Flying Officers Cup 2021: 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.

2021 Flying Officers Cup: 6 Facts About Nasarawa Amazons

Two times finalist of the Flying Officers Cup, Nasarawa Amazons lost to Edo Queens and Bayelsa Queens in 2019 and 2020 (Makurdi & Lafia) consecutively. 

A very strong side tutored by Christopher Danjuma who was a highly succesful defender as a player. He was a rock of a defender with strength, vision, an adept tackler and had an awesome organisational leadership skills. 

The 'Solid Babes'  have won the NWFL Premiership title twice in 2013 and most recently 2017 and were recently overthrowned by Bayelsa Queens as AITEO Cup Champions. 

Out of the 16 participating teams in this year's Flying Officers Cup, Nasarawa Amazons can be regarded as one of the favourites to lift the title. Every box required for success is ticked and they boast of a squad rich in talent and in Christopher Danjuma, they have a Manager who is renowned for success. 

The team boasts of a blend of youth and experience and this mixture, may perhaps be an advantage for them. Amarachi Okoronkwo, Maryam Ibrahim, Dooshima Tarnum, Loveth Edeh, Adoo Yina and many more are some of the great talents the team posseses.

Amarachi Okoronkwo, the Nasarawa Amazons midfield general would be the heartbeat and fulcrum of the 'Solid Babes' with her great vision, creativity, ball control and dribbling ability in small spaces. She is also comfortably able to effectively create opportunities and goals for both her teammates and herself.

36 Lion Held To Goalless Draw In A Pre-Season Training Tour Abroad

36 Lion were held to a goalless draw by Benin Republic top-tier side Ayema FC in a friendly match played on Saturday.

The game which took place at the Seme Krake Stadium saw plenty goalmouth action with both teams settling for a draw.

It was the clash of Lions as five players of Ayema were developed by 36 Lion before moving back to Benin Republic to joing the top tier side in the country of their origin.  

The two captains Azeez Oseni (Flying Eagles) and Ishola Olaitan (Benin senior team) were also familiar with one another which made this encounter and all attacking football match. 

Youthful mistakes were made by both teams but the goalkeepers were in brilliant form. 

Each player covered minimum of10 kilometers in the game. There was never a dull moment at Seme Krake Stadium today. 

It was a good game for 36 Lion who faced a side that finished in the Benin Republic Premier League last season.

Flying Officers Cup 2021: Organisers On Schedule To Deliver Outstanding Tournament

With less than three weeks to the beginning of the 2021 edition of the Flying Officers Cup, Organisers of the biggest Women Football Pre-season Competition in Africa have promised a thrilling Championship. 

Already, top teams in Nigeria and neighbouring African countries have started preparation for the competition, which is billed to hold from the 10th to the 24th of October 2021 at the Area 10 Sports Complex, FCT, Abuja, with 16 teams contesting for the trophy, currently held by Bayelsa Queens.

Preparation for the tournament has reached a pivotal stage and General Coordinator of the Championship, Barrister Victoria Nlemigbo said everyone involved has been working relentlessly to deliver the biggest and best Pre-season Championship.

"We no doubt have an overwhelming desire to deliver the biggest and best women football Pre-season Championship and through our determination, plans and decisiveness, we will be able to achieve this vision. 

"We understand it takes a lot and we are working relentlessly and will take the most extraordinary measures with the support of all involved to stage a fabulous tournament. 

"The facilities, logistics and other important things needed are almost  100% ready. The re-grassing and upgrading of the Area 10 Sports Complex and also made arrangement and partnership with relevant bodies to ensure we have a smooth competition. 

"The fans, media and other stakeholders can look forward to the beautiful game of soccer here in Abuja from the 10th to the 24th of October." She concluded.

The 2021 Edition of the Flying Officers Cup, will see sixteen teams battle for honours in Abuja from the 10th to the 24th of October 2021.

European Sportswear Giant Throws Weight Behind Flying Officers Cup

One of Europe's biggest Sports Equipment brands, Masita on Monday in far-away Holland gave its backing to the biggest Women Football Pre-season Championship in Africa, the Flying Officers Cup. 

