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.

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. 

Bolaji Olamide targets Flying Officers Cup glory with Osun Babes

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Olowookeere picks positive from Robo Queens loss at Flying Officers Cup

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* Royal Queens 0 Osun Babes 2

* FC Robo Queens 2 Naija Ratels 0. 

Wednesday, 20th Of October (Quarter Final)|

* Confluence Queens Vs Nasarawa Amazons (10am)

* Edo Queens Vs Sunshine Queens (1pm)

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 2021: Organisers train participants on safety, prevention of injury

 

Organisers of the 2021 Flying Officers, Ratels Sports Development Foundation, charged participants at the tournament to be conscious of the well being, both on and off the pitch. 

The lecture which focused on basic fundamental principles in the area of injury prevention, sports rehabilitation, performance optimization came on the backdrop of two fatal injuries that occured on Matchday five, between WACO Ladies and SGH Sports Academy Amazons. 

Renowned Orthopedic Surgeon and immediate Chief Medical Director of Maitama General Hospital, Dr Ahmed Suleiman, who was the resource person for the seminar, urged players to protect themselves and be self conscious whenever they are on the pitch of play. 

The sports medicine expert further advised players on how to attend to injuries when the case arises. 

"As a player, if you are injured, don't get carried away that the injury would signify the end of your career, go to a definitive centre and get the best of treatment for yourself. 

The former NFF Chief Medical Director also lectured the players and officials on how to live a healthy life, as well as first aid treatment that players can adopt before the arrival of the medical team in the case of Denmark captain, Christian Eriksson.

"The fact that you want to win at all times does not mean you should be careless about football. When you want to head the ball, you have to be sure that it is safe. When you want to chest your ball, you have to be sure that you are safe. Make sure that you play safely. These are self precautions. Rough tackles is one of our biggest challenges. If you hit my pelvis, it might destroy my abductor muscle. If you hit my knee, you are destroying my harmstring, Anterior Cruciate Ligament, Posterior Cruciate Ligament, and Meniscal injuries. If you tackle my ankle anyhow, you are fracturing my tibia, small bones of the leg and so on. The bones, ligaments and muscles go together. Anything that injures one, injures others. Players have to be as careful as possible. 

"As far as sports is concerned, the goalkeepers put on gloves so that when the shot is too hard, they guide the ball without fracturing the fingers and bones of the hand. We use to have soft knee braces so that when the knee is attacked, it reduces the injury. The boot protects the ankle. The basics is when a player is down in football due to contact, the nearest player should be the doctor immediately.

Find out whether the player is still breathing, bleeding and the rest to avoid escalation of injuries. It is called ABCD. A for the airway especially if the tongue is behind, you will have to put your hand so that the player won't die. B is for breathing to be sure if the chest is moving or not.

In his own part, President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation, Barrister Paul Edeh thanked Dr Ahmed Suleiman for finding time out of his very busy schedule to come lecture the players and officials of all 16 participating teams in the Flying Officers Cup on how to live a good life as an athlete, noting that, it has become necessary that there should an active collaboration of efforts by everyone involved in the competition to ensure that players are safe and that the Foundation will continue to work hard to see that players are more educated on the need to be safe both on and off the pitch..

He also stated that footballers and officials need information on nutrition that can make them healthy and also the kind of treatment they need to observe in case of injury and other things.

Esther Michael says Confluence Queens remain focused on Flying Officers Cup 2021 target

 

After putting up stellar performances which did not only earned them Quarter finals slot at the ongoing Flying Officers Cup in Abuja, Confluence Queens also hold hundred percent record in the tournament with three wins from three games, the Coach of Confluence Queens, Esther Michael has attributed the form to understanding of purpose.

Speaking on Saturday afternoon, after their match against WACO Ladies, the friendly speaking Coach said she's excited and on top of the world that the team is working perfectly to their target

"I feel excited because that was my dream before we came around."

Confluence Queens is one of the highest scoring side with 9 goals and none conceded yet against SGH Ladies, Sunshine Queens and WACO Ladies.

Esther Michael while reacting to this feat said they had plans on ground from previous outings and the hard work is beginning to pay off.

"Even before we came for  this tournament, we went to Edo, picked up one or two lessons there then we set a target, surely we are going to come victorious because even the last tournament, Confluence Queens player was the highest goals scorer, so we are fully focused on our target."

On what their next move is going to be from the quarter finals stage, Esther said that, they hope to keep up with their good record in the competition and probably get to the final. 

"By God's grace, we are coming out all out to put up good performance and aim for the win."

The Coach also revealed what they have in stock ahead of the coming NWFL Premiership season.

"One of our plans is not to just qualify for the Super 6, but to try a step further and win the Premiership."

Confluence Queens crashed out of the first round of the 2020 Flying Officers Cup, but have already won their three group games in the ongoing 2021 edition.

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

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