Ajegunle Unity Football Tournament Wax Strong to Kick Off Registration Ongoing

By Adeleke Idowu

First of it, the kind Ajegunle Unity Football Tournament tagged Ifelodun Youth Cup 20,21 is, set to exploit talented athletes to the limelight with the verge of strategies implore. 

In press conference done on Tuesday 5/10/2021 at mount view hotel 135 kirikiri road Wilmer Ajegunle Apapa Lagos.

Plans are revealed to pressmen on the ground.

In attendance are LagosLagosvision (LTV), Africa Independent Television (AIT), Jordan FM, Eko FM, Metro FM, ElegbeteTvRadio and loads of journalists comes to grass the conference.

The local Organising Committee (LOC) chairman Ebahor revealed the objective of creating the thCommitteelatform to the city of jejune when interviewed by Sports Exclusive he said.

"Ajegunle is a city where talent is bound when tSportsf grassroots sport with a lot of heroes like Monday Odiaka, Udeze, Moses Amata and lot of them. 

We created this platform, not for only Ajegunle resident alone slot are available for teams all over, Lagos to come in and showcase their talent as we are having a lot of scout from all across the globe to pick players with exceptional tala ent for scouts".

Registration is still ongoing and will come exceptionally from 18th of November to 19th of December 2021 at Signal Barack Football Pitch Mile 2.

Nig 0 vs 1 CAR: Journalist-attacking Iheanacho was shambolic as Wild Beasts feast on wingless Eagles

Super Eagles' 1-0 loss to the Central African Republic on Thursday came as a rude shock to every football lover across the world especially with the Nigerian side failing to get any clear-cut chance in the game. 

The build-up to the match had been blighted with Iheanacho's attack of a journalist but any hope of restitution went up in flames as the former Manchester City forward produced one of the horrific performances in Eagles shirt and it was not surprising he was hauled off for Awoniyi. 

What would have been a free-for-all between the Super Eagles striker, and ‘Brila FM’ journalist, Yinka Oyedele, was averted due to the maturity of the reporter after the Leicester City striker attacked him during the national team first training at the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Tuesday evening. 

According to reports, the media was given access to talk to the players after their training with Oyedele one of the journalists present ready to take advantage of the moment by chatting with the striker who clocked 25 over the weekend, scoring a goal in his club’s 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace in the English Premier League. 

“The media was given permission to talk to players after training and when I approached Kelechi Iheanacho to talk after training, he decided to shove me aside despite the session being an open one,” Oyedele said. 

“He actually ended up not talking to the press in what was a sheer show of ill manner.” 

An eye-witness at the scene, Tobi Peters of ‘TVC’, said it was a sheer arrogance from the player and there was need to put an end to insults from the players to journalists. 

Peters said Oyedele really showed maturity because no one would accept such attitude from someone who is younger than you and also in the line of your duty.

He added: “I don’t think personally that I would accept such an attitude from any player.

“They need us more than we need them because without God and publicity, some of them won’t be where they are today and I will say this, I was highly disappointed in Iheanacho and they need to call him to order.” 

The Eagles went on to lose the game at home against the Central African Republic on Thursday, putting an end to the 40-year-old record of not losing a World Cup qualifier at home. 

The second leg will be taking place on Sunday, October 10 in Douala, Cameroon, the adopted home of CAR.

Flying Officers Cup 2021: Teams Arrive As Competition Set To Kick-Off On Sunday

All is now set for the start of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup, billed to Kick-Off on Sunday, the 10th of October at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja. 

All the 16 teams participating are expected to arrive on Saturday, with the opening game between Naija Ratels FC and Ghana Police Ladies scheduled on Sunday by 3pm at the same venue. 

2021 Ghanaian Women Premier League first runner-up Police Ladies, arrived the country yesterday morning via the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja and will have their first training on Friday morning at the FIFA Goal Project Package B', National Stadium, Abuja.

Naija Ratels, Ghana Police Ladies FC, Royal Queens FC, Honey Badgers FC are all in group A, while Bayelsa Queens, FC Robo Queens, Osun Babes and Kazeem Eletu Queens are in group B. 

