President Federation Cup: Ogbonda talks up Rivers Angels' chances against Edo Queens

 

Rivers Angels are gearing up for a crucial showdown as they prepare to face Edo Queens in the round of 16 President Federation Cup. 

Coach Whyte Ogbonda, determined to turn the tide following the inability of his side to win the league title, expressed confidence in his team's readiness to secure a victory against Edo Queens on Wednesday.

"Our preparations have been meticulous, both players and technical staff are primed for the challenge ahead. We're fully prepared to take on Edo Queens and secure a win," remarked Ogbonda.

Despite a recent setback of not winning the league, Ogbonda apologized and reassured that the team has put behind them the setback and promised to make it up to the good people of Rivers State.

 "We are disappointed that we couldn't lift the trophy for the fans and good people of Rivers State, we know how they trusted us to bring the trophy back, but it didn't happen. We tried our best, but our best wasn't good enough. We want to apologize to the fans and the owners of the team for our inability to win the league title."

Captain Catherine Kenneth echoed Ogbonda's sentiments, expressing the entire team's disappointment for not winning the league title but assured their readiness to win the President Federation Cup.

 "We were not happy losing the league title, considering we got so close. It was in our hands, but it slipped from us. As a team, we are not happy because the government of Rivers State has supported us thus far, and we wanted to win the trophy to pay them back, but we couldn't. 

I want to apologize on behalf of my girls, and we say, please bear with us; we plead for your support in the Federation Cup; don't give up on us."

Striker Alvine Dah-Zossu highlighted that, though the team failed to win the league title after their hard work, they have put behind them the pains and disappointment to focus on the Federation Cup. 

"We were all disappointed because we wanted to win the trophy; we really worked hard to get the trophy, but it was quite unfortunate that we didn't win it. We have been able to put behind us the setback; we had a meeting with our officials, and we were made to understand that it's either we win or we learn. So, we have learnt from our mistakes during the Super Six, and we are ready to correct them when we face Edo Queens on Wednesday."

The Jewels of Rivers have met Edo Queens thrice this season, winning twice and losing one.

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.

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.

Stats, numbers recorded from Flying Officers Cup 2021 after first round of games

 

From Osun Babes crashing defending Champions Bayelsa Queens out of competition to FC Robo Queens scoring six(6) goals against Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens, to non-league side Lakeside Queens holding Nasarawa Amazons till the last minute of the game, it has been a tournament to savour for. 

The Flying Officers Cup is a special tournament, often offering women football fans and players the highest highs they can ever imagine.

After a week of non-stop football activities, it has all come down to eight (8) teams qualifying for the Quarter-finals. Naija Ratels, Osun Babes, FC Robo Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, Edo Queens, Confluence Queens, Royal Queens and Sunshine Queens. Here are some of the statistics that have illuminated the tournament so far in the first round. 

• (4) No of teams that have participated in the last every edition of the Flying Officers Cup (Nasarawa Amazons, Edo Queens, Honey Badgers, Naija Ratels).

• (16) No of teams participating in the 2021 Edition

• (24) The number of games played so far in the first round.

• (18) No of wins recorded in the first round of games.

• (5) No of draws in the first round of games. 

• (54) Number of goals scored so far. The highest number ever recorded in the first round of games of the Flying Officers Cup.

• (1) Just one Hat-trick so far in the first round, scored by Emem Essien of Edo Queens against Lakeside Queens. 

(2) No of braces scored. Juliet Sunday of Bayelsa Queens against Prince Kazeem Eletu and Ibinabo Georgewill' against WACO Ladies FC.

• (20) Number of clean-sheets recorded by Goalkeepers in the first round of games. 

• (3) Own goals recorded in the first round. (Ayo Anifowoshe Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens Vs Bayelsa Queens) • (Jimoh Ajoke, Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens Vs FC Robo Queens) • (Ambali Sekinat, Lakeside Queens Vs Nasarawa Amazons).

• (2) Two teams yet to concede, Edo Queens and Confluence Queens. 

• (3) Ghana Police Ladies, team with the highest number of draws in first round. 

• (9) Highest number of goals scored by team in the first round (Confluence Queens)..

• (2) Edo Queens and Confluence Queens are the only teams to win all all their three matches in the group stages.

• (1) Mercy Omokwu of Confluence Queens scored the fastest goal of the first round. Her goal was scored in the first minute against SGH Sports Academy Amazons. 

• (6) Bayelsa Queens 6-0 win over Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens, was the biggest margin of victory seen in the first round.

