Sheroes Cup light up Abuja as 12 teams confirm participation

Organisers of the Sheroes Cup have revealed that the 2023 Sheroes Cup is scheduled to kick-off October 7, 2023 in Abuja.

Already, 12 clubs have confirmed their participation and are expected to take part when the top flight level of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) gets underway, which also serves as pre-season tournament

The participating clubs include Adamawa Queens FC, Bayelsa Queens FC, Confluence Queens FC, Dannaz Ladies FC, Delta Queens FC, Edo Queens FC, Ekiti Queens FC, Naija Ratels FC, Nasarawa Amazons FC, Rivers Angels FC, Royal Queens FC and Sunshine Queens FC.

President, Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), Barr. Paul Edeh, while disclosing this in a press statement on Tuesday, said this year's football event would be remarkably dedicated to highlight and celebrate the achievements of Nigeria women who are making the country proud globally. 

Tagged; 'Beyond Rhetoric To Action', the RSDF boss said the soccer tournament which is at its sixth edition will also serve as veritable avenue for top teams across Nigeria to prepare themselves before the regular season kicks off in November 2023.

Talking about the essence of the theme for the competition in 2023, Barr. Edeh said, "The contribution of  women and their giant strides and impactful contribution in national development has continued to shape the world positively in the face of the daunting challenges they face in our society. 

"This is why we have carefully chosen the theme for the 2023 Sheroes Cup, which we hope will inspire a paradigm shift in the way we treat women in society.

"The Sheroes Cup Pre-Season Tournament started in 2019 with the sole aim of preparing interested teams for their respective league seasons across Africa. This year’s edition, which is the sixth since its inception, is coming with a bigger advantage to participating teams, which will enhance the preparation of the various teams playing in the NWFL Premiership after a very long break from the field of play. 

"This year’s edition, like the 2022 edition, will see each team playing a minimum of 5-8 games in preparation for the new league season. Two teams with the highest points from group A and B  will qualify to the semi-finals, third place, and final.

"The assurances we are giving all the participating teams is that officiating in the tournament will be equal to none as we are collaborating with the NFF and its Referees Committee to ensure that the officiating is in line with the laws of the game. 

"The winner of the Sheroes Cup 2023 and first runner-up will be entitled to trophies and medals. The third place will be entitled to medals only. All the participating teams are expected to be given brand new jerseys, balls, and other logistics support" 

From 2022, Sheroes Cup, after transforming from Flying Officers Cup, the tournament has been segmented into two participation periods annually, with clubs at the NWFL Championship tier taking their turns on a separate arrangement from the Premiership clubs.

The maiden edition for the Championship clubs happened earlier this year with Imo Strikers' emerging winners.

Previously, Edo Queens, Bayelsa Queens, FC Robo Queens, and Delta Queens lifted the Sheroes Cup diadem in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 editions respectively.

The current edition is scheduled to last between October 7 and 16, 2023, while the participating teams are expected to arrive October 5, with the draws slated the following day. 

  

NWFL Championship: Abdul Sule donates 500k to Honey Badgers for excellent outing in Ikenne

Chairman of Honey Badgers FC, Abdul Sule has motivated his girls with the sum of Five Hundred Thousand (500,000) to as commendation gift for their impressive performances at the just concluded Nigeria Women Football League, NWFL Championship playoffs held in Ikenne. 

The Makurdi based girls finished joint third in Group B to where Lakeside Queens picked the sole ticket to the top flight.

Abdul Sule who commended the girls for their excellent display and show of discipline through the tournament noted that the gesture was to motivate the team and also reassured them of the management's commitment to help them achieve greatness as footballers and in life.

"This is to let them know we are happy with their great performance despite not winning but the performance was massive and unbelievable.

 "We already exodus of eight players moving to the biggest club in the premier league as a result of your wonderful performance in Ikenne.

"It's necessary to encourage the players as they are young and all is not about we must win but of course if we have the opportunity we will do that, our club is established to groom talents and give them opportunities to become greats, said the former Super Eagles' utility player. 

The former Chairman of Kogi United and Confluence Queens added that through collaborative efforts of the President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation, Barrister Paul Edeh, players of the club have been given hope and assured future after football and will continue to create a career paths for them to become something special in life. 

"I am working round the clock with Barrister Paul Edeh by bringing a lot of joy to the players, we pay for the players' school and of recent send some of them abroad to play football and at the same time learn new things and good education, so after their career they can fall back to something good to do."

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.