Group C has Rivers Angels, Confluence Queens, Sunshine Queens and Oasis Ladies , while Group D consist of Nasarawa Amazons, Edo Queens, Lakeside Queens a d Dannaz Ladies.

Ratels Sports Development Foundation Set To Honour Arotile, Ukaigwe, Mabo, Jegede, Kujebola Others.

Names of Awardees for the Ratels Sports Development Foundation Heroes Awards 2021 was revealed during Flying Officers Cup draw ceremony held in Abuja on Thursday. 

The award Committee headed by Moses Nagogo Bako followed a set of eligibility criteria which considers factors such as achievements and pedigree of the nominees.

The prestigious award is conferred to those personalities who have rendered outstanding meritorious services to the development of sports and women’s football in the country and beyond.

The award comes in two categories of Special Posthumous Awards and the Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Four people were remembered and honoured in the Posthumous Awards category: 

Tolulope Oluwatoyin Sarah Arotile: 

The first-ever female combat helicopter pilot in the Nigeria Air Force. She contributed significantly to combat operations against insecurity in the northern states of Nigeria. Arotile died from a head injury sustained in an accident at the Nigerian Air Force base.

Henrietta Ukaigwe: She was a veteran sports journalist cum women’s football promoter. Started FFIG – Female Football Interest Group comprising individuals, who actively promoted and energetically projected the women’s game and made it an item of consequence in the media and public space across the nation from the nineties. This group did not only report the game; it coalesced efforts and resources to organize women’s football tournaments and provided much-needed stout and meaningful support to administrators at that incipient stage. 

Chief Larry Eze: Pioneer of women’s football in Nigeria and the Proprietor of defunct Larry Angels, It should be noted that Larry Angels and the likes of Rivers Mermaids metamorphosed to Rivers Angels in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership. 

Chief Sunny Eghaghe Inneh: Pioneer of women’s football in Nigeria and the Proprietor of defunct Inneh Babes. Inneh babes metamorphosed to Edo Queens in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership

Lifetime Achievement Awards:

Chioma Ajunwa: Former athlete, notable for being the first Nigerian to win gold at 1996 summer Olympics. The first black African woman to win an Olympic gold medal in a field event. She remains only woman to compete at the FIFA world cup both  as a footballer and the Olympics as a track and field athlete.

She is now an assistant commissioner of Police.

Princesses Bola Jegede: Pioneer of women’s football in Nigeria played a pivotal role in Organizing the first women Inter-club competition in Nigeria in 1990. The establishment of her female football Club, Jegede Babes in the late 1980s culminated in the establishment of other female football Clubs in the country producing players for the nascent Super Falcons squad to the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1991.

Ismaila Mabo: He was the head coach of the Nigeria women’s national team at the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, 2000 Summer Olympics and 2004 Summer Olympics. He led Nigeria to the quarter-finals of the World Cup, the team’s best ever result

Eddington Kujebola: Pioneer of women’s football in Nigeria and the Proprietor of defunct Ufuoma Babes of warri. Notable players for Ufuoma Babes were Florence Omagbemi, Mavis Ogun, Patience Avre, Uche Eucharia, Mercy Akide, Omo Love Branch, Nkiru Okieseme, Florence Iweta, Phoebe Ebimienkumo, etc.

Alhaja Ayo Omidiran: Pioneer of women’s football in Nigeria and the Proprietor of Omidiran babes, which left the football scene but are now back. She became a member of the Nigerian Football Association Board and remained there till 2005. Since 2006, she has been a member of the FIFA Women Committee.

Other Awards Include:

Heroic Icon Of The Year: Leah Shuiabu.

Women Football Promoter of the year: Phillip Shuiabu.

Women Football Grassroots Icon of the year: Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi.

Women Football Trailblazer of the year: Aisha Falode.

Flying Officers Cup 2021: Naija Ratels To Face Ghana Police Ladies In 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 21: Teams To Undergo Compulsory Covid-19 Test On Arrival

Organisers have announced that players and officials of all the sixteen (16) participating at the 2021 Flying Officers Cup are to undergo the compulsory Covid-19 test before the tournament kicks off on Sunday, the 10th of October 2021. 