The Dutch Sportswear brand stamped their endorsement on the Women's Pre-season Championship when the President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF) President, Barrister Paul Edeh was received at their head office in Maastricht, Holland on Monday.

Masita was founded in 1933 by the Mass family from Sittard and focus mainly on the trade and processing of sportswear, kitting clubs like Fortuna Sittard, Guinea National Team, Kiyovu Sports Rwanda, Mees Palace Football Academy Jos, Namungo Tanzania, KVM Tanzania, Wakriya Guinea and the many more. 

While receiving Barrister Paul Edeh, the Chief Executive Officer of the top European Sportswear, Kurt Molin was full of praises for Edeh, who he said has invested massively into the growth of women's football in Nigeria and Africa. The top executive further went on to say that a partnership deal between Masita and Ratels Sports Development Foundation is on the verge of getting sealed. 

"We are thrilled to enter into a relationship with Ratels Sports Development Foundation and Naija Ratels, a promising and ambitious Club and we hope that this strategic partnership allows us to work closely with the club as they enter into this next phase. 

"We have read a lot about what Ratels Sports Development Foundation are doing with women football in Nigeria and are proud to receive the President of the Foundation, Barrister Paul Edeh to our head office here in Holland.

"We are highly satisfied with all these achievements and are ready to partner with the foundation on their numerous programmes including the upcoming Flying Officers Cup.  

"Masita look forward to a great partnership and is also confident that we can always get the best from this agreement. 

"We are proud to be a kit sponsor of the club in the forthcoming Women's League season in Nigeria."

Also in the meeting in Holland was Former Super Eagles and South Korea Men National team Head Coach, Bonfrere Joe, who described Barrister Paul Edeh as a man who should be emulated by many in the Football Cycle in Nigeria and Africa. 

Bonfrere Joe who was pioneer Technical Adviser of the Super Falcons, leading them to their first-ever FIFA Women World Cup in China (1991), inspiring players like Ann Chiejine, Uche Eucharia, Marvis Ogun, Chioma Ajunwa and many more to greatness later on in their career expressed his happiness with the project of Ratels Sports Development Foundation.

"It is a huge achievement from my brother, Barrister Paul Edeh. We need more of this to develop women's football in Africa and am impressed with what we have been able to see from the last two editions. 

"I would like to inform you that what you are doing is unprecedented and that's the reason I am giving my full support to this competition and am sure it would go a long way to help get women's football to its right position in Africa and the world as a whole.

"I'm very hopeful and optimistic that this partnership with Masita is one of many partnerships that would be sealed by your foundation." 

He also hinted that he will be in Nigeria in the coming weeks for the 25th-anniversary celebration of the Olympic Gold Medal won by  Nigeria. 

Also reacting, Mr Emmanuel Adukwu, the CEO of Mees Palace Football Academy, Jos who brokered the deal heaped praises on the Sports Brand that has continued to support teams in Africa. 

"The Masita brand offers the biggest opportunity to the growing sports market in Nigeria and Africa at large

producing the highest quality sports equipment at the most affordable prices known for durability as well. I am happy that more teams are deciding to come on board the Masita partnership especially the Ratels Sports Development Foundation". Adukwu noted.  

He further listed technical assistance to the Various teams kitted by Masita through their coaches exchange program as a variable benefit no Nigerian sports club can Afford to Ignore.

Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF) Boss, Barrister Paul Edeh thanked the Chief Executive Officer of Masita Sportswear for giving them the chance to seal a partnership with them, He also hailed former Super Eagles Coach Bonfrere Joe for lending his hand of support to the Flying Officers Cup, promising him that his Foundation will do all that is possible to continue pushing for a better future for the girl-child. 

"Today's announcement with Masita represents a landmark day for Ratels Sports Development Foundation and Naija Ratels Football Club's commercial strategy as we continue to attract new global brands to our projects. 

"My visit to Europe is to seal partnership deals and develop the various programmes of the Ratels Sports Development Foundation, as we get prepared and ready to host the best and the biggest Women Football Pre-season Championship next month. 

