Sunshine Queens are ripe for Women Premier League's return - Otunba Ologunloluwa assures

 

Plans are in top gear to see Sunshine Queens make a swift return to the Nigeria Women Football League, NWFL Premiership at the forthcoming NWFL Championship playoffs. 

The second tier league of Nigerian Women's league will coming up in July with yet to be announced venue where clubs will be jostle for tickets to gain promotion to the elite women league in Nigeria. 

Ondo State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Otunba Dele Ologunloluwa disclosed the plans for the Owena Queens on Wednesday in an exclusive interview monitored on popular WhatsApp platform called Family United by Football, FUBF. 

He noted that the government was not happy with the club's relegation the previous season but has provided needed incentives and logistics to make a swift return back to elite division. 

"Sunshine Queens are very ripe to play in the Championship, we are preparing them to make sure they triumph and get the ticket back to the Premier League where they belong. Its unfortunate they dropped to lower division last season but we won't allow that happen again," he said.

On the plan to discover more talents in other sports, the vibrant Sports Commissioner disclosed that the Ondo State Sports Festival will be coming anytime soon with the bill to have Ondo State Sports Trust Fund established almost sail through at the Legislative house. 

"One of the proposals I made to the State cabinet is to our own State Sports Festival and it was approved and will be coming up any moment from now.

"I believe doing that will help us to fish out more talents that are abound in the state especially in the grassroots.

"We are also harnessing talents from schools through their inter house sports, we sent our coaches there to identify them, monitor them and later bring them together for proper training," he said. 

Otunba Dele Ologunloluwa however reassured that the State would raise a strong Team Ondo that will be among the top five States in the next National Sports Festival just as he commended the sports stakeholders in the state for their supports on the successes achieved so far.

Paulina Ali wants total focus from Naija Ratels as NWPL resumes for final phase

 

Naija Ratels begin a crucial month for the season with the visit of Seven time NWFL Premiership Champions Pelican Stars to the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja on Wednesday.

The 'One Day At A Time' Ladies lost narrowly to the 'Ayade' Ladies in Calabar three weeks ago, through a late penalty kick scored by Bella Obioma.

Clearly, still reeling from that 1-0 defeat in Calabar, Naija Ratels are keen on returning to winning ways as they host the team from Calabar in what promises to be a  mouth-watering encounter.

Start striker Olamide Adugbe, who missed the last game, should be ready for this game, while the duo of Bunmi Oladeji and Motunrayo Ezekiel, who have already missed a chunk of fixtures due to national team assignment are in line to come back to the squad for Wednesday's game. 

Olowookeere's side have eight points and are third on the log of Group A, while their closest rival on the table is Confluence Queens, who would be facing table toppers Nasarawa Amazons in Lokoja at the same time.

Speaking ahead of the crucial encounter, Nigeria National U-20 Women Defender and Captain of the side Paulina Ali feels her team will triumph if they play their own game. 

"If we stay focused, confident and play our own game, then we can get the result we want." Ali told www.naijaratels.com

"This is our first season in the Premiership and usually there is this kind of pressure on us, but we have gone past that. We want to keep winning games and playing like an unbreakable team. We have to keep pulling out good performances week in week out as we have gotten to the final stage of season. 

"We are focused and more determined now. Its just what we have been working hard for." She Concluded.

Olamide Adugbe: A teenager at the forefront of Nigeria women football

Olamide Adugbe has proven to be one of the best players of her age, and is already compared with some of the best Nigerian women footballers. 

The young forward broke into the scene earlier this season, scoring important goals for NWFL Premiership side, Naija Ratels. The Edo-born striker scored one of the best goal in the league on Matchday two against Edo Queens at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. A special goal that earned her side a precious point in Benin, wowing everyone at the Stadium. 

The former Nigeria Women National U-17, Flamingos Star, has scored four goals in just five matches in the top Women Football League in Nigeria (NWFL Premiership). She primarily plays as a striker and sometimes plays from the wing and has proven to be highly effective from both wings. 