In order to facilitate swift testing of all players, the Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF) has entered a partnership with the Nigeria Centre For Disease Control (NCDC), for the teams to undergo their COVID-19 test on arrival at the Public Service Institute Of Nigeria (PSIN), Abuja. 

Furthermore, players and officials of teams who are interested in getting vaccinated are to indicate while registering on the registration portal, which will open on wednesday, the 6th of October on the Tournament's website, Www.FlyingOfficersCup.com.

The General Coordinator of the competition, Barrister Victoria Nlemigbo noted that all teams should ensure that they register online in time , as soon as the portal is opened, to enable the LOC get the players licences ready before arrival of the teams. 

"I am happy to confirm that our partnership with NCDC has been activated and this will enable teams undergo their COVID-19 test on arrival in Abuja. 

"This is in line with the policies of the Federal Government and  footballing body in Nigeria, NFF and the women's football league body, the NWFL. 

"We have also made arrangements through our portal on the website for those who are interested in getting vaccinated at the same venue. 

"The portal registration will be opened for team's registration today, the 6th day of October 2021. I urge all participating teams to ensure they complete the form to enable the LOC get the players licences ready before arrival of the team. We wish all the participating teams the best of luck.

The Flying Officers Cup will kickoff on the 10th of October at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja and will have 16 teams participating.

Optima Energy To Power NLO Super 8 From October 18

The city of Remo will be agog with NLO Super 8, powered by Optimal Energy Resources from 18 - 22 October, 2021 at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ogun state. 

The tournament which promises to be exciting , will have eight promoted clubs from the Nationwide League One (NLO) to the Nigeria National League (NNL) trade tackles to know the overall champions of the league in the just concluded season.

Speaking to the media, Mohmmed Alkali, chairman of NLO, informed that the tournament will never lack any dull moment, as he noted that all the teams participating in the NLO Super 8 are champions, therefore football stakeholders and fans should look forward to sublime football at the tournament.

"We are glad to let Nigerians know that the NLO Super 8 is scheduled to take place at Remo stars stadium from 18th - 22nd October and we expects all the participating teams to give a good account of themselves," Alkali said.

"All the teams are champions. So, the tournament is a gathering of champions and when champions play one another, you definitely expect to see great football on display," he added.

He also said praised the efforts of management of Optimal Energy Resources Limited for securing partnership with NLO to power the Super 8 tournament, as he admonished other corporate bodies to take the football mileage in NLO, with over 300 clubs and invest in the league.

"I deeply appreciate the management of Optimal Energy Resources Limited for partnering with NLO to breath life to the tournament and hopefully the tournament will flourish with so many good things to cheer for the fans and stakeholders.

"I hope more Nigerian companies can follow the footsteps of Optimal Energy Resources in moving the league forward at the grassroot of football in Nigeria," he said.

The eight participating champions in the tournament are Udala FC of Anambra state, Ijebu United of Ogun state, Destiny Boys of Lagos state, Campus FC of Owerri, Imo state, JM Liberty of Makurdi, Benue state, Ottasolo Fc of Ogun state, Doma Fc of Gombe and Junior Damburam Fc of Katsina state. 

Aihkoje Lists Sportspedal, Ajidagba, Faruk And 19 Others As Lagos SWAN Tackle SWAN Selected

Head coach of Lagos SWAN, Ojeikere Aikhoje has listed Unilag FM duo, Seun Ajidagba and Adetola Faruk, top striker Emmanual Josiah, Olusola Adebayo aka Sportspedal and 18 others for the international break game between Lagos SWAN and SWAN Selected slated for the Legacy Pitch on Wednesday at 3pm. 

SWAN Selected comprises of journalists based in different states in Nigeria, and this will be the second meeting between both sides. SWAN Selected won the first encounter at the Soccer Temple, Agege 1-0 in 2019.

Lagos SWAN will be playing their second game this year and the gaffer is optimistic his team will return to winning ways on Wednesday.

