Flying Officers Cup 21: Bayelsa Queens, Ghana Police Crash Out as NWFL quartet seal Quarter-Finals spot

Four teams sealed qualification to the quarter final of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup after the conclusion of Group A and B games on Friday, October 15.

Royal Queens held Ghana Police Ladies FC to a 2-2 draw in the first game of the day.

Soroibe Chinanza gave the 'Canadian Geese' the lead through a header in the seventh minute.

Three minutes later, Ruth Appiah equalised for the Ghana Police Ladies just the same way Soroibe Chinanza did for Royal Queens. 

Ghana Police Ladies forward, Jane Ayieyam delivered a fantastic header to give the Ghanaian side the lead for the first time in the game.

Ivoy Kolli was sent off for the Ghana Police Ladies late in the first half for her second bookable offences.

In the 62nd minute, Royal Queens FC's incessant pressures paid off as Chika Idika restored parity for the Warri based side to make the score line 2-2.

Naija Ratels in the second game of the day defeated Honey Badgers 0-2.

As early as the second minutes of play, Olamide Adugbe converted a free kick from 25 yards to give Naija Ratels the lead.

Sofiat Bankole scored her first goal of the tournament in the sixth minute to double Naija Ratels FC's lead from a rebound.

The results means that Royal Queens finished top of Group A with five points from three games and qualified for the quarter final alongside Naija Ratels FC (4 points) while Ghana Police Ladies FC (2 points) and Honey Badgers FC (2 points) crashed out of the tournament.

In Group B, Osun Babes held defending Champions, Bayelsa Queens to a barren draw.

The game in which Bayelsa Queens dominated possession ended in a 0-0 draw with the 'Prosperity Ladies' wasting lots of chances while Osun Babes goalkeeper, Nwachukwu Elizabeth was solid for the Omoluabi Queens emerging as the player of the match.

FC Robo Queens thrashed Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens FC 6-1 to finish top of Group B.

Rukayat Shobowale in the tenth minute open the goals galore for FC Robo Queens as she collected a pass from Ajakaye Opeyemi and slotted in coolly.

In the second half, FC Robo Queens scored five more goals to solidify their lead.

Taiwo Lawal in the 53rd minute doubled FC Robo Queens' lead while Shukurat Oladipupo made it three seven minutes later.

Opeyemi Ajakaye after her previous assist found the back of the net for her new team in the 70th minute.

Jimoh Ajoke's own goal and Essien Marylene's 81st minute strike completed the rout before Esther Adesoji pulled a goal back for Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens FC from the penalty spot in the 90th minute.

FC Robo Queens with seven points from three games topped Group B and qualified for the quarter final alongside Osun Babes (5 points) as defending Champions, Bayelsa Queens and Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens crashed out of the tournament.

| 2021 Flying Officers Cup Day 6 Results | 

Royal Queens 2-2 Ghana 

Honey Badgers FC 0-2 Naija Ratels FC

Osun Babes 0-0 Bayelsa Queens

Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens FC 1-6 FC Robo Queens

|Saturday, 16th October 2021|  

SGH Sports Academy Amazon FC Vs Sunshine Queens FC -8am

WACO Ladies FC Vs Confluence Queens FC- 10.30am

Lakeside Queens FC Vs Nasarawa Amazons -1pm

Edo Queens FC vs Dannaz  FC -3.30pm

'I am hungry and want more success in my career' Emem Essien speaks on hattrick at the 2021 Flying Officers Cup

Edo Queens forward, Emem Essien has expressed her hope that her hardwork has started paying off, following her second half Hat-trick against NWFL Championship side, Dannaz Ladies FC on Thursday evening.  

The former Ibom Angels forward was a second half substitute in the game against Dannaz Ladies and scored her first of the day on the hour mark, running on to nod in a cross from left back, Rebbeca Ajimuda. 

Her second came in the 91st minute, while the third, a beautiful goal, came in at 94th minute of play.

"I have been working hard and am glad it is finally paying off.' Emem said.

"I am happy for my Hat-trick, it simply means that I have to do more and keep working hard in every game and training session, because I am hungry and want more success in my career. 

"My coach have been so supportive and am elated that I could finally repay her trust and believe in me. 

'I am ready and focused  to take every chances that comes my way with both hands. I am working hard and am delighted to see that pay off with my goals and even more happier to see my team win." She concluded.

Edo Queens will face Dannaz Ladies in their last group game on Saturday afternoon at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja.

Flying Officers Cup 21: 'I am always happy to help my team' Honey Badgers' wonderkid, Atume Doosur roars

Honey Badgers young forward Atume Doosur has noted that she is always happy whenever she helps her team win games or help them from getting defeated. 

The young forward remarkable scoring form continued on thursday as her fantastic volley gave the Badgers a point against a more experienced side, Royal Queens in the first match of week five of the ongoing Flying Officers Cup. 

Doosur scored from a wonderful free-kick on Matchday three against the Ghana Police Ladies to earn her side a point and also did the same against Royal Queens to keep her team in contention.

"I am always happy whenever I get the opportunity to help my team'. Doosur said. 

'It is always a great opportunity for me and we all take the glory as a team, because we all worked for it. 

'We are a very young team with alot of big dreams and we would keep supporting ourselves both on and off the pitch.

"We need to show what we can do at the Flying Officers Cup and am glad that we have gone unbeaten in our last two games. 

Honey Badgers will face Naija Ratels in their last game of the group stages on Friday at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja.

Dapo Abiodun Cup: Remo Stars come from behind in 5-goal thriller to beat MFM FC, Sunshine Stars dim Tornadoes from Niger

Remo Stars fought back from 2 goals down to beat MFM FC 3-2 in an enthralling encounter on Matchday three. 

