Leo Sports Boss, Adeshiyan Isaac Opeyemi attends Afro Sports Summit in Ghana

 

Recognized FIFA licensed football agent and Director of Leo Sports International Limited, Adeshiyan Isaac Opeyemi is among the top football experts invited for this year's Afro Sports Summit taking place in Accra, Ghana. 

The Summit that bring together top brass in sporting and business world is scheduled to run from August 1st to 4th, 2023. 

The Afro Sport Summit is a prestigious gathering of sports enthusiasts, industry leaders, and change makers who are passionate about driving positive change through sports in Africa. 

During the event, Mr. Adeshiyan who is also a football consultant will be joining other participants to explore the intersection of science and business in the sporting world, fostering innovative solutions and collaborative opportunities.

The young sports entrepreneur told news men in Lagos on Monday shortly before jetting off to Accra that the summit will afford him to learn new ways of handling sports, especially football business as education is a continuous exercise. 

"Its a great privilege to be invited for such a big event and I want to make the best of it, Adeshiyan said. 

"The world is evolving so fast with new innovative ideas on how to best to do things are coming in jet pace, sports business is not excluded in this.

"There's need to cross fertilize ideas with others especially those that know it better, that's why I'm so happy to be attending the summit," said the FIFA licensed Agent. 

Nigeria's Shogo Shodunnke is among the top football change makers that will be speaking at the summit.

Beach Volleyball: Nigeria teams win gold at Zone 3 U21 Championship

 

Nigeria have emerged champions of the just concluded Zone 3 U21 Beach Volleyball Championship in the Boys’ and Girls’ category on Sunday.

Nigeria defeated host, Benin Republic I 2-0 (21-14, 21-17) in the boys’ final while Nigeria pummeled the first team of Benin Republic 2-0 (21-11, 21-13) in the Girls’ category.

The duo of Emenike Ezike and Emmanuel Udah represented Nigeria in the boys’ event while Happy Wushiland and Esther Mbah wore the colours of the country in the girls’ event.

An elated Emmanuel Udah said he is looking forward to other international outings after winning his first international medal in 2022.

Udah said, “I want to thank God for the victory in Benin Republic and the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod for ensuring the teams participated in Zone 3 despite the late invitation given to the country. It was a good outing and it feels great to win the first international trophy in 2022 for the country. We are looking forward to subsequent competitions and the teams will not let the country down.”

The head coach of Nigeria Beach Volleyball Team, John Iwerima applauded the Chairman of Nigeria Beach Volleyball Commission, Engineer Musa Nimrod for always creating the platform for junior players to showcase their God given talents.

Iwerima said, “My sincere appreciation goes to Almighty God for doing this great thing for us and to the President of NVBF, Engineer Musa Nimrod for supporting us. He has always provided the platform for us to showcase the talent at the junior level.

“It projects a bright future for Nigeria as we prepare for other international engagements like the commonwealth games qualifiers and other international tours that come up later in the year. This is a rehearsal for greater things to come for volleyball, especially beach volleyball; thank you all for your constant prayers for the success of the teams.”

The President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod lauded the players and the coaching crew for landing the federation her first international gold medals.

He said, “This victory indicates that it is going to be a successful outing for Nigeria in 2022. The Nigeria Beach Volleyball Commission are excited about this development and it is our belief that the indoor will also bring glory to the country.”

In the semifinals, Nigeria beat Ghana 2-0 (21-16, 21-16) in the boys’ category while Nigeria defeated Benin Republic II 2-0 (21-12, 21-15) in the girls’ category.

Match Preview as Naija Ratels take On Ghana Police Ladies in Flying Officers Cup opener

 

Naija Ratels, led by Coach Bankole Olowookeere are expected to face a top Ghana Women Premier League side, Ghana Police Ladies FC in the curtain raiser for the 2021 Flying Officers Cup.

The encounter will rekindle the Ghanaian and Nigerian rivalry in women's football as Hasaacas Ladies FC earned a bragging rights over Rivers Angels (3-1) the last time a Nigerian side met Ghanaian opposition at WAFU-B Zonal Qualifiers final for 2021 TotalEnergies CAF Women's Champions League.

