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.

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)

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)

Defending champions Bayelsa Queens crash out of Flying Officers Cup as NWPL quartet seal quarterfinal berth

 

Four teams sealed qualification to the quarter final of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup after the conclusion of Group A and B games on Friday, October 15.

Royal Queens held Ghana Police Ladies FC to a 2-2 draw in the first game of the day.

Soroibe Chinanza gave the 'Canadian Geese' the lead through a header in the seventh minute.

Three minutes later, Ruth Appiah equalised for the Ghana Police Ladies just the same way Soroibe Chinanza did for Royal Queens.

Ghana Police Ladies forward, Jane Ayieyam delivered a fantastic header to give the Ghanaian side the lead for the first time in the game.

Ivoy Kolli was sent off for the Ghana Police Ladies late in the first half for her second bookable offences.

In the 62nd minute, Royal Queens FC's incessant pressures paid off as Chika Idika restored parity for the Warri based side to make the score line 2-2.

Naija Ratels in the second game of the day defeated Honey Badgers 0-2.

As early as the second minutes of play, Olamide Adugbe converted a free kick from 25 yards to give Naija Ratels the lead.

Sofiat Bankole scored her first goal of the tournament in the sixth minute to double Naija Ratels FC's lead from a rebound.

The results means that Royal Queens finished top of Group A with five points from three games and qualified for the quarter final alongside Naija Ratels FC (4 points) while Ghana Police Ladies FC (2 points) and Honey Badgers FC (2 points) crashed out of the tournament.

In Group B, Osun Babes held defending Champions, Bayelsa Queens to a barren draw.

The game in which Bayelsa Queens dominated possession ended in a 0-0 draw with the 'Prosperity Ladies' wasting lots of chances while Osun Babes goalkeeper, Nwachukwu Elizabeth was solid for the Omoluabi Queens emerging as the player of the match.

FC Robo Queens thrashed Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens FC 6-1 to finish top of Group B.

Rukayat Shobowale in the tenth minute open the goals galore for FC Robo Queens as she collected a pass from Ajakaye Opeyemi and slotted in coolly.

In the second half, FC Robo Queens scored five more goals to solidify their lead.

Taiwo Lawal in the 53rd minute doubled FC Robo Queens' lead while Shukurat Oladipupo made it three seven minutes later.

Opeyemi Ajakaye after her previous assist found the back of the net for her new team in the 70th minute.

Jimoh Ajoke's own goal and Essien Marylene's 81st minute strike completed the rout before Esther Adesoji pulled a goal back for Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens FC from the penalty spot in the 90th minute.

FC Robo Queens with seven points from three games topped Group B and qualified for the quarter final alongside Osun Babes (5 points) as defending Champions, Bayelsa Queens and Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens crashed out of the tournament.

| 2021 Flying Officers Cup Day 6 Results | 

Royal Queens 2-2 Ghana 

Honey Badgers FC 0-2 Naija Ratels FC

Osun Babes 0-0 Bayelsa Queens

Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens FC 1-6 FC Robo Queens

|Saturday, 16th October 2021|  

SGH Sports Academy Amazon FC Vs Sunshine Queens FC -8am

WACO Ladies FC Vs Confluence Queens FC- 10.30am

Lakeside Queens FC Vs Nasarawa Amazons -1pm

Edo Queens FC vs Dannaz  FC -3.30pm

Flying Officers Cup Day II Wrap: Confluence Queens wallop SGH Academy, Osun Babes rally to beat Eletu Queens as Bayelsa Queens slip

 

The second day of 2021 Flying Officers Cup lived up to the billings as the defending champions, Bayelsa Queens suffered a 1-0 defeat in the hands of rivals FC Robo Queens in what was the repeat of the 2021 AITEO Cup final.

The game got off to a lively start with FC Robo Queens dominating the early proceedings with the defending champions unable to penetrate the 'Lagos Landladies' defence in the opening 10 minutes.

Neither side produced any chances of note after 15 minutes of play as Bayelsa Queens look happy to invite FC Robo Queens into their own half. 

FC Robo Queens had the first real chance of the game in the 16th minute when Ajakaye raced away on the counter before squaring the ball towards Ijamilusi in the box, but it didn't quite had any effect. 