House Of Reps member hails organisers of Flying Officers Cup

Member Federal House of Representatives committee on Sports, Hon. Lawrence Ayeni has hailed the organisers of the biggest Women Football Pre-season Championship in Africa, the Flying Officers Cup. 

Lawrence Ayeni who presently represents the Ilesha Federal Constituency 1(Osun State) in the Federal House Of Representative was present at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja on wednesday, was impressed at what he saw, in terms of organisation of the tournament. 

The former Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Sports, said that the feat achieved by the Organisers in successfully organising the tournament was timely and would help spring out more development in women's football in Nigeria.

"I am really impressed with what I saw at the Area 10 Sports Complex. It is very difficult to see a Nigerian put so much into the development of women's football. 

"As a lover of football myself and one who have invested into the game, I know how far the Organisers must have gone in bringing about 16 teams to participate, including a team from Ghana. This is massive and I encourage more people to take a cue from what Ratels Sports Development Foundation have been doing.

Reacting, the General Coordinator of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup, Dr. Victoria Nlemigbo thanked Hon. Lawrence Ayeni for coming down to show support to the Flying Officers Cup and his home team, Osun Babes FC. She described him as an ardent lover of sports and one who could be described as a Sports ambassador. 

The Flying Officers Cup is in its third edition and is solely sponsored by Ratels Sports Development Foundation, founded by Ambassador Barrister Paul Edeh. 

8 Year old Cherish Edeh inspires guests with 'Girl-Child Education' Speech 2021 Flying Officers Cup

Eight years old Cherish Edeh, the daughter of the Founder and President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF) gave an inspiring speech on girl-child education during the opening ceremony of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup to mark the international day of girl-child.

Young Cherish started her speech by saluting people at the event and thanked her father Barrister Paul Edeh for granting her the opportunity to speak in respect for his intend love, support and encouragement of girl child.

Despite being just a kid, Cherish have always had passion for the girl-child education. In 2020, she joined her dad and his friends to organize a charity football match, where money was raised for scholarships of over 30 young girls who were out of school because they couldn't afford to pay their school fees. 

"Nigeria accounts for more than one in five out-of-school children anywhere in the world. Although primary education is officially free and compulsory, only 67 percentage of eligible children take up a place in primary school," she said.

She continued, "It is true that Girls suffer more than boys in terms of missing out on education. In the North-East and North-West for instance, only 41% and 47% respectively of eligible girls get primary education.

"Hence, this has increased the vulnerability of the girl child especially in the northern part of Nigeria.

"Sports at large and football in particular, has been a tool or an escape route for some of these girls to have a good life and build a career for themselves, even with little or no education.

"It is for this reason that my father, in his magnanimity and passion for promoting the course of the girl child, established Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), which begets Naija Ratels Football Club." 

She added that she has had the opportunity of interacting with the 11-year-old Naija Ratels new signing Mirabel, and draw the conclusion that there are many Mirabels' out there who may not be fortunate to get a scholarship from her father. 

"My conversation with her opened my eyes to the hidden potentials innate in alot of young girls on the street who neither have the privilege to go to school nor build a career in sports. We meet them in our everyday life; they are on the streets hawking and doing other menial jobs. Some are even abused and dehumanized daily.

"Like I said earlier, offering young girls an opportunity to build a sporting career is the reason why Ratels Sports Foundation was established. But then, I strongly believe, just as it is in the developed countries, formal education is necessary for every child.

"For this reason, I asked my father to offer Mirabel scholarship up to the university level, which he obliged."

Every year since 2012, International Day of the Girl is celebrated on Oct. 11 to recognize how hard being a girl can be. The United Nations (UN) created the holiday to celebrate the potential of girls in different cultures around the world, and to highlight the threats, discrimination and issues facing their well-being

The theme of this year’s observance is ‘Ending Child Marriage.’ The UN called for an end to child marriage and stressed that education is a strategic background for protecting girls against this harmful practice and to recognize girls’ rights and highlight the unique challenges girls face worldwide.

Girls worldwide deserve better: better education, better survival rates, better protection from child marriage and sexual assault, better access to resources, better health outcomes and a better future. It’s a very tall order considering some of the challenges ahead but the UN and others are hopeful that Oct. 11 can be a rallying cry with which to empower girls worldwide.

“Education for girls is one of the best strategies for protecting girls against child marriage”, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in his message for the Day. “When they are able to stay in school and avoid being married early, girls can build a foundation for a better life for themselves and their families."

Putting into contest, Cherish implores the general public to be more like her father in providing help to the vulnerable girls around them to build a sustainable society for all to thrive.