"We are glad about this kind of support and partnership gotten from 'Masita' which is well known worldwide as one of the top sports clothing company. We will also work and ensure that we get positives from this agreement. 

I also want to thank Mr Emmanuel Adukwu, who is Nigeria representative of the brand 'Masita' and also the veteran Football Coach, Bonfrere Joe, who is a man that I have always admired even before he led Nigeria to their first-ever Gold medal at the Football event in the Olympics. He is technically sound and has always been a winner. 

Ratels Sports Development Foundation is the brainchild of Legal Luminary, Barrister Paul Edeh and has been given various supports to the girl-child through Sports and Education. 

Edo Chess Association Frowns At Selection of Austin Apemiye as Representative

As the sports federation election draws nigh, controversies have begun to show their ugly faces across the country as an aspiration for the top position of sports federation in the country garners more heat. A bit of this showed itself in Edo State Chess Association as the representative on the federation level, earlier endorsed by the association, Akhiwu Eugene deprived the right to be the State's representative as against the earlier endorsement. 

According to a reliable source, the Association had earlier endorsed the aspiration of Akhiwu Eugene to vie for the post of the President of the federation, and that endorsement was sent to the relevant authorities (Chairman Sports Commission, the Director of Sports etc) were duly copied; but that was ruled out by an ambiguous ruling which started from nomination forms signing.

The investigation confirmed that the nomination form of Akhiwu Eugene on the ploy to have him ruled out was signed but had no official stamp on it as against Austin Apemiye's form which carried both. The Plan to impose Apemiye Austin was successfully concluded at the government house moments before the final endorsement of all prospective representatives of the State at the Government house. 

However further reliable sources confirmed that Austin Apemiye is not resident in Edo State as he is based outside of Nigeria. He is not a member of the Edo State Chess Association board and has neither made any reasonable contribution to the development of Chess in the state.

The source also confirmed that this development did not go down well with the chairman of the Edo State Chess Association, Mr EHIOZUWA Isaac, who frowned at the manner at which the whole process unfolds.

36 Lion ready to feast on Dynamo FC

The team kick started their training tour of Benin Republic with a 1-1 draw against AS Cotonou on Wednesday morning.

The boys had a recovery session before jetting off to Abomey for their next assignment. 

The team arrived Abomey at 11am from the city of Cotonou on Thursday.

Secretary General and Vice President of Dynamo FC gave the Lions a superb reception and treated them like Kings with Pounded Yam done naturally with Mortar and Pestle while they watched amusingly. 

The Lions had a feel of the Stade Municipal de Bohicon where their second match of the tour will be played on Friday. Kickoff is 4pm.

It would be recalled that 36 Lion have produced the likes of Junior Ajayi, Imoh Ezekiel, Sadiq Atanda, Yira Sor, Sodiq Popoola, Yusuf Lawal, Samson Akinyoola amongst others.

"The facilities here are top class, the grass is so beautiful" - Ellis Thumbs Up MJ Arena

South Africa head coach, Desiree Ellis is confident that her team are ready to fire on all cylinders at the Aisha Buhari Cup after having a feel of the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium turf laid by Monimichelle Sports Facility Construction Ltd. 

Banyana Banyana are one of the participating teams at the prestigious competition currently hold in the commercial City of Lagos.

 

The charismatic Ellis tinker her team the Black Queens of Ghana (Friday) in what would be their first game of the competition. 

The ex Spurs Ladies gaffer who spoke ahead of the cracker was full of praise for organizers of the #AishaBuhariCup for providing top class facilities.

The 58-year-old tactician stated that the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium turf is something she has fallen in love with, while declaring that her wards would relish playing on the Hybrid Synthetic Pitch.

"The facilities here are top class, the grass is so beautiful. This is unarguably the best pitch I have played on in here in Nigeria…so I am very excited about this. We have enjoyed ourselves since arriving Lagos and we hope to have a good tournament," the former Athlone Celtic, Wynberg St Johns, Joyces United, St. Albans City and Spurs Ladies star mused.

It would be recalled that Monimichelle Sports Facility Construction Ltd which laid the Mobolaji Stadium turf constructed the Enyimba Stadium in Aba where Enyimba has in the last couple of years been playing their continental games.

The Chief Executive Officer of the well regarded firm, Ebi Egbe has always made it clear that the vision of his company is to eradicate bad football pitches in Nigeria and Africa as well as change the face of stadium facilities in the continent.

Monimichelle Sports Facility Construction Ltd. also put in place the facilities at Mohammodu Dikko Stadium and Samson Siasia Stadium. 

Content culled from Vanguard, aside from the headline.

Aisha Buhari Tourney: Bar. Edeh Proud Of 'Fabulous' Falcons, Hails Organisers.

President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), Barrister Paul Edeh on Wednesday praised the organisers of the Aisha Buhari Tournament for doing a great job he simply described as 'extraordinary'. 

The 'six' nation tournament kicked off on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, with the Super Falcons getting a 2-0 victory over the 'Les Aiglonnes' of Mali at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, Onikan, Lagos.

The philanthropist and brain behind the biggest Women's Football Pre season Tournament in Africa (Flying Officers Cup) also gave kudos to the President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Melvin Pinnick; Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwoolu; and the members of the Organising Committee headed by First Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, for a job, well-executed.

The United Nations SDG Peace Ambassador also went further to congratulate African Champions, Super Falcons of Nigeria for its well-deserved victory over Malians senior women National team and wished the team well ahead of their final game against Bayana Bayana of South Africa next Tuesday.

2021 NWFL Premiership topscorer Monday Gift smashed home two late goals at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena to seal victory for the host and an excited Edeh highlighted that Monday's brace has shown how strong the NWFL Premiership has become under Aisha Falode. 

"No doubt, I am excited over her brace and the fact that the Super Falcons earned a comfortable victory. The NWFL Premiership is one of the best in the world and that's why the league keeps producing great players. 

"The Organisation of the tournament is one of the best I have seen so far, and kudos must go to the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick and the Local Organizing Committee, under the leadership of Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi.

"I was optimistic that we were going to have a perfect organisation before theme and am glad the LOC has surpassed people's expectations. 

The opening ceremony of the maiden Aishasuhari Tournament was attended by FIFA President, Gianni Infantino; CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe; and other football big wigs.

Six nations participate in the inaugural edition; Mali, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, and Cameroon alongside host, Nigeria.

Akhiwu Eugene Rolls Out 10 Weapons To Develop Edo Chess Association

 

In a season when reputable individuals who can come to the fore and put to place their skills, experience and exposure to play in raising the bar of Chess in Edo State becomes a scarce commodity, Akhiwu Eugene is the solution to the situation and the sustenance to any set policy, program or agenda for the Chess Association in Edo State. 

Beyond being a man of wider exposure and understanding the game of Ches, both as a player, coach and Administrator, Akhiwu Eugene is the kind of soul everyone who prays for progressiveness in Edo Chess will want to associate with.

Here are TEN reasons Eugene should be considered as the best option to lead Edo State Chess Association to the Promise land

Ehidiamhen Eugene AKHIWU is an International Chess Arbiter, an International Chess Organiser, a National/Developmental Chess Instructor, and has a Diploma in the Administration of a Chess Federation all of which were awarded by FIDE, the World Chess Federation. 

He is also the Technical Director of the Edo State Chess Association (ESCA).

As a Chess Administrator, Ehidiamhen has been more recently involved with taking the Chess in Schools Program of the World Chess Federation FIDE to the nook and crannies of Edo State through his organization; the Chess Knights; a registered entity with Corporate Affairs Commission. He has also been collaborating with the Life and Chess Club run by Princess Omonyemwen Adeyinka-Afolabi in inculcating the inherent advantages of learning and playing chess in the people of Edo State especially our children and adolescents. 