Naija Ratels FC still basking in the euphoria of promotion to top flight Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership recently and will attempt to do something spectacular when they start a familiar journey in the Flying Officers Cup. 

The Bankole Olowookeere side finished in fourth position during the 2020 edition, losing to Edo Queens in the third place match and will want to improve on that feat by starting its campaign on a positive note against the Ghanaians.

The Nigerian side is harmed with talents like Paulina Ali, Aminat Bello, Emmanuel Blessing, Oyinlola Olamide, and new signings like Sofiat Bankole, Olamide Adugbe, Adesina Itunuoluwa, and Omede Regina to mention a few.

Ghana Police Ladies FC narrowly missed out of the 2021 Ghana Women's Premier League title behind Hasaacas Ladies FC.

The Frank Oswald led team are making their debut appearance at the 2021 Flying Officers Cup and will relish a keenly contest battle with West African neighbors, Naija Ratels FC of Nigeria.

The team's attack force of Juanita Aguadze, Jane Ayieyam, Shirley Dzomeku, and Ruth Appiah are sure to wreck some havoc in Naija Ratels defence line if not well marshalled.

It promises to be a titanic clash at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja by 3pm.

Flying Officers Cup: Frank Oswald Sam targets bright start for Ghana Police Ladies against Naija Ratels

Ghana Police Ladies FC Head Coach, Frank Oswald Sam has stated that his team will perform well at the Flying  Officers Cup. 

Speaking with the media just after his team had their first training session on Friday at the FIFA Goal Project, Package B', National Stadium, Abuja. 

The young Gaffer expressed optimism and satisfaction towards having a memorable and succesful Pre-season tournament in Nigeria.

"At the moment we are fully set for the tournament, we have been training so hard and want to achieve something positive here in Nigeria. 

"Basically, we are ready to go. As a team we are coming for the ultimate and using the Flying Officers Cup to prepare for the Ghana Women Premier League, which begins next month. 

"So far the reception here by the host, has been topnotch and we are enjoying the atmosphere here in Nigeria. 

"We have learnt so much about Naija Ratels and had the privilege of getting some informations about them. They are a good side and we have to be at our best to defeat them." He concluded. 

Naija Ratels FC and Ghana Police Ladies FC will battle it out in the first game of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup on Sunday, the 10th of October at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja.

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.

Genevieve Naa Bardina-Quaye rates Flying Officer Cup as new approach to Women's football in Africa

Ghanaian top Football Journalist, Genevieve Naa Bardina-Quaye has described the Flying Officers Cup as a new approach to women's Football Pre-season Competition in Africa. 

Sixteen teams altogether, comprising thirteen Nigerian teams, and three others from Ghana and Benin Republic will compete for honours in Abuja from the 10th to the 24th of October 2021. 

Naa Abardina-Quaye while speaking from her base in Accra, the capital of Ghana said the Organisers of the Flying Officers Cup have done something that has never been achieved before in Africa Women's Football history. The well-travelled journalist went on to add that the Pre-season Championship will give teams representing their countries at the TotalEnergies CAFWCL the right atmosphere to get a good preparation ahead of their battles in Egypt. 

"The Flying Officers Cup is a competition that is being talked about here in Ghana. Teams are eager to compete and am glad that teams will represent Ghana at the competition this year. 

"For me, I see it as a big achievement for the Organisers, this is the third edition and am sure it would get bigger by the years. Possibly, next year, we can get teams from Southern, Eastern and Northern Africa compete in the Competition. 

"It only shows quality, when teams like Rivers Angels, Bayelsa Queens, Nasarawa Amazons and the rest compete with Clubs from Ghana and Benin Republic in a Competition that isn't Organisers by WAFU or CAF. It clearly has to show the kind of dreams the Organisers have for Women's Football and special kudos should also go the the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) for providing an enabling environment for this kind of Competition." She Concluded

The Flying Officers Cup is a Women's Football Pre-season Championship sponsored by Ratels Sports Development Foundation and this year's edition will see teams from Nigeria, Ghana and Benin Republic compete for honours in Abuja from the 10th-24th October 2021.

