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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Flying Officers Cup 2021: 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 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).

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.

Honey Badgers appoint Ex-Confluence Queens Boss, Abdul Sule as Chairman

NWFL Championship side, Honey Badgers FC on tuesday appointed former Confluence Queens and Kogi United boss Abdul Sule as their new Chairman.

At a well attended press conference in the Federal Capital of Nigeria, Abuja, the former Super Eagles goal poacher was introduced to the press as Supremo of the Club by outgoing Chairman, Barrister Paul Edeh, who described Sule as a Sports administrator with  a wealth of experience. 

The former AC Horsens of Denmark forward played professional football in Nigeria, Qatar, Denmark and Malaysia before quiting the round leather game in 2008 for business and Sports administration. 

Sule spent four years working as Chairman at Kogi United and Confluence Queens, playing a key role in the development of the two teams and enjoyed a successful spell, leading both teams to the NWFL Premiership Super 4 in Lagos and the NNL Super 8 in Aba respectively.

An excited Abdul Sule, told newsmen on tuesday that he loves challenges, reason why he accepted to start a new role at Honey Badgers FC. 

"This is a wonderful opportunity for me, because Honey Badgers have shown great progress since it was formed in 2019, promoting from the Nationwide to the Championship and I am convinced that the future will be better.

"I admire the way Barrister Paul Edeh is going with the team and no wonder they club keep improving year by year. We will continue to be ambitious and keep the legacy and policy of the team. 

"We have big plans for the team and I think the players we have now are good enough to get us a promotion ticket to the Premiership, but above that, we want to build an environment where players from Benue and the northern part of the country can fulfill their dreams of playing abroad, and no doubt, we shall be giving them various opportunities to achieve that.

"We will try as much as possible to make the team better as we have started planning before now. We would be inviting some foreign coaches to come see the team at the Flying Officers Cup and that could be a step in a right direction. 

He went on to further say: "Barrister Paul Edeh's willingness to see me join Honey Badgers was decisive and for me, the choice was natural, because I see great potential in the team and together we shall achieve greatness." He Concluded.

Also speaking at the Press Conference, Barrister Paul Edeh noted that the choice of Abdul Sule as Chairman of Honey Badgers FC was borne out of the fact that they both share the same vision to develop the game of football from the grasroot. 

The Legal Luminary stated that he resigned as Chairman of the Makurdi based club and handed over to Sule, to put more concentration at Sports Development, through the Ratels Sports Development Foundation, an initiative which is getting bigger by the day. 

"We believe that Abdul Sule will bring in his wide range of experience to play at the Badgers, secondly we noticed how he took Confluence Queens from their lowest moment to the peak before leaving. 

"Working with him has shown that we share the same vision and passion for women's football. We don't believe in finished product, we build from the scratch and I think he is the right man for the job.

"Further more, his know-how in Football administration is topnotch, having played football to the highest level, both home and abroad are some of the main reasons leading us to present him our ambitious challenge. 

"This appointment, is another sign of our ambition and desire to be as competitive as possible in the league, because truly, we have a lot of talents in Benue and the northern part of the country and we believe we can harness and nurture them to greatness through his appointment as Chairman. We want to congratulate him and wish him well in this new quest.

Honey Badgers is an NWFL Championship side, based in Makurdi, Benue State and was founded in 2019 alongside Naija Ratels by Barrister Paul Edeh, last year, they finished second in the NWFL Nationwide to gain automatic promotion to the Championship.