"I plead with you today (well meaning Nigerians) just like I pleaded with my father, to look out for these other Mirabels' you might come across and extend a hand of fellowship to them. Early education is very important and we must all unite to make it a staple in the growth and development of every child.

"This way you would have contributed your quota in curbing social vices that could have emanated from having these kids on the streets. Hence making Nigeria safer for all of us.

"Finally, it is pertinent to crave the indulgence of our parents/guardians to allow their girl child or wards pursue career paths of their choice, especially in sports. Yes! Sports!. Football in particular might seem to be masculine –though due to its physicality– and so, many parents (especially the elites) disuade their girls from actively enjoying  and participating in the round leather game.

"The reality remains that your children are better off living their dreams. May I also intimate us with the fact that most of the influential women in the world today are sports people. If you doubt me, please google it." She Concluded.

Making the world better for girls makes the world a better place.

Ratels Sports Development Foundation to honour Arotile, Ukaigwe, Mabo, Jegede, Kujebola, others

 

Names of Awardees for the Ratels Sports Development Foundation Heroes Awards 2021 have been revealed during Flying Officers Cup draw ceremony held in Abuja on Thursday. 

The award Committee headed by Moses Nagogo Bako followed a set of eligibility criteria which considers factors such as achievements and pedigree of the nominees.

The prestigious award is conferred to those personalities who have rendered outstanding meritorious services to the development of sports and women’s football in the country and beyond.

The award comes in two categories of Special Posthumous Awards and the Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Four people were remembered and honoured in the Posthumous Awards category:

Tolulope Oluwatoyin Sarah Arotile: The first-ever female combat helicopter pilot in the Nigeria Air Force. She contributed significantly to combat operations against insecurity in the northern states of Nigeria. Arotile died from a head injury sustained in an accident at the Nigerian Air Force base.

Henrietta Ukaigwe: She was a veteran sports journalist cum women’s football promoter. Started FFIG – Female Football Interest Group comprising individuals, who actively promoted and energetically projected the women’s game and made it an item of consequence in the media and public space across the nation from the nineties. This group did not only report the game; it coalesced efforts and resources to organize women’s football tournaments and provided much-needed stout and meaningful support to administrators at that incipient stage.

Chief Larry Eze: Pioneer of women’s football in Nigeria and the Proprietor of defunct Larry Angels, It should be noted that Larry Angels and the likes of Rivers Mermaids metamorphosed to Rivers Angels in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership.

Chief Sunny Eghaghe Inneh: Pioneer of women’s football in Nigeria and the Proprietor of defunct Inneh Babes. Inneh babes metamorphosed to Edo Queens in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership

Lifetime Achievement Awards:

Chioma Ajunwa: Former athlete, notable for being the first Nigerian to win gold at 1996 summer Olympics. The first black African woman to win an Olympic gold medal in a field event. She remains only woman to compete at the FIFA world cup both  as a footballer and the Olympics as a track and field athlete.

She is now an assistant commissioner of Police.

Princesses Bola Jegede: Pioneer of women’s football in Nigeria played a pivotal role in Organizing the first women Inter-club competition in Nigeria in 1990. The establishment of her female football Club, Jegede Babes in the late 1980s culminated in the establishment of other female football Clubs in the country producing players for the nascent Super Falcons squad to the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1991.

Ismaila Mabo: He was the head coach of the Nigeria women’s national team at the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, 2000 Summer Olympics and 2004 Summer Olympics. He led Nigeria to the quarter-finals of the World Cup, the team’s best ever result

Eddington Kujebola: Pioneer of women’s football in Nigeria and the Proprietor of defunct Ufuoma Babes of warri. Notable players for Ufuoma Babes were Florence Omagbemi, Mavis Ogun, Patience Avre, Uche Eucharia, Mercy Akide, Omo Love Branch, Nkiru Okieseme, Florence Iweta, Phoebe Ebimienkumo, etc.

Alhaja Ayo Omidiran: Pioneer of women’s football in Nigeria and the Proprietor of Omidiran babes, which left the football scene but are now back. She became a member of the Nigerian Football Association Board and remained there till 2005. Since 2006, she has been a member of the FIFA Women Committee.

Other Awards Include:

Heroic Icon Of The Year: Leah Shuiabu.

Women Football Promoter of the year: Phillip Shuiabu.

Women Football Grassroots Icon of the year: Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi.

Women Football Trailblazer of the year: Aisha Falode.