Flying Officers Cup: Sunshine Queens, Onilude confident ahead of Edo Queens' clash

Sunshine Queen's head coach, Tayo Onilude says she feels 'very positive' about their quarter-final clash with Edo Queens on Tuesday. 

Sunshine Queens qualified to the next round of the Flying Officers Cup on Saturday, after defeating SGH Sports Academy Amazons by a lone goal. The 'Betty Babes' recorded two victories (against Waco Ladies and SGH Sports Academy) and one loss against Confluence Queens in the group stages, scoring two and conceding one in the process. 

Coach Onilude, who took over the realms of affair at the Akure-based side four months ago is optimistic that her team will do well against Edo Queens, despite not being the favourite in the encounter.

'When you are in this kind of Competition and you get to this stage, you don't want to look back. You just want to keep going.

'It is true that am building a new team from the scratch, but it doesn't stop us from competing. We want to keep going and growing as a team. 

'I feel very positive about this encounter and trust my players to lift their games, even though people think we are not the favourite for this encounter.

'We haven't been taking our chances too, we need to learn how not to lose chances. The more chances we convert, the better for us as we move higher in the Flying Officers Cup. 

'Our opponents have good and experienced players, and that's one thing we need to be wary of. We believe in ourselves and we are very hopeful." She concluded. 

Sunshine Queens are participating for the first time at the Flying Officers Cup and will face Edo Queens in the quarter-finals of the Flying Officers Cup on Tuesday by 1pm.

Flying Officers Cup 2021: Confluence, Edo, Sunshine Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, others secure quarter-finals place

The last four clubs have qualified for the quarter final stage of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup after the conclusion of Group C and D games on Match Day 7.

In Group C, Sunshine Queens pipped SGH Academy 1-0 to make it to the quarter final.

Maryam Aluko took advantage of an error from Owogbemi Kehinde to slot in the winning goal for Sunshine Queens in the seventh minute.

Confluence Queens thumped WACO Ladies FC 4-0 in the second Group C game of the day to qualify for the quarter-finals with an 100 percent record so far in the tournament.

Ibinabo Georgewill in the 29th minute scored the first goal of the game for Confluence Queens. The former Rivers Angels forward headed in a cross from Suliat Hassan to make it count for the New Direction Ladies.

In the second half, two quick goals from Arit Usang (58th minute) and Martha Peter (61st minute) extended Confluence Queens' lead to three while Ibinabo Georgewill scored her second goal of the match in the 63rd minute to make it 4-0 in favour of the Lokoja based side.

Confluence Queens with nine points from three games finished top of Group C and qualify for the quarter final alongside Sunshine Queens (6 points) as SGH Academy (3 points) and WACO Ladies FC (0 point) bid the competition goodbye.

In Group D, Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership side Nasarawa Amazons had to endure a frustrating defensive display by Nationwide side, Lakeside Queens FC.

Lakeside Queens almost caused a major upset of the tournament but unfortunately, an own goal by Lakeside Queens goalkeeper and player of the match, Ambali Sekinat with the last kick of the game won the match for Nasarawa Amazons.

Edo Queens in the last game of the day earned a 3-0 win over Danaz Ladies FC to join Confluence Queens as the two clubs with perfect record so far in the tournament.

Chioma Olise in the 23rd minute tapped the ball into the net after Danaz Ladies goalkeeper failed to handle the ball well for Edo Queens first goal. The former Royal Queens player did well to give the Obaseki Ladies the lead.

Deborah Odiagbe in the 39th minute doubled the lead for the Obaseki Ladies with a header that came off a rebound from Danaz Ladies goal post while Rebecca Ajimuda made it 3-0 in the 51st minute with her second goal of the tournament.

Edo Queens finished at the top of Group D with a maximum of nine points from three games and completed the list of Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership clubs to qualify for the quarter final alongside Nasarawa Amazons (6 points) as Danaz Ladies FC (3 points) and Lakeside Queens FC (0 point) bowed out of the tournament.

In the Quarter-finals fixtures on Monday, 18th October, Royal Queens and Osun Babes will play the first game by 10am, while FC Robo Queens and Naija Ratels FC will play by 1pm.

On tuesday, Confluence Queens and Nasarawa Amazons will Kick-Off by 10am, while Edo Queens and Sunshine Queens by 1am.

| Quarter-Finals Fixtures, Monday, 18th Of October 2021| 

Royal Queens Vs Osun Babes 10am 

FC Robo Queens Vs Naija Ratels FC 1pm

| Quarter-Finals, Fixtures, Tuesday, 19th October)

Confluence Queens Vs Nasarawa Amazons 10am 

Edo Queens Vs Sunshine Queens 1pm

Flying Officers Cup Day 5 Wrap: Nasarawa Amazons, Edo Queens dominate; Royal Queens, Honey Badgers Share Spoils

 

The first game of the day between Royal Queens of Warri and Honey Badgers of Makurdi ended in a 1-1 draw.

Honey Badgers came from behind to pick an important point against Royal Queens on thursday morning, in the first game of the day 5 of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup. 

In-form teenager Atume Doosur got one back for her side in the 69th minute, after Ayo Arowokeye had scored for the 'Canadian geese' in the in the 54th minute, through a rebound that came from Vera Samuel's free-kick.

Royal Queens FC with four points from two games occupy the first position in Group A ahead of Honey Badgers FC (2 points), Ghana Police Ladies FC (2 points), and Naija Ratels FC (1 point).

The second game of the day from Group C ended 1-0 in favour of SGH Sports Academy Amazons over WACO Ladies.

Damilola Adebayo in the 59th minute scored the lone goal of the match for the Lagos based side. She outsmarted Best Funmilayo, shooting with her left foot to beat experienced goalkeeper, Abani Osinachi.

Confluence Queens seat at the top of Group C with six points from two games followed by SGH Academy and Sunshine Queens with three points apiece while WACO Ladies are without a point.

In Group D, Edo Queens scaled through Lakeside Queens defensive solidity to secure a 3-0 win with the three goals coming in the second half.

After having majority of ball possession without breakthrough, substitute, Emem Essien headed in a beautiful cross from Rebecca Ajimuda in the 60th minute for the Obaseki Ladies first goal of the game.

Emem Essien scored her second goal of the game in the 91st minute for Coach Wemimo Mathew's side before completing her hat-trick in the 93rd minute.

Nasarawa Amazons scored two goals in the second half to subdue Danaz Ladies FC 2-0.

Mercy Idoko in the 53rd minute gave the Solid Babes the lead from a very close range.

Substitute, Ayatsea  Hembafen doubled Nasarawa Amazons lead before goalkeeper, Chukwu Uchenna saved a penalty for the Amazons in the additional minutes of second half.

Edo Queens with a maximum of six points from two games occupy the first position in Group D while Nasarawa Amazons with three points moved to the second position ahead of Danaz Ladies FC (3 points), and Lakeside Queens (0 point).

The last group matches will hold tomorrow from 8am, with Royal Queens and Ghana Police Ladies playing the first game of the day. Honey Badgers and Naija Ratels will battle it out by 10:30am, while Osun Babes will play their last group games against Bayelsa Queens. Prince Kazeem Eletu and FC Robo Queens will play the last game of the day. 

|Thursday Result|

Royal Queens 1 Honey Badgers 1

SGH Academy 1 WACO Ladies 0

Edo Queens 3 Lakeside Queens 0

Dannaz Ladies 0 Nasarawa Amazons 2

| Friday Fixtures | (All at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja).

Group Fixtures ,15th Friday October 2021

Royal Queens Fc v Ghana Police Ladies -8am

Honey Badgers Fc vs Naija Ratels -10.30am

Osun Babes Fc   v. Bayelsa Queens Fc -1pm

Prince Kazeem Eletu Fc vs FC Robo Queens -3.30pm

Flying Officers Cup Day 4 Recap: Confluence Queens books quarter final place, Bayelsa hits Eletu Queens for six as Honey Badgers avoid arrest from Ghana Police Ladies

 

The Flying Officers Cup 2021 Matchday 4 continue on wednesday as groups are taking shape ahead of their final group games.

Honey Badgers FC held Ghana Police Ladies FC to a 1-1 draw in the first game of the day.

The Ghanaian forward, Juanita Aguadze expertly looped the ball above Dzer Comfort to give Ghana Police Ladies a precious lead in the 17th minute.

Eight minutes later, young forward, Atume Doosur smashed a fantastic free kick over the wall of Ghana Police Ladies FC's wall and over the goalkeepers shoulder to equalize for Honey Badgers.

Emmanuel James in the 33rd minute had a golden chance to put Honey Badgers FC ahead. She practically received a good cross from Odoh Odiwira and had an empty goal post to deal with, but played the ball wide.

Ghana Police Ladies with the result occupy the second position in Group A with two points from two games, a point behind leaders, Royal Queens FC.