In 2013, Collaborating with Life and Chess Club, the Benin Chess Tournament Also Known as Oba's Cup was successfully organized which was the first FIDE rated chess tournament in Edo State and it is in its 5th Edition this year 2021. It is also important to note that the Chess Sequence which started in 2010 with the support of Ehidiamhen has been organized 22 times and the 23rd edition will be organized in September 2021. 

The Ehidiamhem Children's Day Classics also saw its maiden edition on the 27th of May, 2021. Testaments of these events can be found online.

His training, experience, qualifications and certifications cut across all the areas of chess play and administration.

The University of Lagos (Sociology) graduate is *Intelligent, Resourceful, and Capable, possess excellent oral and written communication skills, with a creative approach to engaging people.* He's an individual who is personally driven to succeed, he demonstrates the ability to lead and attain new levels of success in a highly competitive environment.

From 1983 till date, Mr Eugene has held as many roles as any Chess legend would have across the world. From being an Arbiter at the _B & H International Chess Grand Prix, Lagos- 1983_

_IBB Chess masters International Grand Prix Abuja- 1983_

_World Chess Olympiad, Calvia, Spain- 2004_

_World Chess Olympiad, Istanbul, Turkey- 2012_

A Deputy Chief Arbiter in competition across the continent from the zonal championship, African Junior Championship, All African games to Individual games between the late 90s, early 2000 and 2010.

What more Edo will benefit from, should Eugene be supported to lead them?

Give priority to the development of the Chess masses, mainly youth, putting foremost the socio-educational virtues of the game.

Modify the rules and organisation of tournaments according to our priority of mass development

Make the management of the Nigerian Chess Federation exemplary, based on real democracy and transparency.

Increase the living standard of all Chess professionals, just to mention but a few what a man of deep understanding of the sport can offer if allowed to steer the paddle of Edo Chess canoe.

A man without a goal will only get to a position with nothing to offer; Eugene however is not a farmer who goes to farm without a hoe. Here are highlights of his goals as an administrator

*Establishing closer links amongst local Chess players to form regular Chess Clubs and increase tournament participation within State Chess Associations.*

*Develop closer links between these Chess players and the Nigeria Chess Community.*

*Provide Equipment and Technical Assistance to increase the level of regular Chess activity.*

*Foster a greater sense of Community Spirit amongst Chess players of all ages.*

*Identify talented Chess players and Organisers, and develop their skills for the future.*

Though there have been some wall talks about an alien to the game who want to make his way through the back doors, but without mincing words, a man like Akhiwu Eugene is all Edo State Chess Association need to become a world powerhouse in a Chess game.

AS Cotonou hold 36 Lion in warm up

36 Lion were held to a 1-1 draw by AS Cotonou in the tour of Benin Republic as the highly-anticipated game with AS Cotonou ended in a stalemate on Wednesday morning.

The two clubs based locked horns at Stade René Pleven d'Akpakpa aiming for a win in the friendly.

Following a bright start from both sides in the first half, fans were treated to exciting football as 36 Lion and AS Cotonou opened up play and went on successive attacks. 

The roaring Lions drew the curtain raiser on the stroke of halftime through Joe Oloko. The forward latched on a delicious pass from Azeez Oseni to score.

With 36 Lion led by Nigeria youth international Oseni resuming the second half to give it their all, they should have doubled the lead. 

AS Cotonou grabbed the equalizer in the 79th minute via penalty.

The determined Lions were unable to find a winner thereafter which left Oseni and his team-mates disappointed.

“I think we deserved more, but you have to show more also on the pitch,“ the attacking midfielder told the Media post-match.

Speaking about his form so far, he added: “I think I’m good, I’m good. The team, we all good. Training well, we arrived here very focused as always and like I said I always give my best on the pitch and give my heart to help my team-mates. So we need to keep it up, we keep improving and I wanted to win today – that’s why I’m disappointed with the result.”

Five Reasons To Look Forward To The 2021 Flying Officers Cup

Since the tournament's inception in 2019, a number of big Nigerian Women Football clubs have participated. 

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.

Flying Officers Cup : Africa Women Foootball Foremost Journalist Rates Flying Officers Cup High

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: NWFL Premiership Coaches Heap Praises On Organisers

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.