Naija Ratels to face Ghana Police Ladies in Flying Officers Cup opener

The 16 teams, which comprises of teams in Nigeria and neighboring country Ghana were today drawn into four different groups which will compete for honours from the 10th to the 24th of October 2021, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The tournament which was formerly known as Ratels Pre-season Championship was re-named the Flying Officers Cup to celebrate and immortalize the late Flying Tolulope Arotile, whose remarkable Achievements and impactful story of bravery, courage , heroism and gallantry has continued to provide a beacon of hope and inspiration to many girls who aspire to achieve their dreams regardless the challenges that exists in their quest.

Speaking at draws, Chairman Ratels Sports Development Foundation, Barrister Paul Edeh urge the football community to embrace further quotas to increase the number of women in decision making roles in order to help secure the future of the game.

“We have been responsibly preparing for this wonderful event and have done our best for players and everyone coming down here for the Pre-season Championship to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of splendid football feast and of course we hope they will enjoy their stay here in Abuja.

The time for talking has stopped. We must move on and start to make impact in the development of women’s football.

Today, I urge the football community to embrace further quotas to increase the number of women in decision making roles in order to help secure the future of the game.

I am extremely proud that FIFA, the world governing Football body has implemented more positive policies to promote gender equality and foster sports through education in women’s football.”

The official ball for the tournament was revealed featuring various colours and pictures variant of Tolulope Arotile and logo of Ratels Sports Development Foundation.

GROUP A:

Naija Ratels FC (hosts)

Ghana Police Ladies FC

Royal Queens FC

Honey Badgers

GROUP B:

Bayelsa Queens

FC Robo Queens

Osun Babes

Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens FC

GROUP C:

Rivers Angels

Confluence Queens

Sunshine Queens

Oasis Ladies FC

GROUP D:

Nasarawa Amazons FC

Edo Queens

Lakeside Queens FC

Dannaz Ladies.

Abuja comes alive with Flying Officers Cup Billboards

A blitz of brightly coloured billboards of the biggest Pre-season Championship in Africa, the Flying Officers Cup has perked-up the city of Abuja ahead of the Kick-Off of the  Women's Football Championship.

As the tournament draws closer, the Organisers are gearing up their preparations for the football fiesta. Abuja, the host city have been spruced up for the tournament as about six (6) billboards mounted at strategic locations across the city have spurred up excitement amongst football lovers. 

Some of the locations includes Jabi, by Grand Cubana Hotel Junction, Gwarinpa by Chambian Plaza, IBB Way, Maitama, opposite El-amin international School, Garki, Area 11, by Automated Car-wash, Utako Market by Arab junction and Defense Headquarters Junction.

Ratels Sports Development Foundation President, Barrister Paul Edeh said the billboards were mounted at strategic positions in Abuja to make the people catch up with the fun and excitement that has to do with the competition.

The competition billed to Kick-Off on Sunday, the 10th of October will see 16 teams including a team from Ghana and Benin Republic battle for honours at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja and Edeh noted that the reactions from the Abuja Football Lovers on the competition has been overwhelming. 

"We have worked so hard over the last few weeks to get this done almost perfectly, the Area 10 Sports Complex is under renovation and it's almost 100% done. 

"Most particularly, am glad we have been able to get positive reactions from football lovers across the city on the billboards placed in various strategic locations in Abuja. The Flying Officers Cup is not just a competition, it is more like a Football fiesta. 

"Teams that are coming for the Championship are guaranteed a very hospitable reception and would have a very conducive environment to thrive and develop as a team before the start of the new season. 

"We are ready for the tournament and waiting for the team's arrival." He concluded. 

Flying Officers Cup 2021 is the third edition of the women football Pre-season Championship in honour of the late Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile. Edo Queens and Bayelsa Queens are the past winners of the tournament.

Team Guide - Naija Ratels Ahead Of Flying Officers Cup 2021

Naija Ratels showed an unbreakable spirit at the last edition of the Flying Officers Cup, reaching the semi-finals, where they finally bowed out to Nasarawa Amazons via penalties. 

Over the last year, Naija Ratels have been rejuvenated under Bankole Olowookeere, keeping a different style of play from the norm with the players been more flexible on the ball in a more tiki-taka approach, starting the attack from the goalkeeper. 

The 'Ratels' will head into the 2021 Flying Officers Cup as a stronger team, having finally gained promotion to the Premiership in June, where they emerged champions of the NWFL Championship ahead of the likes of Heartland Queens and Adamawa Queens.