“I am happy we have this game to work with our young team, we had an amazing performance in our last game and we were just unlucky with an individual error. It was a team defeat, and we won’t blame any individual. We had a lot of positives from the game and it will help our confidence on Wednesday. I am optimistic, we will return to winning ways, this is our second meeting and we are ready to fight for the Lagos SWAN badge,” said Aikhoje.

THE FULL LIST:

Goalkeepers:

 

Seun Ajidagba, Jerome Obuninta.

 

Defenders:

 

Tobi Adepoju, Owolabi Aleshinloye, Pius Ayinor, Raymond Nwaduba, Adetola Adeola Faruk, Steve Dede, Afolabi Ibukun, Victor Modo.

 

Midfielders:

 

George Gift, Olusola Adebayo, Israel Ojoko, Tunde Oyedele, Chinedu Onwunali, Fajimi Kehinde, Sulaiman Alao, Atobatele Tolulope Taiwo.

 

Forwards:

 

Olawale Olatoye, Emmanuel Josiah, Sulaiman Adebayo 'Pooja', Ogundairo Oluwaseun.

Flying Officers Cup 21: Team Profile- Sunshine Queens (5 Days To Go).

Coach Tayo Onilude has a huge responsibility this coming month, leading a new Sunshine Queens team into the new 2022 NWFL Premiership season. 

Many of Sunshine Queens key players left Akure, after the departure of Wemimo Mathew to Edo Queens, leaving Onilude with a lean squad. 

They crashed out in the Federation Cup losing scandalously to neighbours Osun Babes FC and later went on to lose some friendly matches. 

The team picked up at the Betsy Obaseki Invitationals, winning two games, but wasn't good enough for them to scale through to the Semi-final.

The 'Betty Babes' will be using the Flying Officers Cup to strengthen their squad and test more players as they head towards more challenges. 

Experienced Goalkeeper Christy Ohiaeriaku and Seun 'Drogba' Atanda joined from Edo Queens in the summer and would prove to be an important addition to the squad, Ayo Omosuyi, Lucky Andy, Blessing Nkor all joined from Ibom Angels, while Kehinde Salaudeen and Juliet Emereole joined from Osun Babes and Dreamstar Ladies.

The team is beginning to auspiciously show some signs of life and the Flying Officers Cup is just the right place to make some finishing touches to their squad.

Tebo Franklin assists goal for Hacken in 2-1 win at Orebro

Nigeria international Tebo Franklin registered an assist on Sunday afternoon to help Hacken defeat Orebro 2-1 in the Swedish Allsvenskan. 

The centre-back was named on the bench of his team when they visited Behrn Arena to face Orebro on the matchday 22 of the ongoing campaign.

Tebo Franklin replaced injured Faltsetas Alexander in the 13th minute.

Following a good start to the game by Tebo and his teammates, they raced in front in the second minute of additional time of the first stanza.

Tebo provided a quality assist for his Nigerian compatriot Godswill Ekpolo.

In a hard-fought battle, Bengtsson Leo was set up by Walemark Patrik for the second goal as first half ended 0-2.

Pushing on to search for a goal, the hosts pulled one back through Nahir Besara from the penalty spot.

Super Eagles B star Tebo Franklin rallied his partners to play at the top level to stop the home team from adding to their tally.

The former Nasarawa United has now played two games since joining the Wasps.

Monimichelle and TMR support ANFASSC for SWAN Selected tie

Monimichelle and TMR join forces with ANFASSC ahead of friendly against SWAN Selected

Monimichelle Sports Construction and Track Med Rec (TMR) have joined the growing list of Authentic Nigeria Football and Allied Sports Supporters Club (ANFASSC) partners for the epic game against SWAN Selected. 

The two sides will clash at Legacy Pitch on Tuesday. Kickoff is 1pm.

To make the cracker well organized, the highly regarded companies have decided to support ANFASSC who are chief hosts of the game.

Speaking to the Media on the lastest development, National President ANFASSC, Prince Abayomi Ogunjimi thanked the two companies for recognizing the Authentic brand.

He urged other well meaning individuals and cooperate bodies to continue identifying with ANFASSC.

The match between ANFASSC and SWAN Selected will take place at Legacy Pitch on Tuesday 5th October.

The friendly is also sponsored by NFF, Bet9ja, Culturati, Aurara Football Limited, ACTDF and Cone.