Honey Badgers FC and Naija Ratels FC have one point apiece.

The second game of the day in Group B witnessed a high score line as defending Champions, Bayelsa Queens shrugged off its 1-0 defeat to FC Robo Queens and recorded a 6-0 triumph over Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens FC.

Bayelsa Queens almost got the first goal in the 14th minute as former Confluence Queens and Rivers Angels player, Ozinuchi Amaewhule's free kick hit the woodwork.

Eight minutes later, the 'New Direction' Ladies finally scored the first goal as Juliet Sunday headed in a cross from Edet Glory.

In the 25th minute, Bayelsa Queens doubled their lead with Sunday Juliet's second goal of the game. Juliet cruised past her markers before beating Aiyelowo Bidemi in goal for Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens.

Another Juliet in Juliet Bassey made it 3-0 for Bayelsa Queens in the 37th minute.

In the second half, the 2021 AITEO Cup Champions scored three more goals from Precious Vincent, Kafayat Bashiru, and Ayo Anifowoshe's own goal.

The second Group B game ended in 1-1 draw.

As early as the eighth minute, Olamide Bolaji's header for Osun Babes went a bit wide after receiving a cross from Patience Dike.

In the 74th minute, Osun Babes got the breakthrough courtesy of a goal from Kesiena Ojiyovwi.

Another goal went in quick successions as FC Robo Queens equalized two minutes later thanks to Taiwo Lawal's strike.

Osun Babes with four points from two games alongside FC Robo Queens on the same four points seat at the top of the table while Bayelsa Queens are in the third position with three points from two games as Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens FC will play FC Robo Queens in their last game for pride after losing its first two group games.

In the last game of the day, Confluence Queens of Lokoja booked a place in the semi final after a 1-0 win over Sunshine Queens of Akure.

Former Rivers Angels player, Ibinabo Georgewill scored on her debut for Confluence Queens as the forward headed home a beautiful cross from Mercy Omokwu in the 75th minute.

Confluence Queens with a maximum of six points from two games qualify for the quarter final.

On thursday, games will continue at the Flying Officers Cup, with Royal Queens battling Honey Badgers by 8am, Oasis Ladies will play against SGH Academy FC by 10:30am, Edo Queens and Lakeside Queens by 1pm, while Danaz Ladies and Nasarawa Amazons will play the last game of the day by 3:30pm.

Flying Officers Cup Day 3 Wrap: Nasarawa Amazons, Naija Ratels slip as Royal Queens, Sunshine Queens record victory

 

The Flying Officers Cup 2021 reached day three on tuesday with the three games all ending 1-0 each against WACO Ladies, Nasarawa Amazons And Naija Ratels FC. 

The 2021 Flying Officers Cup reaches day three on Tuesday at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja (the capital city of Nigeria).

Sunshine Queens of Akure in the first game of the day upended WACO Ladies of Abuja 1-0 in a close encounter between the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership side and the non league side.

After 14 minutes of the keenly contested encounter, Sunshine Queens FC eventually found the breakthrough in the 15th minute as Taye Ajibade scored the winning goal for the Betty Babes from a rebound.

After conceding, WACO Ladies FC gathered momentum showing intent and purpose to equalise without conceding any goal.

WACO Ladies' goalkeeper, Abani Osinachi in the 32nd minute brilliantly saved an effort from Eretan Ireti, which got the fans applauding her for the performance.

WACO Ladies FC in the 58th minute were handed a penalty by the referee after Ekocha Stella was brought down inside the Sunshine Queens' penalty area.

Ekwe Favour could not win the battle of wills as she played the resulting penalty wide from the spot.

Edo Queens in the second game of the day pipped Nasarawa Amazons 1-0 to kick off its campaign on a positive note.

Nasarawa Amazons started the game with intent and purpose but the heroics of Obidinma Nkiruka in goal for Edo Queens prevented the Lafia based side from finding the back of the net.

In the 14th minute, Edo Queens goalkeeper, Obidinma Nkiruka did well to punch an intending ball away for safety. 

Adaobi Ukah in the 57th minute was brought down by Duru Joy and the referee signals for a free kick in favour of Edo Queens.

Left full back, Ajimuda Rebecca converted the resultant free kick to score the winning goal for Edo Queens in the 60th minute.

NWFL Championship side, Dannaz Ladies FC earned a 2-0 win over NWFL Nationwide side, Lakeside Queens in the third game of the day.