Flying Officers Cup, perfect preparation for us ahead of CAFWCL - Hasaacas Ladies Coach

Hasaacas Ladies Head Coach, Yusif Basigi believes the Flying Officers Cup Will give his side the perfect preparation ahead of their TotalEnergies CAF Women Champions League Campaign in Egypt later this year. 

The CAFWCL (WAFU 'B') Champions will battle for supremacy with some of the top teams in Nigeria when the Flying Officers Cup kick-start on October 10th at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The Ladies from Takoradi would go into the Pre-season Championship, hoping to continue from where they stopped, having won three trophies, The League title, The Ghanaian Women F.A Cup and the CAFWCL WAFU 'B' Qualifiers Cup in Ivory coast some weeks ago.

The experienced Gaffer, who is also the Head Coach of the Ghanaian Women U-20 Side, the Black Princesses said he is confident that his team will do well and also use the biggest Women Football Pre-season Championship to prepare for the challenges ahead. 

"We are getting prepared for the Flying Officers Cup in Nigeria." Batigi said from his base in Takoradi.

"This is the first time we are getting an invitation for a Club side Pre-season Championship. This is unprecedented and we can't wait to be in Nigeria and play in a different environment. 

"Our aim is to do well in the tournament, because if we do well, it's going to breed our confidence and propel us for the TotalEnergies CAF Women Champions League in Egypt and also the start of the new season in Ghana. 

The experienced Gaffer continue "Success builds momentum, which we are hoping to take to Egypt. We need to keep fit, stay together as a team and try to achieve more success. 

This year's edition of the Flying Officers Cup is the third edition and will see sixteen teams from Nigeria, Ghana and Benin Republic compete for prize and honour in Abuja from October 10th to 24th.

Accra agog for maiden Aiteo CAF Awards

The city of Accra, Ghana’s sedate but attractive capital is the venue for another watershed in the history of the African Football Awards as the event begins another quarter –century life under a new headline sponsor.

Council of West Africa Sports Ministers meet in Nigeria

A three day meeting of West African Ministers of Sports Region 2 Steering Committee and Council of Sports Ministers opens on Monday (today) at the ECOWAS Parliament Conference Hall, Garki Abuja, Nigeria.

Okpotu, Eneji score as Nigeria reaches WAFU semifinals

Second half goals from Anthony Okpotu and Peter Moses handed Nigeria a 2-0 win over Ghana in their final Group A game of the 2017 WAFU Cup of Nations at Cape Coast Sports Stadium on Monday, September 18 and consequently a place in the semifinals of the competition.

WAFU Cup: Nigeria, Mali share spoils in Cape Coast

Neither Eagle could soar as Mali and Nigeria played to a goalless draw in the opening Group A match of the 2017 WAFU Cup of Nations at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium on Thursday, September 14.

WAFU Cup: Nigeria, Ghana rivalry raises stakes for Thursday’s game

The legendary rivalry between West African giants Nigeria and Ghana has considerably increased the stock for Thursday’s WAFU Cup of Nations encounter between both nations in Cape Coast.

WAFU Cup: Moses' late goals seal group stage ticket for Nigeria

Moses Osas Okoro and Moses Eneji Peter scored a goal apiece in the final five minutes of the tie to hand Nigeria a 2-0 win over Sierra Leone in a Last 16 match during the 2017 WAFU Cup of Nations at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium on Monday, September 11.

Salisu picks Ezenwa, Eduwo, Ali, 15 others for WAFU Cup

Head Coach of the home –based Super Eagles squad, Salisu Yusuf has selected goalkeepers Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Dele Ajiboye, and 16 other players for this month’s West African Football Union (WAFU) Cup of Nations tournament for senior national teams taking place in Ghana.

AFCON 2017: Ayew tips Ghana as title favorites

Ghana forward Andre Ayew gave his thoughts regarding The Black Stars’ chances in the upcoming African Cup of Nations, starting January 15th.

AWCON: Super Falcons to Perch on Lioness in Final

Champions Nigeria will confront host nation Cameroon in the final of the 10th Women Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday.