Governor Fubara rewards Rivers Angels with #25 million for President Federation Cup success

 

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has rewarded Rivers Angels with a sum of 25 million naira (N25,000,000) for their victory in the Women's President Federation Cup finals. 

The announcement was made during a grand reception for Rivers State sportsmen and women who brought glory to the state, held at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

Three players who won individual awards also received cash rewards: Blessing Okpe (Most Valuable Player) - 2.5 million naira, Agatha Thompson (Best Goalkeeper) - 2.5 million naira, and Morufa Ademola (Best Goalkeeper in the Super Six) - 2.5 million naira. 

Governor Fubara promised continuous support for the team to achieve more success and bring glory to Rivers State.

Rivers Angels defeated Naija Ratels to win the women's President Federation Cup trophy.

 The reception also honored other sports teams and individuals who excelled in various competitions.

Here is the breakdown of the rewards:

- Rivers United U-17 boys - 30 million naira

- Rivers Hoopers - 25 million naira

- Cycling team - 5 million naira

- Special Sports Athletes - 10 million naira

- Hockey team - 10 million naira

- Table Tennis - 5 million naira

- Judo - 3 million naira

- Chess - 5 million naira

- Supporters club - 20 million naira

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.

NWFL: Ifeoma, Whyte sure of Rivers Angels' win over Bayelsa Queens

 

Rivers Angels Football Club will on Wednesday lock horns with their perennial rivals, Bayelsa Queens in Port Harcourt. 

The Jewel of Rivers, who currently lead Group B standing, with 24 points, two points above the Restoration Ladies will be hoping to maintain the lead after this mid-week encounter which automatically seals the team's ticket to the Super Six finals.

A win over the Restoration Girls will ensure the Jewel Of Rivers go five-point clear at the summit of Group B and the Jewels of Rivers assistant captain, Polinus Ifeoma, believes it is achievable.

"We are prepared for the match, we know it's a big game on Wednesday," she started. "We played draw with them in the first stanza, and we know they're coming here with full force, but myself and my girls are ready for Bayelsa Queens."

Polinus also dismissed the issue of pressure in their camp but maintained that the team will give their best to ensure they seal the NWFL Premiership Super Six ticket on Wednesday. 

"There is no pressure at all, I'm sure of victory at the end on Wednesday. It's a big derby in the Nigeria Women Football League Premiership, I can't predict the scoreline, but at the end, we are coming out victorious."

Midfielder Edward Tejiri echoed her teammates' sentiments, stating: "We are ready for the game on Wednesday, we believe with love and unity in our team, we would conquer on Wednesday.

"There is no pressure. We just have to motivate ourselves and play on Wednesday. It's a big game, I can't predict, but I know with God, we would conquer."

Having won the Rivers State FA Cup recently, Coach Whyte Ogbonda believes the match was a good preparatory match for his girls ahead of the big showdown against the 2022 champions. 

Whyte further said that he expects a tough match against Bayelsa Queens, but his team is ready to nick the win.

"We are playing Bayelsa Queens on Wednesday. This is the second to the last match in the regular season before the Super Six. I will say that Rivers Angels is well prepared," he said.

"The match will go a long way to help the team qualify for the Super Six, we played FA Cup match during the weekend and I will say the match was part of our preparation for the match on Wednesday.

"We are expecting a very strong and good fight from Bayelsa Queens on Wednesday. They forced us to a 1-1 draw in Yenagoa in the first stanza, I think they will come out to ensure it doesn't repeat again but we are prepared to ensure we get the victory over them."

The last time both sides met during the first stanza in Yenagoa, it ended 1- 1, with Motunrayo Ezekiel the scorer for Rivers Angels.

Sheroes Cup light up Abuja as 12 teams confirm participation

Organisers of the Sheroes Cup have revealed that the 2023 Sheroes Cup is scheduled to kick-off October 7, 2023 in Abuja.

Already, 12 clubs have confirmed their participation and are expected to take part when the top flight level of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) gets underway, which also serves as pre-season tournament

The participating clubs include Adamawa Queens FC, Bayelsa Queens FC, Confluence Queens FC, Dannaz Ladies FC, Delta Queens FC, Edo Queens FC, Ekiti Queens FC, Naija Ratels FC, Nasarawa Amazons FC, Rivers Angels FC, Royal Queens FC and Sunshine Queens FC.

President, Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), Barr. Paul Edeh, while disclosing this in a press statement on Tuesday, said this year's football event would be remarkably dedicated to highlight and celebrate the achievements of Nigeria women who are making the country proud globally. 

Tagged; 'Beyond Rhetoric To Action', the RSDF boss said the soccer tournament which is at its sixth edition will also serve as veritable avenue for top teams across Nigeria to prepare themselves before the regular season kicks off in November 2023.

Talking about the essence of the theme for the competition in 2023, Barr. Edeh said, "The contribution of  women and their giant strides and impactful contribution in national development has continued to shape the world positively in the face of the daunting challenges they face in our society. 

"This is why we have carefully chosen the theme for the 2023 Sheroes Cup, which we hope will inspire a paradigm shift in the way we treat women in society.

"The Sheroes Cup Pre-Season Tournament started in 2019 with the sole aim of preparing interested teams for their respective league seasons across Africa. This year’s edition, which is the sixth since its inception, is coming with a bigger advantage to participating teams, which will enhance the preparation of the various teams playing in the NWFL Premiership after a very long break from the field of play. 

"This year’s edition, like the 2022 edition, will see each team playing a minimum of 5-8 games in preparation for the new league season. Two teams with the highest points from group A and B  will qualify to the semi-finals, third place, and final.

"The assurances we are giving all the participating teams is that officiating in the tournament will be equal to none as we are collaborating with the NFF and its Referees Committee to ensure that the officiating is in line with the laws of the game. 

"The winner of the Sheroes Cup 2023 and first runner-up will be entitled to trophies and medals. The third place will be entitled to medals only. All the participating teams are expected to be given brand new jerseys, balls, and other logistics support" 

From 2022, Sheroes Cup, after transforming from Flying Officers Cup, the tournament has been segmented into two participation periods annually, with clubs at the NWFL Championship tier taking their turns on a separate arrangement from the Premiership clubs.

The maiden edition for the Championship clubs happened earlier this year with Imo Strikers' emerging winners.

Previously, Edo Queens, Bayelsa Queens, FC Robo Queens, and Delta Queens lifted the Sheroes Cup diadem in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 editions respectively.

The current edition is scheduled to last between October 7 and 16, 2023, while the participating teams are expected to arrive October 5, with the draws slated the following day. 

  

Federation Cup final: Barrister Green motivates Rivers Angels to beat Bayelsa Queens to trophy

 

Rivers State's Commissioner for Sports, Barrister Christopher Green has charged players of Rivers Angels to defeat Bayelsa Queens in Wednesday's Federation Cup final and be rewarded greatly by the Executive Governor of the State.

Honorable Green who was representing the State Governor, His Excellency Governor Siminalayi Fubara (GSSRS) told the team that the Governor has promised to handsomely reward the team should they win the Federation Cup.

According to the Commissioner, the Federation Cup is simply for pride but the State will ensure the team get rewarded so they must ensure they give in their all in Wednesday's game. 

"His Excellency said I should tell you all that if you win tomorrow's game against Bayelsa Queens, the reward you will receive will be beyond your imaginations. You will be honored by the state and good people of Rivers State.

"If our Grandfather, the immediate past Governor could give out rewards to a team without having a second thought, be rest assured that his son will do more than what the father did.

"You girls are at the point of making history for yourselves and the state. Go out there and bring the trophy home and receive your reward from the Governor," he added.

A win for Rivers Angels on Wednesday will be a record ninth Cup title for the Jewel of Rivers but they must do that while beating Bayelsa Queens for the first time at the fourth attempt this season.

The match is slated to kick-off on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 by 2pm inside the mainbowl of the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

NWFL Super Six: Another positive scorecard of Delta State with excellent organization

 

Asaba, the capital of Delta State is agog with activities as the Nigeria Women Football League Super Six kicked off in style. The tournament, which is hosted by the Delta State Government was moved back to begin earlier than scheduled but the Government has proved to be equal to the task. 

The bright look of the Stephen Keshi Stadium has been of interest to enthusiasts. The first step in getting this tournament organized was putting the facility in top shape. 

Before the opening game of the tournament between Rivers Angels and FC Robo, it rained and kick-off was temporarily delayed.  Interestingly, after the downpour, the pitch became just good enough for football, glittering and water free. 

The State's organization of the tournament has been amazing and the ladies are having a good time in Asaba, playing on a good surface and in a secure environment. 

The organisers have also provided alternative training pitches for the different teams and this allows them to train without pressure on the main pitch. These pitches are the Model Technical Pitch, Master Care Group of Schools and the Scotch Court Pitch. 

The Delta State Government have once again shown themselves to be worthy hosts and have sent a signal out that they are still ready to host even bigger fixtures, like national team games and tournaments, with this excellent organization of the NWFL Super Six.

Ex Rivers Angels striker, Georgewill Ibinabo announces arrival to Confluence Queens with Top Scorer Award

 

There couldn't have been a better for a player to join a new side than how one of the hottest strikers in Nigerian women's football, Georgewill Ibinabo when as she teamed up with Confluence Queens from league champions, Rivers Angels.

Ibinabo who joined the New Direction Queens during the just concluded Flying Officers Cup tournament in Abuja netted three goals and provided an assist to beat her teammate Mercy Omokwu and Edo Queens striker Emem Essien to the prestigious top scorer's award at the Tournament.

Chairman of Confluence Queen Hon. Abdulmalik Isah Dolly received the new signing Ibinabo with her highest goal scorer award in office on Monday, 1st November, 2021.

 

Honorable Dolly praised the former Rivers Angels striker for bringing the top scorer award to Kogi and also tasked her to keep scoring when the league resume in December to win same award in the NWPL.

"I am delighted to see my player winning individual award of this nature.  It's a sign of greater thing ahead, I want you to see this award as a motivation going into the league, I wish you best of luck and hope you finish as the league top scorer in NWPL at the end of the season". Dolly said.

Ibinabo who thanked the chairman and the management for the opportunity to join the team promised to continue doing her best to make the team proud. 

"I want to appreciate everyone at Confluence Queens for the warm reception I have received so far. I feel happy at my new home and I will do my best not to disappoint everyone."

Confluence Queens will battle in the Group A of the NWPL which kicks off December 8 with home game against Pelican Stars of Calabar at the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja.

Flying Officers Cup 2021: SGH Sports Academy, Kaduna Queens replace Rivers Angels, Oasis Ladies as tournament set for kick-off

 

Following the withdrawal of NWFL Premiership Champions, Rivers Angels from participating at the 2021 edition of the Flying Officers Cup, Lagos Based side SGH Academy, who were on standby for the tournament have been asked by the Organisers to replace them.

The CAF Women Champions League WAFU B' finalist officially pulled out of the Pre-season tournament on Friday evening, citing doubt in players level of fitness. 

Also, another stand-by team, Kaduna Queens will now get the opportunity to compete at the third edition of the tournament after they replaced Oasis Ladies, who failed to meet up due to logistic reasons. 

The 'Jewels Of Rivers' finished as runners-up at the just concluded Betsy Obaseki Cup in Benin, where they lost to eventual winners Bayelsa Queens in the finals, while Kaduna Queens lost all their matches at the tournament.

SGH Sports Academy and Kaduna Queens will now play in Group B alongside Confluence Queens and Sunshine Queens. 

The third edition of the Flying Officers Cup will Kick-Off from the 10th to the 24th 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.

Flying Officers Cup 2021: Profile of Rivers Angels, players to watch and more

Rivers Angels will be competing for honours in the Flying Officers Cup for the first time ever and they would definitely be presenting a very strong squad. 

The defending Champions of the NWFL Premiership have a very rich history in women's football, having won the league title a record 7 times, equaling the record, previously set by Pelican Stars of Calabar. 

Edwin Okon have succeded in smoothly integrating the bright young talents at his disposal, including Deborah Abiodun, Maryann Ezeanagu, Oghenebrume Ikhekua and many more, all whom have now established themselves as key parts of the 'Jewels of Rivers'.

Deborah Abiodun, a tireless grafter, since joining from Nasarawa Amazons have being a muat-start cog in midfield and has garnered a reputation of being a combative and feisty player in her performances.

Club legend and Super Falcons Midfielder, Evelyn Nwabuoku have also rejoined the team after a stint in Spain and would also bring her wealth of experience to play when it matters. 

Rivers Angels have all it takes to do very well at the Flying Officers Cup and use the tournament to prepare properly ahead for the CAF Women Champions League starting in the early November 2021. 

The team have also imported some new players from neighboring African countries like Ghana and Mali and these new players will need to quickly get in vibes with the team's technical policies and style of play before the big event in Egypt.

Zimbabwean International forward Kabwe Berita, Cameroonian Lioness midfielder Omboudou Brigitte, Ghanaian Black Queens Goalkeeper Adjei Charlotte will all be competing for Rivers Angels at the Flying Officers Cup.

Five things to look out for at 2021 Flying Officers Cup

A number of Nigerian women's team have participated at the Flying Officer's cup since the tournament birthed in 2019.

In 2019, Edo Queens emerge winners after defeating Nasarawa Amazons in the final. Nasarawa Amazons lost in the 2020 final to eventual winners Bayelsa Queens by a lone goal. 

This year's edition promises to be bigger and better, with sixteen teams fighting for honours, including three from neighboring African countries Benin Republic and Ghana.

Here are five Reasons why we should all look forward to the biggest women's football Pre-season Championship in Africa.

1. It's Something Different. 

There has never been a Pre-season like this before, where teams from outside of Nigeria will be represented. 

This would be an opportunity for teams to taste a different kind of football and opportunity away from norms. The atmosphere is expected to be something new. 

2. Rivalries 

One of Flying Officers Cup biggest selling points would be the passionate rivalries many teams in the tournament have with their opponents. 

So many rivalries will be rekindled. From the local derbies to the African one. 

Top teams like Rivers Angels, Bayelsa Queens, Nasarawa Amazons and FC Robo Queens may most likely meet up in the competition.

3. The Return Of Fans. 

A handful of supporters will be allowed to come support their clubs. Recently, the Coronavirus epidemic ravaged the world, which made most matches played behind closed doors. With fans coming in and taking necessary precautions, it promises to be an electrifying environment at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja. 

4. Cracking Goals And Entertaining Style Of Play. 

Look forward to strikes such as the sumptuous free-kick scored last year by Royal Queens midfielder Chioma Olise against Edo Queens or the stunner from about 30 yards scored by Naija Ratels midfielder Blessing Emmanuel to give her side the equalizer against Nasarawa Amazons in the Semi-final. We are expected to see even better goals this time around. 

5. Underdogs Giving The Favourites A Run For Their Money. 

If the 2020 edition of the Flying Officers Cup taught us anything, it was that nothing is ever certain in Football. Naija Ratels an underdog, went on to reach the Semi-final of the Flying Officers Cup, losing via penalties to Edo Queens and Nasarawa Amazons respectively in the third-place and semi's matches. 

We might be seeing more surprises this year with teams from the NWFL Nationwide, Championship and Premiership all participating.

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.

NWPL Coaches Heap Praises On Organisers of Flying Officers Cup

Top Coaches in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership have heaped praises on the Organisers of the upcoming Women Football Pre-season Championship, the Flying Officers Cup. 

Some of the Managers who spoke to the Media recently, described the tournament as a good way for their various teams to prepare hard at the highest level, ahead of the beginning of the Premiership season. 

Nasarawa Amazons Head Coach, Christopher Danjuma, whose team participated in the last two editions of the Flying Officers Cup said the tournament has always helped and given his team a clue of what to expect, when the league starts. 

According to the Nigeria U-20 Women National team, the Falconets Gaffer, the Competition offers his team the opportunity to gel better by playing against top teams in a very competitive atmosphere.

"It has always been a perfect way to start the season. The Flying Officers Cup, has become a tradition for Nasarawa Amazons. We were at the last two editions and got to the finals, losing to Edo Queens and Bayelsa Queens respectively. It gives us the chance to get better as a team and that's one thing that has really been helping us." He Concluded. 

Osun Babes will be participating in the prestigious tournament for the first time this year, having missed out of the last two editions and the Head Coach of the side Olayinka Adunola said she is optimistic and looking forward to a fantastic Pre-season Championship in Abuja. 

" No doubt, we have always wanted to participate in the tournament, but am glad that we can this time around. We know the standard of the tourney and understand that we have to be at our best to keep the momentum going until the league starts. We want to have fun on the pitch, at the same time, try some new players and improve as a team everyday. The Flying Officers Cup offers us the platform to do that." She Concluded. 

Bayelsa Queens Head Coach, Moses Aduku said his team will use the tournament to test new players and strategize ahead of the new season. Bayelsa Queens recently won the AITEO Cup and a lot is expected from them in Abuja, but the experienced Gaffer insist it's just a Pre-season Championship. 

"Every Coach wants to win something and add more silverware to the ones they already have in their cabinet. We are going to be ourselves, improve in every game and test the quality that we have and definitely won't put too much pressure on ourselves. I am impressed with the standard of the Competition and no doubt, it is the best." He Concluded.

Sunshine Queens will also be at the Flying Officers Cup for the first time and their Manager, Tayo Onilude is very much excited too. 

"We have been working hard everyday to get the players in shape and against all odds will be giving our best in Abuja. The good thing is that we would be playing against some solid teams and perhaps we would be using different formations and tactics to execute our games, until we get it right. 

For Bankole Olowookere, his team Naija Ratels surpassed so many people's imagination, by reaching the Semi-final of the 2020 edition. His team, then in the NWFL Nationwide, went on to beat teams like Royal Queens, Kaduna Queens and played draws with Edo Queens and Nasarawa Amazons in the third place and Semi-Final games respectively, now in the Premiership, Olowookeere thinks his team will compete better. 

"We did well last year and hopefully, we can do more and play better, he said. The team will continue to improve on its style of play and that is the most important thing for us." He Concluded. 

AITEO Cup finalists, FC Robo Queens of Lagos will also plan to make a grand entry into the Competition this year. The 'Lagos Landladies' have quality players and are looking at competing with the best. The Head Coach and owner of the Club, Osahon Emmanuel also gave a huge thumbs up to Barrister Paul Edeh and Ratels Sports Development Foundation for being consistent with the Pre-season Championship. 

"We are working towards competing against some of the best teams in Nigeria and Africa. This is a while new idea from what we used to have in the past. Kudos to the Organisers as we look forward to having a great tournament. 

The Flying Officers Cup is the biggest Women Football Pre-season Championship in Africa and this year's edition, the third will see teams from Nigeria, Ghana and Benin Republic participating.

CAFWCL: Naija Ratels hail Rivers Angels' 'important win' over Hasaacas Ladies

 

Newly promoted NWFL Premiership side, Naija Ratels FC have commended Nigeria's representative at the CAF Women Champions League (WAFU B) Qualifiers Rivers Angels for winning their opening game against Ghanaian Women Football League Champions, Hasaacas Ladies on Saturday at the Stade Robert Champroux Stadium, Abidjan.

Burgeoning midfielder Deborah Abiodun and Player of the match Maryan Ezeanagu scored in the 17th and 54th minute respectively to give the NWFL Premiership Champions a 2-0 victory over their opponent. 

The win on Saturday means Rivers Angels will sit ontop of the log after one game and face AS Police Ladies of Niger Republic on Tuesday evening at the same venue. 

President of Naija Ratels, Barrister Paul Edeh In a congratulatory message  hailed the team for keeping concentration all through the match to earn a massive three points in the game. He urged them to keep pushing hard and get one of the tickets for the Champions League proper later this year.

"It is with great pleasure that I Congratulate Rivers Angels on their victory over Hasaacas Ladies. I am particularly delighted at the confidence, discipline, team-work and indomitable spirit displayed by the players in Abidjan.

"We at Naija Ratels urge them to keep believing in themselves and give their best in the remaining matches. 

Rivers Angels will battle AS Police of Niger Republic on Tuesday and a victory for them will ensure qualification for the Semi-final of the WAFU B Qualifiers for the maiden edition of the  CAF Women Champions League.

Flying Officers Cup 2021: Organisers raise prize money, inaugurates planning committee

President of Ratels Sports Foundation, Barrister Paul Edeh on Thursday inaugurated the organising committee for the third Edition of the Flying Officers Cup billed to hold in Abuja from the 22nd of September to 1st October 2021. 

The constituted committee which was set up to oversee the planning, organisation and success of the biggest Pre-Season Championship in Africa consists of nine members, with Dr. Victoria Nlemigbo as General Coordinator, others include Moses Bako (Head of Awards Committee), Olayinka Olawole (Secretary), Grace John (Treasurer), Promise Uwaeme, Oluchi Tobe-chukwu, Faith Oluchi Meremegbunam, Segun Akeusola and Wendy Mbanefo

Performing the inauguration through a Zoom Meeting on Thursday evening, Ambassador Barrister Paul Edeh in his speech said the Committee was formed with a view of organising a befitting and colourful women football fiesta. 

"As part of our commitment towards Women Football development in Nigeria, the governing Board of the Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF) under my leadership is proud to inaugurate the planning committee for the 2021 Flying Officers Cup Pre-Season Championship. 

"The Flying Officers Cup is a yearly event that has become an integral part of the RSDF and this year's edition will be primarily dedicated to honouring our heroes past for peace and unity.

"A special Award Ceremony will be held at the end of the tournament to honour and reward deserving individuals who have made remarkable achievements in various spheres of life, including sports and have been a great source of inspiration to the girl-child for over a period of time. 

"In addition, Digital Mirroring Concepts Limited will work as the official media consultants for the Tournament and shall coordinate the media and branding component of the Tournament. The consultants will work 

with the Committee to achieve its mandate. 

"The Competition will hold from the 22nd of September to the 1st Of October 2021 and will have 12 teams Participating, alongside two foreign clubs from neighboring country. 

Speaking further, the Abuja based Legal Luminary noted that the Prize Money for the 2021 edition has been increased from N500,000 to N1m (One Million Naira), while the second, third and fourth placed teams will go home with N500,000, N300,000 and N200,000 respectively.  

The UN SDG Peace Ambassador urged the committee to promptly swing into action towards the successful outcome of the Pre-Season Championship, tasking them to work closely with each other to ensure that all aspects of the tournament are covered. 

The General Coordinator of the Committee, Dr. Victoria Nlemigbo and other members thanked the President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation, Barrister Paul Edeh for considering them worthy of the task ahead and promised to give their utmost best to ensure competition continues to be the best in the whole of Africa.

The Flying Officers Cup is the biggest Women Football Pre-Season Championship in Africa and for the first time in three years, Football Clubs from Ghana and Cameroun will be participating.

AITEO Cup: Angels to tango on the Plateau

Only days after a colourful men’s finale at the Agege Stadium, Lagos, the women’s finale of the 2017 AITEO Cup competition will hold at the Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos on Wednesday, 18^th October 2017.

Niger Tornadoes, Rivers Angels reach Aiteo Cup grand finale

Niger Tornadoes of Minna will play in the Final of the men’s event of this year’s AITEO Cup Competition, after digging their feet into the ground to eliminate Cup holders FC IfeanyiUbah in Nnewi on Thursday.

AITEO Cup Semi Final 1st Leg Results

WOMEN

* Ibom Angels Vs Confluence Queens did not hold as Abia Angels appealed their disqualification and the AITEO Cup Organizing Committee will meet and take a decision on this matter on Tuesday, 3^rdOctober 2017

FC IfeanyiUbah, Rivers Angels headline Aiteo Cup semi final battles

The semi final, first leg matches of the 2017 AITEO Cup competition will take place on Saturday with Cup holders FC IfeanyiUbah (men) and Rivers Angels (women) eyeing spots in the grand finale with the firm intention of defending their crowns.

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.