She likes to dribble past defenders, has got a tremendous pace and takes great long shot. She gets involved in link-up play as well with fellow teammates Aminat Bello, Blessing Sunday and Motunrayo Ezekiel. 

The 18 year Old special talent also gets into good positions in attack, in order to receive threatening passes from her teammates, lays off defenders and cuts inside with short passes linking up with other attacking players.

Meanwhile, Adugbe has attributed her phenomena skill to Bayern Munich and Polish striker, Robert Lewandowski, who she described as her role model in the world of football. 

Lewandowski is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, and is even considered by many to be one of the greatest centre-forwards of all time. An accurate and efficient finisher with his head and both feet, Lewandowski is a prolific goalscorer and Olamide feels she just want to be like him. 

The young forward also noted that her parents gave her the full supports, from childhood, especially her dad, who was always gifting her soccer balls to play with right inside their living room.

"I started playing football right from when I was a kid." She said.  

"My Dad played a huge role in my career, from when I started kicking the ball. He always gifts me the soccer ball and played it with me. It was kind of weird for some people, because in Africa, the girl-child isn't expected to play football. 

"Then when I started growing up, I started watching Robert Lewandowski. Learnt alot from him, his aura for goals and the way he positions himself on the pitch of play. One day I hope to be as popular as he is." 

Adugbe also hailed her present team Naija Ratels and the Club's President, Barrister Paul Edeh, who have been so supportive since she arrived at the Abuja based club. 

"He (Edeh) has been a  father figure to me and all the players in the team. He regards us as his daughters and that says alot. It is one of the reasons we always put all our efforts whenever we wear the yellow and green shirt of the Ratels."

Adugbe is no doubt, one of the most sought out players in the NWFL Premiership and surely do have a bright future ahead of her.

Olowookeere, Omokwo receive NWPL December Manager, Player of the Month Awards

 

Naija Ratels FC Manager, Bankole Olowookeere and Confluence Queens forward Mercy Omokwo both received their Naija Women Football League Awards for the best Coach and player for the month of December. 

The duo picked up their awards on Wednesday at the Ilorin Township Stadium, just before the NWFL Premiership Week Five game between Confluence Queens and Naija Ratels. 

Mercy Omokwo in the first week of January was nominated for the NWFL Premiership Player for the month of December alongside Abigail Sunday of Nasarawa Amazons and Olamide Adugbe of Naija Ratels. 

The in-form striker scored four goals in December, including a hat-trick against Pelican Stars in week one of the NWFL Premiership and went on to gain over 70% of votes from Women Football experts, thus becoming the first recipients of the prestigious Award for the 2022 NWFL Premiership season. 

Olowookeere won two matches, including a 2-2 draw against Edo Queens at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin. The former Dreamstar Ladies Coach got the accolades ahead of Liadi Bashiru of Confluence Queens and Christopher Danjuma of Nasarawa Amazons. 

Mercy Omokwo after receiving the awards, hailed her teammates and everyone involved in the team for giving her the platform and supports needed to excel. 

"This is the first time I am winning the player of the month award and for me, it is something special. Hopefully I can win more in the future. I am indeed grateful to all my teammates for their great supports and also to the technical crew and management as a whole. I will continue to give my best to Confluence Queens.

Pleased to be recognized, Bankole Olowookeere was also eager to give credit to his players, technical assistants, backroom staff and Club President, Barrister Paul Edeh for their help in allowing the team to perform to a top level. 

"I am just grateful to be part of this wonderful team," he said after receiving the award. " There are no egos in the squad, no cliques, everyone is really a tight unit and that definitely helps us on the pitch. He concluded.

Omokwo, Olowookeere claim NWPL December Player, Manager of the Month Awards

 

Confluence Queens FC star Mercy Omokwo and Naija Ratels FC Manager Bankole Olowookeere have won the Naija Women Football League Awards player and Manager of the month. 

Mercy Omokwo finished ahead of Naija Ratels forward Olamide Adugbe and Nasarawa Amazons Abigail Sunday to win the coveted monthly awards.  

The Confluence Queens forward scooped the prize after some sensational performances in the matches against Pelican Stars and Osun Babes. She netted the first hat-trick of the season against Pelican Stars on Matchday one and went ahead to score the only goal as her team went past Osun Babes in Ile-Ogbo. 

In all, Mercy Omokwo scored four goals in three matches, same as Olamide Adugbe, who also scored four goals in three matches, with fewer number of minutes played. 

In the Manager's category, Bankole Olowookeere edged out Liadi Bashiru of Confluence Queens and Christopher Danjuma of Nasarawa Amazons to win his first Manager of the month awards. 

Seven points out of nine possible gave the Naija Ratels Manager the prestigious awards. His team, Naija Ratels are on top of the NWFL Premiership Group A table with 2 wins and a draw in the month of December. 

The 'One day at a time' Ladies won Osun Babes 2-0 in the first game at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja, before deservedly getting a point in their 2-2 draw against Edo Queens at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin. 

They ended the month on a high with the 5-2 bashing of Adamawa Queens in Abuja. 

A panel of NWFL Premiership experts decided the winners of the Player/Manager of the month awards through a very fair voting process. 

The awards will be presented to the duo on Matchday five in Lokoja.

NWFL announces nominees for Premiership Player, Manager for December awards

 

Organizers of the Naija Women Football League Awards have revealed nominees for the Player and Manager for the month of December.

Three players namely Abigail Sunday of Nasarawa Amazons, Olamide Adugbe of Naija Ratels and Mercy Omokwo of Confluence Queens made the shortlist for the prestigious monthly awards.

 Mercy Omokwo played all three games for Confluence Queens in the month of December, scoring four goals, including the first hat-trick of the season against Pelican Stars on Matchday one. She also went on to score the only goal of the match against Osun Babes, to give her side successive victory in the new campaign. Her team is placed second in group A with two wins and a draw. 

Olamide Adugbe of Naija Ratels is the only player in the league to have scored in all the three games played in December. In all the games, she came in as a substitute, scoring one against Osun Babes on Matchday one, leveled up in Benin against Edo Queens in the 89th minute through a wonderful free-kick and scored two against Adamawa Queens in matchday three. Her team is placed 1st on the log in Group A, with two wins and an away draw. 

Abigail Sunday joined the 'Solid babes' from Sunshine Queens during the summer and has quickly adapted to their style of play. She scored a brace in the game against Osun Babes to earn her side a 4-0 victory over the Omoluabi Queens. Nasarawa Amazons are third in group A, her team recorded two victories in two games.

In the Managers Category, Naija Ratels Bankole Olowookeere, Nasarawa Amazons Christopher Danjuma and Confluence Queens Liadi Bashiru all made the final shortlist for December Manager Of the month. 

Bankole Olowookeere, whose side is new in the league won two of their home games and drew away to Edo Queens in Benin.

The 'One day At A Time' Ladies recorded a remarkable 2-0 and 5-2 wins against more experienced sides Osun Babes and Adamawa Queens at the Area 10 Sports Complex, while on Matchday 2, they succeeded in picking a precious draw at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.  

Christopher Danjuma's side won big in the two  games played in the month of December. The 'Solid Babes' started with a comprehensive 3-0 away victory in Calabar against Pelican Stars and recorded a 4-0 victory in Lafia against Osun Babes. 

Liadi Bashiru of Confluence Queens got off to a 4-0 victory at home to Pelican Stars, won Osun Babes 1-0 at the home ground in his second game, but was held by Edo Queens in his third game at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja. 

The names of nominees was shortlisted by a panel of NWFL Premiership experts, who will also decide the winners on Thursday, 6th of January 2022.

NWPL: Barrister Edeh hails Naija Ratels' determined performance

 

Naija Ratels President Barrister Paul Edeh has hailed his side's dogged spirit after playing out a 2-2 draw against Premiership giant Edo Queens at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin on Wednesday evening. 

The 'One Day At A Time' Ladies boss expressed his delight following his side's impressive performance and tasked them to keep improving game by game. 

The Abuja based team fought back from 2-0 down to secure a crucial draw against the Wemimo Mathew tutored side Edo Queens in Benin. 