With teenage sensations like Paulina Ali, Aminat Bello, Emmanuel Blessing, Oyinlola Olamide, Adanna Nwachukwu and others, there is plenty of optimism around the future of Naija Ratels.

President of the Club, Barrister Paul Edeh recently unveiled some quality players like Sofiat Bankole, Olamide Adugbe, Adesina Itunuoluwa, Regina Omede into the squad and this may perhaps make the team stronger as they head towards the Flying Officers Cup and the league. 

The Flying Officers Cup will kickstart on the 10th of October 2021 in Abuja.

AIT to broadcast Flying Officers Cup 2021 final

The Organisers of the Flying Officers Cup has officially announced on thursday that leading broadcast Station, Africa Independent Television (AIT) will beam live the final match of the 2021 Edition of the Flying Officers Cup, the biggest Women Football Pre-season Championship in Africa.

Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), main sponsors of the Pre-season Championship in build up to the Competition sought to partner with AIT as official broadcast partners for the Flying Officers 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 MD, Director and Ratels Sports Development Foundation, led by the President Barrister Paul Edeh, a deal was brokered which will enable AIT beam live the finals of the Competition. 

While endorsing the Flying Officers Cup and accepting AIT to be the official broadcast media partner of the tournament, the GMD of AIT commended the Organisers for taking up the challenge of supporting women's football in Nigeria. 

He recounted that in the past, most league matches were aired live, which built the enthusiasm of Nigerians, who always scamper for their television whenever matches were to be played. He also noted that AIT will always be inclined to encourage organisations like Ratels Sports Development Foundation that is selflessly seeking to promote women's football.

"We at AIT are very excited to be part of this year's Flying Officers Cup," Akiotu said. 

"We have been at the forefront of promoting women football which is one sport that needs to lot of media attention. The Flying Officer’s Cup will give us the opportunity to avail our numerous viewers across Nigeria with the best of Women's Football, which they have been yearning for long. 

"Sports is a major unifying force which is an important part of our contents and football in particular plays a key role to a large section of our target demographic. 

"We in AIT will make out various sports platform available to your foundation and we sincerely hope to have more partnerships with Ratels Sports Development Foundation and make more impact in our society through Sports." He Concluded. 

Speaking on the partnership, Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF) President, Barrister Paul Edeh, who was accompanied by other Organizing Committee members of the Flying Officers Cup noted that the idea behind the Flying Officers Cup is to immortalize the late Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile for her selfless service to Nigeria and also to keep her legacies alive. He stated that RSDF choice of AIT as official media broadcast partners for the Flying Officers Cup is based on it's consistent support for the growth of women's football and the girl-child.

"We are delighted to be doing this with AIT, a station known for its uniqueness in live broadcast. This is another huge leap for Ratels Sports Development Foundation and would surely help complement the efforts put together so far by the Organizing Committee. 

"The Flying Officers Cup will keep aiming for greatness, and we at Ratels Sports Development Foundation will continue to push for more of this, which will clearly help to develop women's football in Nigeria and beyond." He Concluded. 

The Africa Independent Television (AIT) is the largest privately operated terrestrial television network with stations in twenty-four out of thirty-six states in Nigeria. The 2021 edition of the Flying Officers Cup will take place from the 10th to the 24th of October 2021 in Abuja at the Area 10 Sports Complex Abuja.

Flying Officers Cup 2021: Organisers reassure participants to deliver outstanding tournament

With less than three weeks to the beginning of the 2021 edition of the Flying Officers Cup, Organisers of the biggest Women Football Pre-season Competition in Africa have promised a thrilling Championship. 

Already, top teams in Nigeria and neighboring African countries have started preparation for the competition, which is billed to hold from the 10th to the 24th of October 2021 at the Area 10 Sports Complex, FCT, Abuja, with 16 teams contesting for the trophy, currently held by Bayelsa Queens.

Preparation for the tournament has reached a pivotal stage and General Coordinator of the Championship, Barrister Victoria Nlemigbo said everyone involved have been working relentlessly to deliver the biggest and best ever Pre-season Championship.

"We no doubt have an overwhelming desire to deliver the biggest and best ever women football Pre-season Championship and through our determination, plans and decisiveness, we will be able to achieve this vision. 

"We understand it takes a lot and we are working relentlessly and will take the most extraordinary measures with the support of all involved to stage a fabulous tournament. 

"The facilities, logistics and other important things needed are almost 100% ready. The re-grassing and upgrading of the Area 10 Sports Complex and we have also made arrangement and partnership with relevant bodies to ensure we have a smooth competition. 

