.

"I also want to thank Barrister Churchill Oliseh, President of Nationwide League One (NLO) club, FC Ebedei for the expose he gave in the lecture he delivered on how he has been raking in on his investment in grassroot football. I now know how I can make money when I finish my tenure on the board of the NFF.

"It's a pleasure to see what encourages the youths because football is about grassroot. A lot of people think football in Nigeria is about the Super Eagles or Super Falcons, to be candid the game is about the youths, encouraging, rewarding and recognition. 

"What Ekiti FA has done by organizing the merit awards is terrific as it's about recognizing, rewarding and encouraging hard work.

"Delighted to see that the four players (boys) nominated for the Best U-13 Player of the Year were given scholarships by Ekiti FA. Let me state, that my foundation (Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation) will award them a one-year scholarship that will run for next year.

"I hope by next year when we come to Ado Ekiti to celebrate with Olanlege in the second edition of Ekiti State Football Association Merit Award, we'll have a greater course to honour the Lord Almighty."

Flying Officers Cup 2021: Lawal, Georgewill, Okah swoop individual awards

 

Flying Officers Cup 2021 is finally in the books after FC Robo Queens were crowned Champions for the first time, defeating 2019 winners Edo Queens by a lone goal. Some individual footballers did fantastically well and were celebrated at the end of the tournament. 

Player Of the Tournament (Taiwo Lawal, FC Robo Queens)

The FC Robo Queens forward was superb all through the tournament and was one of the reasons her team became eventual winners of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup. She was always pushing forward and was a nightmare for every defenders she faced. 

The Bar. Seyi Akinwunmi' Award For Highest Goalscorer - Ibinabo Georgewill, Confluence Queens -3 Goals 1 Assist) 

Ibinabo Georgewill of Confluence Queens edged out Emem Essien to win the tournament's Golden boot award. Ibinabo scored three goals, same as Emem, but had one assist ahead. Unfortunately, Emem Essien's goal against Confluence Queens in the Semi-finals was taken off board after a video review showed that Confluence Queens defender, Micheal Joy actually headed the ball and not the Edo Queens forward. 

Young Player Of The Tournament - (Rukayat Shobowale, FC Robo Queens) - 

The young football maestro started all six games as the 'Lagos Landladies' went all the way to lift the coveted title. She was everywhere on the pitch, ensuring that her team never loses focus upfront. 

The Bar. Seyi Akinwunmi Award For Best Goalkeeper (Nkiruka Obindinma, Edo Queens)

 - The 2019 NWFL Premiership goalkeeper of the year was voted as the best safe hands at the 2021 Flying Officers Cup. The Former Osun Babes goalie, conceded only one goal in 5 games that she participated in. She made some good saves too, yo help her side get to the final of the competition for the second time. 

Fair Play Award (Naija Ratels FC) -

 Naija Ratels weren't at their best in the Competition, but the players showed class and discipline all through the competition. The 'Ratels' exhibited exemplary behavior that promoted the spirit of fairplay despite going down against Royal Queens and FC Robo Queens in the competition. 

Goal Of The Tournament (Adaobi Okah, Edo Queens Vs Sunshine Queens) - 

The best goal of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup was scored by Edo Queens Adaobi Okah of Edo Queens against her former side, Sunshine Queens in the third quarter final encounter of the competition. 

Her extraordinary, strike from a far-right acute angle against Sunshine Queens was the cream of the crop.

Most Entertaining Team- (Ghana Police Ladies FC)-

 Even though they crashed out in the first round, the Ghanaian team won the hearts of fans with their style and should be credited for producing some fine moments of football. Juanita Aguadze, Jane Ayayiem, Ivy Kolli and others were on top of their game and never let loose guards at all.

Flying Officers Cup 2021: NFF First Vice-President Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi to present prize money to Highest Goalscorer, Best Goalkeeper

 

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) First Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi has reiterated his commitment to continue giving maximum supports to women's football in Nigeria and beyond. 

The Legal Luminary on Monday promised to give a cash prize of N100,000 each to the best goalkeeper and highest goalscorer of the ongoing Flying Officers Cup 2021.

Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi who has been the sponsor of the Referee of the month Awards in the NWFL Premiership for the past three years disclosed that the highest goalscorer and Best Goalkeeper cash prize award is his little way of supporting and encouraging young women footballers to do more as they progress in their career.

"I believe this is my little way of encouraging young women footballers to excel in their chosen careers. The cash prize isn't much, but am sure it's going to be a memorable one for them. 

"The Flying Officers Cup has been consistent. This is the third year and it means the organisers are doing something special. In the last three years or so, I have been sponsoring the award for the Best Referee in the NWFL Premiership every month, this is something I feel will steadily encourage people to do more in their area of specialization. 

"The award I heard has helped officiating in the league, because everybody wants to be decorated and celebrated, which is good for the league and everyone."

The Flying Officers Cup is an annual Women Football Pre-season Championship for football clubs in Africa.

The first edition was held in Makurdi, where Edo Queens emerged winners, the second edition in Abuja was won by Bayelsa Queens. The ongoing third edition has gotten to the Semi-finals stage.  

The past winners of the best goalkeeper awards are Christy Ohiaeriaku of Edo Queens in 2019 and Oyinyechi Okeke of Bayelsa Queens in 2020, while the highest goalscorer in 2019 was Taibat Odueke of Edo Queens (4goals) and Joy Omewa of Confluence Queens (7goals).

NFF Board marks three years in office, as Akinwunmi gives out daughter in marriage

On 30^th September 2014, they were elected into office in Warri as the Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation. On 30^th September 2017, celebration in the house of a principal figure in the Committee in Lagos brought them together in an atmosphere of panache, warmth and laughter.