SWAN Selected camp opens in Lagos

The SWAN Selected camp will open in Lagos, with almost all the players expected on Monday afternoon.

SWAN Selected have perfected plans to open camp on Sunday (today) ahead of their next assignment.

Earlier it was reported that all necessary logistics have been put in place for a fruitful assignment and eventual victory against Authentic Nigeria Football and Allied Sports Supporters Club (ANFASSC).

“On our part, we are serious, quick and ready always. We expect nothing but a handsome victory and we know the team is up to it,” SWAN Selected head coach Yemi Olanrenwaju informed the Media. 

Yema on his part says he expects that training will start on Monday morning depending on the arrival schedule of most players, adding that by their roster SWAN Selected will have healthy training before the game.

“The team will be ready, healthy and all of our players are well for the battle against ANFASSC.

Team captain Fisayo Dairo and ace midfield Partner Andrew Randa both return to the squad having missed the last game against Super Eagles Supporters Clubs (SESC) in September.

The likes of Ajegena Richard and Busayo Olowokere are also expected to arrive on Monday morning from Abuja.

Also expected in camp are Tobi Adepoju, Aleshinloye Owolabi, Victor Modo, Sammy Adesoji, Mickie Chukwuebuka, Areo Samuel, Bamisebi Samuel, Tunde Liadi, Adebayo Charles, Bayo Adegboyega and Olawale Qadri.

Others are Shogo Shodunke, Damilola Alagbe, Wole Opatola, Shina Okeleji, Apostle Pikin, Sanipe Tonte, Sawadinho Benjamin, Adams Jesse, Olatoye Olawale, Eche Amos, Ferdinand Udoh, Suleiman Pooja, Henry Chijioke, Olawale Hamzat and Emmanuel Josiah.

The game between ANFASSC and SWAN Selected will take place on Tuesday 5th October at Mobolaji Johnson Stadium. The kickoff is 1 pm.

SWAN Selected Best Striker Plans To Punish ANFASSC, To Continue Good Form

Striker Adams Jesse believes SWAN Selected have what it takes to prevail ahead of the much-anticipated clash against Authentic Nigeria Football and Allied Sports Supporters Club (ANFASSC).

The tie which is billed for October 5th will be the third official game for Swan Selected this year.

"We want to continue with our good run."

The game will take place at Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Tuesday.

SWAN Selected are on a good run of form, being unbeaten for six games. "That's great," admits Adams Jesse. "However, it plays no role in the preparation, as every match poses a new challenge."

"We've done our homework. There are many variables in any match - one never knows what to expect. 

"It will be a very tight game against the ANFASSC side but as it is, we will be having the full compliments of our players, which will give us the added advantage over the opposition."

"We hope to get a win to continue our fine form."

"As always we want to win for our supporters. The neutrals too will be watching and hoping to witness an exciting match. We are prepared and ready to give it our all for this badge," the SWAN Selected top scorer added.

ANFASSC Vs SWAN Selected: "We want to enjoy ourselves and entertain" - ANFASSC Chairman Ogunjimi

Authentic Nigeria Football and Allied Sports Supporters Club (ANFASSC) aim for SWAN Selected scalp, feeling that'd give them solace ahead of the friendly match.

This is according to the President of ANFASSC, Prince Abayomi Ogunjimi leading up to their clash against SWAN Selected at Mobolaji Johnson Stadium on Tuesday 5th October. 

ANFASSC will put on their traditional Green attire, while SWAN Selected will defend their dark blue colours.

"We know it's a very big game, especially coming up against such a solid team with good players. Even so, we know what we have to do. We're going into this game fully focused on winning. We're not going there thinking about losing," Prince Ogunjimi told the Media on Saturday.

Ogunjimi appears to be drawing motivation from the lively mood in his team's camp ahead of the game on Tuesday. 

"The mood in our ranks is good. We want to enjoy ourselves and entertain. In football anything is possible, however we take nothing away from them, we've to respect that they're doing well so far but football is all about what you do on match day," noted the hardworking ANFASSC Chief.

Flying Officers Cup 2021: 8 Days To Go Team Profile - Naija Ratels.

