Flying Officers Cup: "We are not under pressure to win the cup " Ratel FC coach competition's target

Naija Ratels played a barren draw with Ghana Police Ladies on the opening day and went on to lose narrowly to fellow Premiership side, Royal Queens on tuesday evening.

The Ratels will now meet Honey Badgers on Friday, in a game they must win to proceed to the next stage of the tournament.  

However, Olowookeere is remaining calm and believes he is not under any pressure to win the tournament, stating that Pre-seasons are meant for you to build your team and make them stronger ahead of the new season. 

'We have been playing so well, but not taking our chances. It clearly means that we still have a long way to go. We need to keep getting stronger in every department, and that's the reality we need to face. 

'I don't feel any pressure. It is about getting it right and preparing the team well enough for the league and the future. I know a lot of people expect us to have done better, but at the end of the day, we would keep pushing and improving as a team."

Naija Ratels FC got promotion to the NWFL Premiership in 2021 after winning the NWFL Championship season and also got to the Semi-final of the 2020 Flying Officers Cup, where they lost to Nasarawa Amazons via penalties.

Flying Officers Cup 2021 Wrap: Bayelsa Queens Goes Goal Gaga As 10 Goals Were Scored In Three Matches Played On Matchday Four

Action continues at the 2021 Flying Officers Cup on matchday four as a total 10 goals were scored in the three games went down on.

Honey Badgers FC held Ghana Police Ladies FC to a 1-1 draw in the first game of the day.

The Ghanaian forward, Juanita Aguadze expertly looped the ball above Dzer Comfort to give Ghana Police Ladies a precious lead in the 17th minute. 

Eight minutes later, young forward, Atume Doosur smashed a fantastic free kick over the wall of Ghana Police Ladies FC's wall and over the goalkeepers shoulder to equalize for Honey Badgers.

Emmanuel James in the 33rd minute had a golden chance to put Honey Badgers FC ahead. She practically received a good cross from Odoh Odiwira and had an empty goal post to deal with, but played the ball wide.

Ghana Police Ladies with the result occupy the second position in Group A with two points from two games, a point behind leaders, Royal Queens FC.

Honey Badgers FC and Naija Ratels FC have one point apiece.

The second game of the day in Group B witnessed a high score line as defending Champions, Bayelsa Queens shrugged off its 1-0 defeat to FC Robo Queens and recorded a 6-0 triumph over Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens FC. 

Bayelsa Queens almost got the first goal in the 14th minute as former Confluence Queens and Rivers Angels player, Ozinuchi Amaewhule's free kick hit the woodwork.

Eight minutes later, the 'New Direction' Ladies finally scored the first goal as Juliet Sunday headed in a cross from Edet Glory.

In the 25th minute, Bayelsa Queens doubled their lead with Sunday Juliet's second goal of the game. Juliet cruised past her markers before beating Aiyelowo Bidemi in goal for Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens.

Another Juliet in Juliet Bassey made it 3-0 for Bayelsa Queens in the 37th minute.

In the second half, the 2021 AITEO Cup Champions scored three more goals from Precious Vincent, Kafayat Bashiru, and Ayo Anifowoshe's own goal.

The second Group B game ended in 1-1 draw.

As early as the eighth minute, Olamide Bolaji's header for Osun Babes went a bit wide after receiving a cross from Patience Dike.

In the 74th minute, Osun Babes got the breakthrough courtesy of a goal from Kesiena Ojiyovwi.

Another goal went in quick successions as FC Robo Queens equalized two minutes later thanks to Taiwo Lawal's strike.

Osun Babes with four points from two games alongside FC Robo Queens on the same four points seat at the top of the table while Bayelsa Queens are in the third position with three points from two games as Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens FC will play FC Robo Queens in their last game for pride after losing its first two group games.

In the last game of the day, Confluence Queens of Lokoja booked a place in the semi final after a 1-0 win over Sunshine Queens of Akure.

Former Rivers Angels player, Ibinabo Georgewill scored on her debut for Confluence Queens as the forward headed home a beautiful cross from Mercy Omokwu in the 75th minute.

Confluence Queens with a maximum of six points from two games qualify for the quarter final.

On thursday, games will continue at the Flying Officers Cup, with Royal Queens battling Honey Badgers by 8am, Oasis Ladies will play against SGH Academy FC by 10:30am, Edo Queens and Lakeside Queens by 1pm, while Danaz Ladies and Nasarawa Amazons will play the last game of the day by 3:30 pm.