Bankole Sofiat and Olamide Audugbe, who bagged a goal each in the game, were introduced into the match in the second half by Bankole Olowookeere. 

An elated Barrister Paul Edeh who was present at the Stadium admitted his side started the game on an unimpressive note, but is pleased that they improved on their performance in the second half. 

"Its a good result away from home, especially coming to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, which the Technical Crew and Players knew it was going to be very difficult, but we were so determined from the onset. ,"

"We had alot of respect for them in the first half. We showed them a lot of respect and that was why we had to come out stronger later in the second half.

"I don't think Edo Queens underrated us, but we upped our game later on, created alot of chances, and deservedly earned a rare draw in Benin.

"We also understand that the league is a journey and hopefully, we learn from every game and improve on our weaknesses. 

Naija Ratels are third on the log of Group A and  will face Adamawa Queens on Matchday three of the NWFL Premiership at the Area 10 Sports Complex.

Ex Rivers Angels striker, Georgewill Ibinabo announces arrival to Confluence Queens with Top Scorer Award

 

There couldn't have been a better for a player to join a new side than how one of the hottest strikers in Nigerian women's football, Georgewill Ibinabo when as she teamed up with Confluence Queens from league champions, Rivers Angels.

Ibinabo who joined the New Direction Queens during the just concluded Flying Officers Cup tournament in Abuja netted three goals and provided an assist to beat her teammate Mercy Omokwu and Edo Queens striker Emem Essien to the prestigious top scorer's award at the Tournament.

Chairman of Confluence Queen Hon. Abdulmalik Isah Dolly received the new signing Ibinabo with her highest goal scorer award in office on Monday, 1st November, 2021.

 

Honorable Dolly praised the former Rivers Angels striker for bringing the top scorer award to Kogi and also tasked her to keep scoring when the league resume in December to win same award in the NWPL.

"I am delighted to see my player winning individual award of this nature.  It's a sign of greater thing ahead, I want you to see this award as a motivation going into the league, I wish you best of luck and hope you finish as the league top scorer in NWPL at the end of the season". Dolly said.

Ibinabo who thanked the chairman and the management for the opportunity to join the team promised to continue doing her best to make the team proud. 

"I want to appreciate everyone at Confluence Queens for the warm reception I have received so far. I feel happy at my new home and I will do my best not to disappoint everyone."

Confluence Queens will battle in the Group A of the NWPL which kicks off December 8 with home game against Pelican Stars of Calabar at the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja.

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.

FC Robo Queens pip Edo Queens to claim Flying Officers Cup 2021 title

Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership side, FC Robo Queens have emerged as the Champions of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup, Africa's biggest Women Pre-Season Championship, after earning a 1-0 win over 2019 Champions, Edo Queens in the final game at Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja.

The club which is making its debut at the tournament won the keenly contested game deservedly. 

The solitary goal of the game came in the 26th minute through Opeyemi Ajakaiye wonderful goal from about 33 yards which was the first goal conceded by Edo Queens in the tournament.

In the second half of the game, Edo Queens searched for the equalizing goal.

FC Robo Queens on the other hand tried to double its lead in the 60th minute but her effort went wide as they hold on to clinch the title.

FC Robo Queens coach, Emmanuel Orobosa Osahon became the third manager to win the Flying Officers Cup after Gabriel Adejor (Edo Queens) and Moses Aduku (Bayelsa Queens).

Earlier on, Osun Babes FC defeated Confluence Queens 9-8 on penalties.

Abisola Abiona missed her spot kick for Osun Babes while the duo of Hauwa Abdullahi and Oliver Jenifer missed their penalties for Confluence Queens.

Osun Babes defender, Kemi Abiodun converted the final penalty kick to win the third place match for the Omoluabi Queens..