"The fans, media and other stakeholders can look forward to the beautiful game of soccer here in Abuja from the 10th to the 24th of October." She concluded.

The 2021 Edition of the Flying Officers Cup, will see sixteen teams battle for honours in Abuja from the 10th to the 24th of October 2021.

Global Sporting Brand 'Masita' Partners Ratels Sports Foundation to boost Flying Officers Cup

 

One of Europe's biggest Sports Equipment brand, Masita on Monday in far-away Holland gave it's backing to the biggest Women Football Pre-season Championship in Africa, the Flying Officers Cup.

The Dutch Sportswear brand stamped their endorsement on the Women's Pre-season Championship when the President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF) President, Barrister Paul Edeh was received at their head office in Mastritch, Holland on Monday.

Masita was founded in 1933 by the Mass family from Sittard and focus mainly on the trade and processing of sportswear, kitting clubs like Fortuna Sittard, Guinea National Team, Kiyovu Sports Rwanda, Mees Palace Football Academy Jos, Namungo Tanzania, KMV Tanzania, Wakriya Guinea and the many more.

While receiving Barrister Paul Edeh, the Chief Executive Officer of the top European Sportswear, Kurt Molin was full of praises for Edeh, who he said has invested massively into the growth of women's football in Nigeria and Africa. The top executive further went on to say that a partnership deal between Masita and Ratels Sports Development Foundation is on the verge of getting sealed. 

"We are thrilled to enter into a relationship with Ratels Sports Development Foundation and Naija Ratels, a promising and ambitious Club and we hope that this strategic partnership allows us to work closely with the club as they enter into this next phase . 

"We have read a lot about what Ratels Sports Development Foundation are doing with women football in Nigeria and are proud to receive the President of the Foundation, Barrister Paul Edeh to our head office here in Holland.

"We are highly satisfied with all these achievements and are ready to partner with the foundation on their numerous programmes including the upcoming Flying Officers Cup.  

"Masita look forward to a great partnership and also confident that we can always get the best from this agreement. 

"We are proud to be kit sponsor of the club in the forthcoming Women's League season in Nigeria."

Also in the meeting in Holland was Former Super Eagles and South Korea Men National team Head Coach, Bonfrere Joe, who described Barrister Paul Edeh as a man who should be emulated by many in the Football Cycle in Nigeria and Africa. 

Bonfrere Joe who was pioneer Technical Adviser of the Super Falcons, leading them to their first ever FIFA Women World Cup in China (1991), inspiring players like Ann Chiejine, Uche Eucharia, Marvis Ogun, Chioma Ajunwa and many more to greatness later on in their career expressed his happiness with  the project of Ratels Sports Development Foundation.

"It is a huge achievement from my brother, Barrister Paul Edeh. We need more of this to develop women's football in Africa and am impressed with what we have been able to see from the last two editions. 

"I would like to inform you that what you are doing is unprecedented and that's the reason I am giving my full support to this competition and am sure it would go a long way to help get women's football to it's right position in Africa and the world as a whole.

"I'm very hopeful and optimistic that this partnership with Masita is one of many partnerships that would be sealed by your foundation." 

He also hinted that he will be in Nigeria in the coming weeks for the 25th anniversary celebration of the Olympic Gold Medal won by  Nigeria. 

Also reacting, Mr Emmanuel Adukwu, the CEO of Mees Palace Football Academy, Jos who brokered the deal heaped praises on the Sports Brand that has continued to support teams in Africa. 

"The Masita brand offers the biggest opportunity to the growing sports market in Nigeria and Africa at large

producing the highest quality sports equipment at the most affordable prices known for durability as well. I am happy that more teams are deciding to come on board the Masita partnership especially the Ratels Sports Development Foundation". Adukwu noted.  

He further listed technical assistance to the Various teams kitted by Masita through their coaches exchange program as a variable benefit no Nigerian sports club can afford to Ignore.

Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF) Boss, Barrister Paul Edeh thanked the Chief Executive Officer of Masita Sportswear for giving them the chance to seal a partnership with  them, He also hailed former Super Eagles Coach Bonfrere Joe for lending his hand of support to the Flying Officers Cup, promising him that his Foundation will do all that is possible to continue pushing for a better future for the girl-child. 

"Today's announcement with Masita represents a landmark day for Ratels Sports Development Foundation and Naija Ratels Football Club's commercial strategy as we continue to attract new global brands to our projects. 

"My visit to Europe is to seal partnership deals and develop the various programmes of the Ratels Sports Development Foundation, as we  get prepared and ready to host the best and the biggest Women Football Pre-season Championship next month. 