VIA Academy product, Sodiq Awujoola completes Smouha SC of Egypt deal

Egyptian side, Smuoha SC have secured the signing of Sodiq Awujoola on a three-year deal. 

The pacy winger deal was announced by the player’s agent via their official Twitter handle this Tuesday, which read; “Badig Group are delighted to announce that the unstoppable winger Sodiq Awujoola  signed for @SmouhaOfficial official Goodluck bro” 

Smuoha SC is an Egyptian sports club based in Smouha, Alexandria, Egypt and currently plays in the Egyptian Premier League, the highest tier of the Egyptian football league system.

Sodiq, who is also of VIA football academy is a winger with superb close control of the ball, quick thinking and immaculate passing. He can score goals but also has a special skill in helping others to score.

Awujoola, can operate on either flank and anywhere on the offensive spine of the team. His incredible skillset allows for tactics to be changed at a whim in the full knowledge that the teenager will put in a stellar performance regardless of his position on the pitch.

He is a player who picks the ball up in the final third after much of the hard work is done and then applies his magic. He is a supremely creative player and possesses great composure in pressurized situations in front of goals.

Smuoha sporting club does not doubt out a player in their squad.

2021 Flying Officers Cup Day 3 Review: All games ended in victories with an identical scoreline

The Flying Officers Cup 2021 reached day three on Tuesday with the three games all ending 1-0 each against WACO Ladies, Nasarawa Amazons And Naija Ratels FC. 

The 2021 Flying Officers Cup reaches day three on Tuesday at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja (the capital city of Nigeria). 

Sunshine Queens of Akure in the first game of the day upended WACO Ladies of Abuja 1-0 in a close encounter between the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership side and the non-league side.

After 14 minutes of the keenly contested encounter, Sunshine Queens FC eventually found the breakthrough in the 15th minute as Taye Ajibade scored the winning goal for Betty Babes from a rebound.

After conceding, WACO Ladies FC gathered momentum showing intent and purpose to equalise without conceding any goal.

WACO Ladies' goalkeeper, Abani Osinachi in the 32nd minute brilliantly saved an effort from Eretan Ireti, which got the fans applauding her for the performance.

WACO Ladies FC in the 58th minute was handed a penalty by the referee after Ekocha Stella was brought down inside the Sunshine Queens' penalty area.

Ekwe Favour could not win the battle of wills as she played the resulting penalty wide from the spot.

Edo Queens in the second game of the day pipped Nasarawa Amazons 1-0 to kick off its campaign on a positive note.

Nasarawa Amazons started the game with intent and purpose but the heroics of Obidinma Nkiruka in goal for Edo Queens prevented the Lafia based side from finding the back of the net.

In the 14th minute, Edo Queens goalkeeper, Obidinma Nkiruka did well to punch an intending ball away for safety. 

Adaobi Ukah in the 57th minute was brought down by Duru Joy and the referee signals for a free kick in favour of Edo Queens.

The left full-back, Ajimuda Rebecca converted the resultant free-kick to score the winning goal for Edo Queens in the 60th minute.

NWFL Championship side, Dannaz Ladies FC earned a 2-0 win over NWFL Nationwide side, Lakeside Queens in the third game of the day.

The game started in a cagey affair until the 44th minute when Ambali Sekinat in goal for Lakeside Queens was forced into making a double save denying Akinbo Ajoke in two quick successions.

After consecutive pressure from Dannaz Ladies FC, their efforts were rewarded in the 56th minute with a deserved penalty after Akinbo Ajoke was brought down inside the 18-yard-box. 

Two minutes later, Ogunfunwa Omotoke slotted the resulting penalty to give Dannaz Ladies FC the lead.

In the 60th minute, Mosindi Angela doubled Dannaz Ladies FC's lead as she ran through free space and beat the goalkeeper flawlessly.

In the last game of the day, NWFL Premiership side, Royal Queens of Warri inflicted Naija Ratels FC with its first defeat of the tournament earning a 1-0 victory over the host team.

Naija Ratels FC created lots of chances in the course of the game but failed to utilize them as Olamide Adugbe and Bello Aminat failed to convert their chances in the first half.

Two minutes from halftime, Royal Queens FC goalkeeper, Ohana Ruth expertly saved a fantastic volley from Aminat Bello.