Rukayat Shobowale (FC Robo Queens) - Young Player of the Tournament

Adaobi Okah vs Sunshine Queens (Quarter final) - Goal of the Tournament

Obidinma Nkiruka (Edo Queens) - Goalkeeper of the Tournament

Ibinabo Georgewill (Confluence Queens) -

Highest Goal Scorer

Naija Ratels FC - Fair Play Award

Ghana Police FC - Most Entertaining Team

Taiwo Lawal (FC Robo Queens) - Most Valuable Player of the Tournament

AIT, Radio Nigeria to beam Flying Officers Cup 2021 final live

 

Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Radio Nigeria Network Service will beam live the final of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup, between Edo Queens and FC Robo Queens, scheduled to hold Sunday, the 24th of October at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja. 

This was revealed by the Ratels Sports Development Foundation President, Barrister Paul Edeh on Friday evening after the end of the two Semi-final games. 

Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), main sponsors of the pre-season championship in build up to the competition partnered with AIT as official broadcast partners for the Flying Officer’s Cup at a meeting held between the management team of the largest privately operated terrestrial television network, led by Anegbe Anthony Akiotu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Group Managing Director (GMD) and Ratels Sports Development Foundation, led by the President Barrister Paul Edeh.

Edo Queens set a record by being the first club to qualify for two finals of the Flying Officers Cup. The 'Obaseki Ladies' were champions in 2019 and will be seeking to be Champions again, when they face FC Robo Queens in the final on Sunday.

FC Robo Queens on the other hand are participating at the tournament for the first time and would want to prove a point on sunday too.

Closing ceremony of the competition will start by 1pm, while the kick off for the final match will start by 3pm. Sixteen teams started the journey on the 10th of October.

FC Robo Queens end Osun Babes Flying Officers Cup dream as Emem Essien fires Edo Queens into final

 

The stage is set for the final of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup after the conclusion of semi final games on Friday.

FC Robo Queens in the first semi final game defeated Osun Babes 2-0.

The Lagos Land-Ladies dominated the game before eventually finding the breakthrough in the 41st minute courtesy of Onyenezide Esther.

Osun Babes in the second half searched for the equaliser as Bolaji Olamide's effort in the 63rd minute hit the wood work.

The Omoluabi Queens created some chances in the second half but failed to convert while FC Robo Queens proved to be dangerous on the counter.

Osun Babes had a gilt edge chance to equalise but Alvine Dah Zossu who had only the goalkeeper to beat put her effort wide in the 79th minute.

Two minutes later, FC Robo Queens doubled its lead as Folashade Ijamilusi converted the Lagos based side's second goal to lift them into the final on Sunday.

The second semi final game was a keenly contested and physical game but Edo Queens had to rely on a late drama to be able to edge Confluence Queens 1-0.

The deciding goal of the game came in the 88th minute as Emem Essien headed in a cross for her fourth goal of the competition to take her to the top of the goal scorers chat.

Edo Queens remain the only team yet to concede a goal at the 2021 Flying Officers Cup while they are unbeaten alongside finalist, FC Robo Queens.

Osun Babes and Confluence Queens will play the third place match on Sunday, October 24 before the final game between FC Robo Queens and Edo Queens.

The kick off for the final game is 3pm, while the third place match will hold by 10 am in the morning at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja.

The final game will be telecast live on Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Radio Nigeria Network Service.

| Semi Final Results|

Osun Babes 0 FC Robo Queens 2

Edo Queens 1 Confluence Queens 0.

| THIRD PLACE|Sunday, 24th October 2021

Osun Babes Vs Confluence Queens (10am)

|FINAL| 

Edo Queens Vs FC Robo Queens (3pm)

Journey so far as Flying Officers Cup zoom to semi finals

 

The 2021 Flying Officers Cup has now reached the Semi-finals stage. Four teams are two matches away from winning the biggest Women Football Pre-season Championship in Africa.

Confluence Queens, Osun Babes, FC Robo Queens and Edo Queens will compete for a spot in the final, which will be shown live on TV.

Confluence Queens and FC Robo Queens have scored more goals that the other two teams in the Semi-finals. The two teams have recorded 10 goals each going into the semi's., While Edo Queens and Osun Babes have 8 and 5 goals respectively. 