Yahaya Marylene finally scored the solitary goal of the game and first of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup in the 18th minute as she beat helpless Monle Omini in goal for Bayelsa Queens after receiving a cross from Esther Onyenezide.

Osun Babes had to come from behind in the second game of the day to secure a 2-1 win over Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens FC.

Mega Cynthia had given Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens the lead in the 42nd minute before Ebere Oleka equalised for the Omoluabi Queens in the 52nd minute when she found a free space upfront and rounded off Adesoji Esther in goal for Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens.

Eight minutes from full time, Osun Babes took the lead for the first time in the game as Suliat Ajibade took advantage of a loose ball from Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens' defence and made it count.

The final game of the day between Confluence Queens and SGH Sports Academy ended 4-0 in favour of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership side.

Mercy Omokwe scored the fastest goal of this year's tournament immediately after kick off to give Confluence Queens the lead.

Three more goals from Arit Usang, Godson Orjiugo and Suliat Hassan handed Confluence Queens the biggest victory thus far at the 2021 Flying Officers Cup.

Actions will continue tomorrow, as Sunshine Queens will play against WACO Ladies in the first game of the day by 8am, two time finalists, Nasarawa Amazons will tackle Edo Queens by 10:30am in what seem like a repeat of the 2019 Flying Officers Cup final. Lakeside Queens will be up against Dannaz Ladies by 1pm, and by 3pm, Naija Ratels will hope to do better when they play against Royal Queens in their second game of the competition.

Flying Officers Cup 2021: Confluence Queens, Honey Badgers, FC Robo Queens, Osun Babes in action for game day two

 

Monday promises to be an action-packed day at the ongoing Flying Officers Cup 2021, with Bayelsa Queens, FC Robo Queens, Confluence Queens and Honey Badgers all in action. 

Royal Queens and Honey Badgers will kick-off matches on monday, while the biggest match of the day would be the match between defending Champions Bayelsa Queens and FC Robo Queens by 10:30pm. 

Osun Babes FC and Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens will battle themselves at exactly 1pm on monday afternoon, while the last game at 3pm would be between SGH Academy and Confluence Queens.

On the opening day, Naija Ratels played a goalless draw against Ghana Police Ladies FC, in a game where a lot of goalscoring chances were lost. 

Monday fixtures: 

Royal Queens Vs Honey Badgers (8am)

Bayelsa Queens Vs FC Robo Queens (10:30am)

Osun Babes Vs Prince Kazeem Eletu (1pm)

SGH Academy FC Vs Confluence Queens (3pm).

Aku brace inspires Rivers Angels to beat FC Robo

Cynthia Aku scored a brace in an effective second half as Nigeria Women Premier League champions, Rivers Angels secured a 3-0 home victory against FC Robo on Wednesday.

Arsenal Ladies Star, Oshoala Named as Childhood Club Ambassador

 2014 CAF Women's Player of the year, Asisat Oshoala, has become an official Ambassador of the Club that offered her the platform to pursue a career in football.

NWPL: Fakunle Crowns Player of the Month

Delta Queens forward Oluwaseun Fakunle has been named as Futbalgalore.com's best player in the Nigeria Women Premier League for the month of May.

NWPL: Igbinovia, Five Others gets Player of the Month Award Nomination

Bayelsa Queens duo Osarenoma Igbinovia and Rofiat Sule lead the nominations for May's Nigeria Women Premier League Player of the Month
award as powered by Futbalgalore.com.

NWPL: Okon Not Under Pressure to Defend Title

While the 2015/2016 Nigeria Women Premier League has kick started with interesting results from the opening week, all eyes have been on how Rivers Angels will fight to defend the title they won last season.

Rivers Angels Set for Fed Cup Scuffle

Six times Women’s Federation Cup champions, Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt are set redeem their image as this year’s oldest cup competition takes center stage.

NWPL: FC Robo, Delta Queens Share Spoils in Season Opener

A late comeback spared FC Robo Queens blushes as they denied Delta Queens an away win in the Nigeria Women Premier League opener after coming from 2-1 down to draw 2-2.