Naija Ratels maintained a large chunk of possession in the second half but were unable to find the back of the net as Royal Queens defended well and posed dangerous counter-attacking threats.

In the 55th minute, Eunice Godwin scored the winning goal for Royal Queens FC.

Naija Ratels toiled hard to get the equaliser but to no avail as Royal Queens moved to the top of Group A with three points from its first game.

Action will continue on Wednesday, October 13, as Honey Badgers FC face Ghana Police Ladies FC in the early game by 8 am.

Prince Kazeem Eletu will trade tackles with defending Champions, Bayelsa Queens by 10:30 am.

FC Robo Queens and Osun Babes will attempt to seal a place in the quarter-final with a win after opening day victory over Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens FC and Bayelsa Queens respectively.

The final game of the day will see Confluence Queen's square up with Sunshine Queens by  3 pm.

MATCHDAY ONE WRAP: 3sc claim slim win over Kwara Utd as Remo Stars pip Ottasolo FC

Shooting Stars kickstart their title defense on a winning note with a 1-0 win over Kwara United. Both sides had their chances but failed to convert in the first 45 minutes. 

Oluyole Warriors started strong in the second half and broke the dreadlock with a fine header from Malomo Ayodeji in the 47th minute. 

An entertaining affair between Gateway United and Ijebu United in a local derby which produced three goals. Ijebu claimed a 2-1 win against Gateway with all the goals coming in the first half of the game. 

Remo Stars cruised to a 2-0 win over Ottasolo FC. The sky blue stars started strong after hitting the post early in the game from a Dayo Ojo’s freekick. 

Tolulope Ojo opened scoring with a well placed shot in the 70th minute after Qudus Akanni played a fine cross from the right. Seun Ogunribide sealed the win, after scoring a sumptuous freekick in the 90th minute. 

It ended a stalemate between MFM FC and Niger Tornadoes in the last game of Matchday One. Niger Tornadoes almost claimed all three points in the final minutes of the game but a goal line clearance from Chinonso Michael ensured the match end in a draw. 

POST-MATCH INTERVIEW: 

Remo Stars coach, Gbenga Ogunbote spoke about the qualities of his team after their 2-0 win over Ottasolo FC. 

“We have talented, quality, and young players, we are working to make a big statement in the season. We are a work in progress. The tournament has high quality and it offers a good opportunity to continue working with the team”. 

The tournament sponsored by Bet9ja and Value Jet is an initiative of Otunba Tade Azeez, President Nigeria Referees Association.

#DapoAbidounCup21

Morocco 2022: 23 Super Falcons to commence camping for Ghana in Lagos on Sunday

Nine-time African champions, Super Falcons will intensify preparations for their 2022 Women AFCON qualifying fixture against the Black Queens of Ghana when they arrive camp in Lagos on Sunday. 

 

Nigeria and Ghana clashed in the Final match of the inaugural edition of Women Africa Cup of Nations in 1998, which the Falcons won 2-0. However, both strong stallions in the African women football race-course have been drawn to play each other for one slot at the next edition to be held in the summer of 2022 in the Kingdom of Morocco.

 

As part of their preparations for this potentially –explosive qualifying fixture, the Super Falcons featured in the USWNT Summer Series in the United States of America in June, testing their might against Portugal, Jamaica and USA senior women teams, and then featured at the six-nation Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament hosted by the City of Lagos in September. They had earlier taken part in and won all three matches at the Turkish Women’s Cup in Antalya in February.

 

For the clash with the Black Queens, which first leg holds at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Wednesday, 20^th October, Head Coach Randy Waldrum has invited goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Onome Ebi and Osinachi Ohale, midfielders Rasheedat Ajibade and Regina Otu, forwards Asisat Oshoala (captain), Gift Monday and Vivian Ikechukwu, and 15 others.

 

There are also defenders Glory Ogbonna, midfielders Rita Chikwelu and Toni Payne and forwards Desire Oparanozie, Uchenna Kanu and Francisca Ordega.

 

The return leg is scheduled for Sunday, 24^th October in Accra. The winner over two legs will join hosts Morocco and 10 other countries for the 12^th Women Africa Cup of Nations next year summer.