The first Semi-finals fixture will be between Osun Babes and FC Robo Queens by 10am on friday morning at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja., While the other Semi final will see Edo Queens and Confluence Queens battle each other. It will be interesting to see whether Edo Queens undefeated run will continue or Confluence Queens, the top scorer in the tournament will establish its superiority.

|Osun Babes|

Osun Babes 2 - Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens 1

FC Robo Queens 1 - Osun Babes 1

Bayelsa Queens 0 Osun Babes 0

Q1: Osun Babes 2 Royal Queens 0. 

|Confluence Queens|

SGH Sports Academy Amazons 0 Confluence Queens 4

Confluence Queens 1 Sunshine Queens 0

WACO Ladies 0 Confluence Queens 4

Q2: Confluence Queens 1 Nasarawa Amazons 0

|FC Robo Queens| 

FC Robo Queens 1 Bayelsa Queens 0

FC Robo Queens 1 Osun Babes 1 

Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens 1 FC Robo Queens 6. 

Q3: FC Robo Queens 2 Naija Ratels 0. 

|Edo Queens FC| 

Nasarawa Amazons 0 Edo Queens 1

Lakeside Queens 0 Edo Queens 3

Edo Queens 3 Dannaz Ladies 0

Q4: Edo Queens 1 Sunshine Queens 0.

Bolaji Olamide targets Flying Officers Cup glory with Osun Babes

 

Osun Babes midfielder Bolaji Olamide has told the Flying Officers Cup Media that she only has her sight on winning the Pre-season Championship after her team progressed to the Semi-finals on Monday afternoon..

Bolaji, who was voted 'Player of the match' after a superlative performance in their 2-0 win over young and determined side Royal Queens, said she looks forward to her team getting to the finals and winning the competition.

"Our game against Royal Queens was a very difficult one, we had alot of opportunities, but failed to take them. They were all over us at a time, putting pressure and aiming to score. Am happy I could help my team' get to the Semi-finals and hopefully we would be in the finals.

"I am hopeful and with the squad we have, we can go all the way to do something special. I am optimistic, so is my teammates and everyone in the team.

Osun Babes are participating at their first Flying Officers Cup Pre-season Championship and would be playing their Semi-final game on Friday.

The team won their first game against Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens by 2-1, played a 1-1 draw against FC Robo Queens and their last group game against Bayelsa Queens ended goalless.

Olowookeere picks positive from Robo Queens loss at Flying Officers Cup

After a 2-0 defeat to FC Robo Queens which effectively ended Naija Ratels FC participation at the 2021 Flying Officers Cup, coach of the Naija Ratels, Bankole Olowookeere is looking ahead of the tournament with the aim of improving his team ahead of the 2021/2022 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership season.

The experienced Manager believes he is heading towards the right direction with his squad and promise to continue assessing the squad and making them stronger.

"It wasn't a bad game for the team. We tried our best to get the desired result but the best side won the game. FC Robo Queens deserve the victory. We just have to work more because that is the major reason for pre season tournaments.

"It's so clear and glaring that our attack have not been converting their chances that we have to work on."

Naija Ratels FC finished fourth in the last edition of the Flying Officers Cup with eight teams and have now bowed out of the 2021 edition with 16 teams at the quarter final stage.

Coach Olowookeere is of the view that the most important thing was the fact that his team maintained its status quo without dropping while also highlighting what he needs to work on ahead of 2021/2022 NWFL Premiership season.

He said: "If we do the Mathematics which is not common in football but part of it, it's still the same position for us because if we had played this tournament with eight teams we would have qualified for the semi final. We now have 16 teams. It's important for us that we didn't drop but maintain our status quo. If the team had converted their chances, we would have been contesting for the final but it is an issue in which we have to take a wholistic look at ahead of next season in the NWFL Premiership."

Naija Ratels FC will play in Group A when the 2021/2022 NWFL Premiership season kicks off alongside Nasarawa Amazons, Confluence Queens, Pelican Stars, Osun Babes, Adamawa Queens, and Edo Queens.

Next season will be Naija Ratels FC's maiden season in the top flight NWFL Premiership after gaining promotion from second tier NWFL Championship this year alongside Adamawa Queens.