The game started in a cagey affair until the 44th minute when Ambali Sekinat in goal for Lakeside Queens was forced into making a double save denying Akinbo Ajoke in two quick successions.

After consecutive pressure from Dannaz Ladies FC, their efforts was rewarded in the 56th minute with a deserved penalty after Akinbo Ajoke was brought down inside the 18-yard-box. 

Two minutes later, Ogunfunwa Omotoke slotted the resulting penalty to give Dannaz Ladies FC the lead.

In the 60th minute, Mosindi Angela doubled Dannaz Ladies FC's lead as she ran through a free space and beat the goalkeeper flawlessly.

In the last game of the day, NWFL Premiership side, Royal Queens of Warri inflicted Naija Ratels FC with its first defeat of the tournament earning a 1-0 victory over the host team.

Naija Ratels FC created lots of chances in the course of the game but failed to utilize them as Olamide Adugbe and Bello Aminat failed to convert their chances in the first half.

Two minutes from half time, Royal Queens FC goalkeeper, Ohana Ruth expertly saved a fantastic volley from Aminat Bello.

Naija Ratels maintained large chunk of possession in the second half but were unable to find the back of the net as Royal Queens defended well and posed dangerous counter attacking threats.

In the 55th minute, Eunice Godwin scored the winning goal for Royal Queens FC.

Naija Ratels toiled hard to get the equaliser but to no avail as Royal Queens moved to the top of Group A with three points from its first game.

Action will continue on Wednesday, October 13, as Honey Badgers FC face Ghana Police Ladies FC in the early game by 8 am.

Prince Kazeem Eletu will trade tackles with defending Champions, Bayelsa Queens by 10:30 am.

FC Robo Queens and Osun Babes will attempt to seal a place in the quarter final with a win after opening day victory over Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens FC and Bayelsa Queens respectively.

The final game of the day will see Confluence Queens square up with Sunshine Queens by  3 pm.

Super Falcons Glory Ogbonna secures Damallsvenskan promotion with Umeå IK

By Favour Itua

Super Falcons defender Glory Ogbonna will make her dream debut in the elite league of women's football (Damallsvenskan) in Sweden next season following her promotion with Umea IK.

Ogbonna was on the lineup for UIK as they sealed their return to the top flight with a 6–2 win over IF Brommapojkarna at the

Umeå Energi Arena Sol, on Saturday.

The promotion is a dream come true for Ogbonna who has so far made eight league and two cup appearances since joining UIK in July and also won two player of the match awards with her wonderful performance in the push for promotion.

Speaking after the game, an elated Ogbonna said one of the reasons she joined was to help Umeå IK gain promotion. 

"I feel so happy today. It is a dream come true. 

"It was my main point of coming to help the team qualify and I'm happy I've achieved that today". 

Umeå IK remain top with 54 points after 22 matches with four matches left. 

The former Edo Queens player will now join the list of Super Falcons players like Faith Michael, Halimat Ayinde , Ngozi Okobi, Uchenna Kanu, Chinaza Uchendu, Anam Imo, Joy Bokiri who play in the Swedish top flight come next season.

Aiteo Cup: Olowookere hopes to create more great moments

Naija Ratels Manager, Bankole Olowookere is Keen on experiencing great moment in the AITEO Cup, as they face Edo Queens in the second round of the oldest Football Competition on Thursday at the Lokoja Township Stadium. 

The 'Ratels' won Tin City Queens 5-1 on Sunday in the first round of the Competition and will now face a more experienced side, Edo Queens and surely wants to come out victorious. 

The Federation Cup (AITEO Cup) is Nigerian oldest tournament with a huge history to its name and the Nigeria Women U-17 Coach wants to make history in the competition with Naija Ratels.

"It's something we want to do, we are looking forward to a great match with a very good team" Olowookere said. 

"Edo Queens have quality players and am sure they would give their all against us. It is true that we as a team wants to make history, it has to do with alot of hardwork and dedication on the pitch.

"For us, it's process and we will keep pushing for greatness as a United team, we know we would have to do more than ordinary to defeat Edo Queens on thursday and I think we are mentally and psychologically ready for that." He concluded. 

Naija Ratels were recently crowned Champions of the NWFL Championship and will face Edo Queens this thursday for the first time since meeting them last year November at the Flying Officers Cup.

 

AITEO Cup: Fierce battles in Ijebu-Ode, Benin City

Edo Queens defied all predictions to hold champions Rivers United to a 0-0 draw in their first leg, quarter final match at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt on Wednesday and look forward with high expectations to Saturday’s return in Benin City.