 

ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:

 

Goalkeepers: Tochukwu Oluehi (Maccabi Kishronot Hadera, Israel); Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Yewande Balogun (California Storm, USA)

 

Defenders: Onome Ebi (Minsk FC, Belarus); Glory Ogbonna (Umea FC, Sweden); Osinachi Ohale (Deportivo Alaves, Spain); Ayomide Ojo (Edo Queens); Rafiat Imuran (Rivers Angels); Opeyemi Sunday (Edo Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Rivers Angels); Akudo Ogbonna (Edo Queens)

 

Midfielders: Rita Chikwelu (Madrid CFF, Spain); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Toni Oyedupe Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain); Regina Otu (Minsk FC, Belarus); Goodness Onyebuchi (Edo Queens); Joy Bokiri (AIK FC, Sweden)

 

Forwards: Asisat Oshoala (FC Barcelona, Spain); Francisca Ordega (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Gift Monday (FC Robo Queens); Uchenna Kanu (Linkopings FC, Sweden); Desire Oparanozie (Dijon FC, France); Vivian Ikechukwu (Rivers Angels)  

Olatoye Olawale gets international recognition for his efforts in Football development

A Nigerian sports journalist, Olatoye Olawale has bagged the prestigious ‘Outreach award’ from the Nigeria Soccer Federation, United States of America (NSF-USA). 

Olawale, who is the Director, Sportflames Communications and NSF-USA Coordinator in Nigeria, was awarded for his efforts in the development of grassroots football in the country as well as his efforts in distributing COVID-19 relief materials to about 400 grassroots players in Lagos in a bid to cushion the effects of the Covid-induced economic crisis on the players. 

Speaking on the award, Olawale expressed his profound gratitude to the leadership of the Nigeria Soccer Federation-USA for conferring the award on him the prestigious award,

He also appreciated all those who have contributed to his dream and success over the years for their support, encouragement and guidance.

This was contained in his appreciation statement.

The statement reads, “ I want to say a BIG THANK YOU to Nigeria Soccer Federation for this Award, sincerely I am humbled and motivated, with a burning desire to do more for Football Development in Nigeria and diaspora.

“ Let me use this medium to congratulate the Champions of this year, it’s really a deserved one and also the Match  Commissioner Fatai Atere (M.O.N)⁩ for putting together a befitting Tournament. My appreciation goes to my President Dr. Adetunji Aderemi NSF-USA thank you for your time and support, you are indeed a true Leader, to my Vice President NSF – USA Austin Okonkwo, don’t even know what to say about you, you made yourself available during the process of the Visa, but so disappointing that we have to wait till next year, thank you so much for the opportunity for service to humanity, I love you so much sir.

“ To my One and Only Brother, Father, Uncle, Boss and Mentor Coach Richard Opanuga⁩, you are indeed a Man, many might not understand your Philosophy of life but what matters most is the destination, you try to see differently, think out of the Box and make sure everyone is happy around you, even denying yourself happiness, it all started some years back, struggling as a player, you tried your best for me to play internationally but didn’t work out, you keep pushing me hard to be dogged, tenacious and never give up, at a point I actually wanted to quit but you are seeing possibilities, while I’m seeing difficulties, Aunty Ronke Opanuga is amazing also, your role is superb, thank you so much for your unflinching support and Love. I dedicate this Award to  Mr. & Mrs. Richard Opanuga, they really deserve it.

Back here in Nigeria, I want to say a big thank you to my Sportflames team, they really have been supportive. Everyday they do more for Nigerian football as it's our mission that we must put smiles on the faces of those that need our support.

Finally to my loving wife, thank you so much for your support and understanding throughout the journey, you have never for once complained, even when I have to travel for weeks or come back home late in the night, your prayers and believe are key to this achievement.

" The award is a massive one for us and it shows that our hard work is being recognized by Nigerians living in the diaspora and that's a new challenge to us to doing more than what we have done in the past. 

“ To all Nigeria Soccer Federation Executives and Members, thank you so much for the opportunity granted to showcase the Gods’ given talents, The global recognition is not for me I must say, we hope to do more in the nearest future, the Award is absolutely a task for us never to relent in our efforts to effect that change in the Football Industry.”

Nigeria Soccer Federation, USA who annually celebrates Nigeria’s Independence in the diaspora with a football tournament, could not hold one last year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, rather they channelled their resources to giving out relief packages back here in Nigeria, as a way of cushioning the effect of the novel virus on grassroot players in Ikeja and Surulere Local Government.