"We are glad with this kind of support and partnership gotten from 'Masita' which is well known world wide as one of the top sports clothing company. We will also  work and ensure that we get positives from this agreement. 

I also want to thank Mr. Emmanuel Adukwu, who is Nigeria representative of the brand 'Masita' and also the veteran Football Coach, Bonfrere Joe, who is a man that I have always admired even before he led Nigeria to their first ever Gold medal at the Football event in the Olympics. He is technically sound and have always been a winner. 

Ratels Sports Development Foundation is the brain child of Legal Luminary, Barrister Paul Edeh and have been given various supports to the girl-child through Sports and Education.

NWPL: Naija Ratels unveil seven new players ahead of new season

Newly promoted NWFL Premiership side, Naija Ratels FC on Saturday unveiled seven (7) new players ahead of the new 2021/2022 Premiership season..

Unveiling the players in Abuja, Edeh said the seven new players, most of them still in their teens, were carefully scouted from the grassroots in line with the traditions and policy of the club. 

The Chairman of the Club also gave a hint on his plans ahead of the new Premiership season, insisting that the club has all what it takes to compete well. 

“Our vision is to discover and groom young players; we discovered these players from our grassroots pre-season.

“My dream is to give these young girls the opportunity to play football, which they have been yearning for,” he said.

The astute Sports Administrator noted that as part of efforts to focus on young talents, an 11-year-old super talented soccer queen was among those unveiled for the team.

“We have a very young player here called Mirabel, she is just 11 years old and she has also been placed on scholarship up to University level; a record for the league.

“We are not only developing the players for the club, but for national teams when the need arises,” he said.

Edeh said other young players would also be placed on scholarships, as part of efforts to ensure the girls combined their budding football career with a sound education.

Earlier, the team’s Head coach, Bankole Olowookere said the team was fully ready for the season, and to ‘ruffle the feathers’ of established teams in the league.

The experienced tactician, who is also the coach of the Flamingos, the national U-17 women’s team, maintained that football was no longer played by big names, but by young dynamic players with a good team chemistry.

He said most of the new signings were from academies, and that his priority was to mould them into a formidable team.

“We have been training hard for the new season and I can tell you that we are not scared of any big name, we are a young side ready to take the league by storm,” he said.

The seven new players unveiled include 11-year-old Mirable Amedu from Naija Ratels academy, Fakiyesi Abisola, and Mbah Chidinma from New Generation Football Academy, Omede Regina from Adamawa Queens.

Others are Precious Daniel (WACO), Sandra Adugbe, Lakeside Queens Academy, and Adesina Itunuoluwa.

Naija Ratels FC is one of the newly promoted NWFL side and would be participating in the third edition of the Flying Officers Cup billed for October in Abuja next month.

Five things to look out for at 2021 Flying Officers Cup

A number of Nigerian women's team have participated at the Flying Officer's cup since the tournament birthed in 2019.

In 2019, Edo Queens emerge winners after defeating Nasarawa Amazons in the final. Nasarawa Amazons lost in the 2020 final to eventual winners Bayelsa Queens by a lone goal. 

This year's edition promises to be bigger and better, with sixteen teams fighting for honours, including three from neighboring African countries Benin Republic and Ghana.

Here are five Reasons why we should all look forward to the biggest women's football Pre-season Championship in Africa.

1. It's Something Different. 

There has never been a Pre-season like this before, where teams from outside of Nigeria will be represented. 

This would be an opportunity for teams to taste a different kind of football and opportunity away from norms. The atmosphere is expected to be something new. 

2. Rivalries 

One of Flying Officers Cup biggest selling points would be the passionate rivalries many teams in the tournament have with their opponents. 

So many rivalries will be rekindled. From the local derbies to the African one. 

Top teams like Rivers Angels, Bayelsa Queens, Nasarawa Amazons and FC Robo Queens may most likely meet up in the competition.

3. The Return Of Fans. 

A handful of supporters will be allowed to come support their clubs. Recently, the Coronavirus epidemic ravaged the world, which made most matches played behind closed doors. With fans coming in and taking necessary precautions, it promises to be an electrifying environment at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja. 

4. Cracking Goals And Entertaining Style Of Play. 

Look forward to strikes such as the sumptuous free-kick scored last year by Royal Queens midfielder Chioma Olise against Edo Queens or the stunner from about 30 yards scored by Naija Ratels midfielder Blessing Emmanuel to give her side the equalizer against Nasarawa Amazons in the Semi-final. We are expected to see even better goals this time around. 