Naija Ratels showed an unbreakable spirit at the last edition of the Flying Officers Cup, reaching the semi-finals, where they finally bowed out to Nasarawa Amazons via penalties. 

Over the last year, Naija Ratels have been rejuvenated under Bankole Olowookeere, keeping a different style of play from the norm with the players been more flexible on the ball in a more tiki-taka approach, starting the attack from the goalkeeper. 

The 'Ratels' will head into the 2021 Flying Officers Cup as a stronger team, having finally gained promotion to the Premiership in June, where they emerged champions of the NWFL Championship ahead of the likes of Heartland Queens and Adamawa Queens. 

With teenage sensations like Paulina Ali, Aminat Bello, Emmanuel Blessing, Oyinlola Olamide, Adanna Nwachukwu and others, there is plenty of optimism around the future of Naija Ratels.

President of the Club, Barrister Paul Edeh recently unveiled some quality players like Sofia Bankole, Olamide Adugbe, Adesina Itunuoluwa, Regina Oxide into the squad and this may perhaps make the team stronger as they head towards the Flying Officers Cup and the league. 

The Flying Officers Cup will kickstart on the 10th of October 2021 in Abuja.

We at AIT are very excited to be part of this year's Flying Officers Cup," Akiotu

The Organisers of the Flying Officers Cup has officially announced on thursday that leading broadcast Station, Africa Independent Television (AIT) will beam live the final match of the 2021 Edition of the Flying Officers Cup, the biggest Women Football Pre-season Championship in Africa. 

Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), main sponsors of the Pre-season Championship in build up to the Competition sought to partner with AIT as official broadcast partners for the Flying Officers Cup at a meeting held between the management team of the  largest privately operated terrestrial television network, led by Anegbe Anthony Akiotu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Group MD, Director and Ratels Sports Development Foundation, led by the President Barrister Paul Edeh, a deal was brokered which will enable AIT beam live the finals of the Competition.  

While endorsing the Flying Officers Cup and accepting AIT to be the official broadcast media partner of the tournament, the GMD of AIT commended the Organisers for taking up the challenge of supporting women's football in Nigeria. 

He recounted that in the past, most league matches were aired live, which built the enthusiasm of Nigerians, who always scamper for their television whenever matches were to be played. He also noted that AIT will always be inclined to encourage organisations like Ratels Sports Development Foundation that is selflessly seeking to promote women's football.

"We at AIT are very excited to be part of this year's Flying Officers Cup," Akiotu said. 

"We have been at the forefront of promoting women football which is one sport that needs to lot of media attention. The Flying Officer’s Cup will give us the opportunity to avail our numerous viewers across Nigeria with the best of Women's Football, which they have been yearning for long. 

"Sports is a major unifying force which is an important part of our contents and football in particular plays a key role to a large section of our target demographic. 

"We in AIT will make out various sports platform available to your foundation and we sincerely hope to have more partnerships with Ratels Sports Development Foundation and make more impact in our society through Sports." He Concluded. 

Speaking on the partnership, Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF) President, Barrister Paul Edeh, who was accompanied by other Organizing Committee members of the Flying Officers Cup noted that the idea behind the Flying Officers Cup is to immortalize the late Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile for her selfless service to Nigeria and also to keep her legacies alive. He stated that RSDF choice of AIT as official media broadcast partners for the Flying Officers Cup is based on it's consistent support for the growth of women's football and the girl-child.

"We are delighted to be doing this with AIT, a station known for its uniqueness in live broadcast. This is another huge leap for Ratels Sports Development Foundation and would surely help complement the efforts put together so far by the Organizing Committee. 

"The Flying Officers Cup will keep aiming for greatness, and we at Ratels Sports Development Foundation will continue to push for more of this, which will clearly help to develop women's football in Nigeria and beyond." He Concluded. 

The Africa Independent Television (AIT) is the largest privately operated terrestrial television network with stations in twenty-four out of thirty-six states in Nigeria. The 2021 edition of the Flying Officers Cup will take place from the 10th to the 24th of October 2021 in Abuja at the Area 10 Sports Complex Abuja.

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.