Flying Officers Cup 21: Confluence Queens captain Alexander hails 'talented' teammate ahead of Nasarawa Amazons clash

Confluence Queens captain, Alexander Florence has hailed her new teammate Georgewell Ibinabo for scoring a brace against WACO Ladies FC and expecting her to do the same, when they meet Nasarawa Amazons on Thursday in the Quarter Final of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup. 

Ibinabo Georgewill' joined Confluence Queens this summer, after failing to get playing time at Rivers Angels and has since become an important part of the 'New Direction' Ladies since joining them last month.

The 'Rivers born' forward have scored three goals so far in the tournament, one against Sunshine Queens and two against WACO Ladies. 

Alexander Florence, who has been with the team for three seasons now, feels she has come to the right place and would play a pivotal role when the league resumes.

"I think she is a fantastic player and one who has alot of great qualities on and off the pitch. 

"She is a good friend and I believe so much in her abilities, just like I do with every member of the squad. I am not surprised she is scoring important goals for us, I expect her to do more when the league starts. 

"Nasarawa Amazons game is a huge game for us, we know what they are made of and know their qualities. We won't let worry us. Our aim is simple, and that is to give our all on the pitch. 

Confluence Queens are Participating in their second Flying Officers Cup Competition and would meet North Central neighbors Nasarawa Amazons in third Quarter Finals game on Thursday.

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).

Flying Officers Cup 2021: Osun Babes, FC Robo Queens dislodge Royal Queens, Naija Ratels to seal semifinal spots

Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership sides, Osun Babes and FC Robo Queens qualified for the semi final of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup after recording victories over Royal Queens FC and Naija Ratels FC in the first two quarter final games on Monday.

The Omoluabi Queens as Osun Babes is fondly called edged Royal Queens FC 2-0 in the first quarter final match.

Osun Babes started the game dominating possession before getting the first breakthrough of the game.

Ebere Oleka in the 18th minute converted from the penalty spot to give Osun Babes the lead after Bolaji Olamide was brought down inside Royal Queens penalty area.

Royal Queens FC of Warri tried to equalise after going behind. Rosemary Adesina in the 23rd minute was well positioned but played the ball far wide.

Oleka after the half hour mark almost doubled Osun Babes of Osogbo lead with a header but her attempt went wide despite Royal Queens dominance.

In the 79th minute, Osun Babes had a free kick in a promising area after Alvine Dah Zossu was brought down near Royal Queens penalty area.

Bolaji Olamide fantastically scored the resultant free kick to double Osun Babes lead.

FC Robo Queens also replicated Osun Babes score line with a 2-0 triumph over Naija Ratels FC in the second quarter final game.

The game started in an end to end scenario as both teams showed their intentions early in the game.

Naija Ratels goalkeeper, Ohia Doris brilliantly punched out a volley from Esther Onyenezide in the 26th minute.

Twelve minutes later, Ohia Doris again made what could arguably be the save of the tournament as she leaned backward to save a ball looped by Taiwo Lawal.

FC Robo Queens resumed the second half in a dominating fashion having the lion share of ball possession and dictated the pace of the game.

In the 58th minute, Folashade Ijamilusi gave FC Robo Queens the lead from a very close range.

Aminat Bello in the 76th minute tried to shoot towards goal for Naija Ratels FC but her effort went wide off the post.

Four minutes from full time, FC Robo Queens took an advantage position to double its lead as Oladipo Shukurat took a shot from outside the box which rolled inside the net of Naija Ratels.

Two more quarter final fixtures will take place as Edo Queens face Sunshine Queens while Confluence Queens and Nasarawa Amazons trade tackles for the remaining two semi final places up for grabs.

|Monday, 18th Of October (Quarter Final Results)|

* Royal Queens 0 Osun Babes 2

* FC Robo Queens 2 Naija Ratels 0. 

Wednesday, 20th Of October (Quarter Final)|

* Confluence Queens Vs Nasarawa Amazons (10am)

* Edo Queens Vs Sunshine Queens (1pm)