5. Underdogs Giving The Favourites A Run For Their Money. 

If the 2020 edition of the Flying Officers Cup taught us anything, it was that nothing is ever certain in Football. Naija Ratels an underdog, went on to reach the Semi-final of the Flying Officers Cup, losing via penalties to Edo Queens and Nasarawa Amazons respectively in the third-place and semi's matches. 

We might be seeing more surprises this year with teams from the NWFL Nationwide, Championship and Premiership all participating.

Naija Ratels boss, Barrister Paul Edeh reveals push for women's football

The Proprietor of Naija Ratel FC of Abuja Paul Edeh has revealed that his desire to support the girl child and give them a voice motivated him into Football.

Barrister Paul Edeh who spoke as a Guest on the virtual Personality Interview Segment of the FCT Football Updates Platform said his desire to ensure that the girl child has a means of livelihood and be able to exhibit their talents in the game of football remains a force that has propelled him so far.

"it's my quest to give back to the girl child, and that has continued to inspire me, and I am not giving up on that dream. I am building a legacy for the next generation. I would want Naija Ratels, Honey Baggers and everything that I am doing around sports to be a reference point. To be something that people in future can understand and know how it can be done better,  and how football can be used as a tool to support the girl child in education and a means of livelihood. To support the girl child grow higher. It's my desire that in future people will be able to say that this man did not give up on his dream ".

He said that he started Naija Ratels to build a community based team that every Nigerian would be proud of, and has a culture that resonate the African tradition." that is the reason in the choice of our name, we decided to blend a pidgin English name of Nigeria to Naija and I am expecting that in a couple of years, when you look back at club ownership, you will be able to say indeed club ownership should belong to private ownership as we have in Europe, where it is private sector driven " he concluded.

Flying Officers Cup 2021: Organisers raise prize money, inaugurates planning committee

President of Ratels Sports Foundation, Barrister Paul Edeh on Thursday inaugurated the organising committee for the third Edition of the Flying Officers Cup billed to hold in Abuja from the 22nd of September to 1st October 2021. 

The constituted committee which was set up to oversee the planning, organisation and success of the biggest Pre-Season Championship in Africa consists of nine members, with Dr. Victoria Nlemigbo as General Coordinator, others include Moses Bako (Head of Awards Committee), Olayinka Olawole (Secretary), Grace John (Treasurer), Promise Uwaeme, Oluchi Tobe-chukwu, Faith Oluchi Meremegbunam, Segun Akeusola and Wendy Mbanefo

Performing the inauguration through a Zoom Meeting on Thursday evening, Ambassador Barrister Paul Edeh in his speech said the Committee was formed with a view of organising a befitting and colourful women football fiesta. 

"As part of our commitment towards Women Football development in Nigeria, the governing Board of the Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF) under my leadership is proud to inaugurate the planning committee for the 2021 Flying Officers Cup Pre-Season Championship. 

"The Flying Officers Cup is a yearly event that has become an integral part of the RSDF and this year's edition will be primarily dedicated to honouring our heroes past for peace and unity.

"A special Award Ceremony will be held at the end of the tournament to honour and reward deserving individuals who have made remarkable achievements in various spheres of life, including sports and have been a great source of inspiration to the girl-child for over a period of time. 

"In addition, Digital Mirroring Concepts Limited will work as the official media consultants for the Tournament and shall coordinate the media and branding component of the Tournament. The consultants will work 

with the Committee to achieve its mandate. 

"The Competition will hold from the 22nd of September to the 1st Of October 2021 and will have 12 teams Participating, alongside two foreign clubs from neighboring country. 

Speaking further, the Abuja based Legal Luminary noted that the Prize Money for the 2021 edition has been increased from N500,000 to N1m (One Million Naira), while the second, third and fourth placed teams will go home with N500,000, N300,000 and N200,000 respectively.  

The UN SDG Peace Ambassador urged the committee to promptly swing into action towards the successful outcome of the Pre-Season Championship, tasking them to work closely with each other to ensure that all aspects of the tournament are covered. 

The General Coordinator of the Committee, Dr. Victoria Nlemigbo and other members thanked the President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation, Barrister Paul Edeh for considering them worthy of the task ahead and promised to give their utmost best to ensure competition continues to be the best in the whole of Africa.

The Flying Officers Cup is the biggest Women Football Pre-Season Championship in Africa and for the first time in three years, Football Clubs from Ghana and Cameroun will be participating.