The Olukoya boys went ahead in the second minute of the game after Dennis Obasi beat Henry Ayodele in goal to score the opener. Dennis Obasi scored his third goal of the tournament after heading home Ndubusi Pascal’s cross in the 58th minute. 

Remo Stars got back in the game with a fine header from Andy in the 67th minute, before Seun Ogunribide leveled scoring with a stunning free kick. 

Remo Stars won a penalty in the 85th minute after Andrew was fouled inside the area and Sunday Williams calmly scored from the spot to hand Remo Stars their second win of the tournament. 

Sunshine Stars continued with their impressive run after beating Niger Tornadoes 3-1 in their second game of the tournament. 

First half ended with no goals as both sides failed to convert their chances. 

Samson Olasupo broke the deadlock in the 46th minute before Igbudu Alpha restores parity in the 58th of the game. 

With 10 minutes to go, Pius Ojo hit a strike which went through Yinka David in goal and Sunshine Stars went ahead again in the game. 

Niger Tornadoes mounted pressure on Sunshine Stars in search of an equalizer but a counter attack from the Akure-based team saw Samson Olasupo completing his brace in the 90th minute. 

Kwara United beat Gateway United 3-1 with a dominant display to become the first team to qualify for the Semifinals of the 2021 Dapo Abiodun Preseason tournament. 

Alao Danbani opened scoring in the 36th minute. Despite the heavy downpour, Gateway United got back in the game, after Odushina Sunkami restored parity in the 48th minute. 

Kwara United went ahead in the 73rd minute, after Adeshina Gata put a stunning strike past Araromi Ibukun in goal. Abdulsalam Abdulsalam scored the third goal in the 75th minute after receiving a good cross from Chizoba Amafuele. 

POST-MATCH INTERVIEW: 

Remo Stars coach, Gbenga Ogunbote spoke about the importance of preseason and why he has to use all his players. 

“The importance of preseason tournament(s) is to access our players and view how ready we are for the season. We have been playing daily and we have to manage our squad, our performance dropped in the first half and we pushed the boys to up their game in the second half.

“It's a preparatory period for the team, even though we want to win but we need to play all our players and access them. We need to see our weaknesses and make amends before the season. It was a good game, the mindset was strong. Our first goal was a defensive blunder and we were still able to play solid at the back after the mistake.

“We review our performance in the first half and correct our mistakes. I told my players if we can stand firm and get a goal we will end up with a positive result. I kept telling my players that the game is not over until the final whistle, we keep pushing, make substitutions, and got our decisions right in the attack.” Ogunbote said.  

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

#DapoAbidounCup21

Flying Officers Cup 21 Day 5 Review: Edo Queens, Nasarawa Amazons record wins

The first game of the day between Royal Queens of Warri and Honey Badgers of Makurdi ended in a 1-1 draw.

Honey Badgers came from behind to pick an important point against Royal Queens on thursday morning, in the first game of the day 5 of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup. 

In-form teenager Atume Doosur got one back for her side in the 69th minute, after Ayo Arowokeye had scored for the 'Canadian geese' in the in the 54th minute, through a rebound that came from Vera Samuel's free-kick.

Royal Queens FC with four points from two games occupy the first position in Group A ahead of Honey Badgers FC (2 points), Ghana Police Ladies FC (2 points), and Naija Ratels FC (1 point).

The second game of the day from Group C ended 1-0 in favour of SGH Sports Academy Amazons over WACO Ladies.

Damilola Adebayo in the 59th minute scored the lone goal of the match for the Lagos based side. She outsmarted Best Funmilayo, shooting with her left foot to beat experienced goalkeeper, Abani Osinachi.

Confluence Queens seat at the top of Group C with six points from two games followed by SGH Academy and Sunshine Queens with three points apiece while WACO Ladies are without a point.

In Group D, Edo Queens scaled through Lakeside Queens defensive solidity to secure a 3-0 win with the three goals coming in the second half.

After having majority of ball possession without breakthrough, substitute, Emem Essien headed in a beautiful cross from Rebecca Ajimuda in the 60th minute for the Obaseki Ladies first goal of the game.

Emem Essien scored her second goal of the game in the 91st minute for Coach Wemimo Mathew's side before completing her hat-trick in the 93rd minute.

Nasarawa Amazons scored two goals in the second half to subdue Danaz Ladies FC 2-0.

Mercy Idoko in the 53rd minute gave the Solid Babes the lead from a very close range.

Substitute, Ayatsea  Hembafen doubled Nasarawa Amazons lead before goalkeeper, Chukwu Uchenna saved a penalty for the Amazons in the additional minutes of second half.

Edo Queens with a maximum of six points from two games occupy the first position in Group D while Nasarawa Amazons with three points moved to the second position ahead of Danaz Ladies FC (3 points), and Lakeside Queens (0 point).

The last group matches will hold tomorrow from 8am, with Royal Queens and Ghana Police Ladies playing the first game of the day. Honey Badgers and Naija Ratels will battle it out by 10:30am, while Osun Babes will play their last group games against Bayelsa Queens. Prince Kazeem Eletu and FC Robo Queens will play the last game of the day. 

|Thursday Result|

Royal Queens 1 Honey Badgers 1

SGH Academy 1 WACO Ladies 0

Edo Queens 3 Lakeside Queens 0

Dannaz Ladies 0 Nasarawa Amazons 2

| Friday Fixtures | (All at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja).

Group Fixtures ,15th Friday October 2021

Royal Queens Fc v Ghana Police Ladies -8am

Honey Badgers Fc vs Naija Ratels -10.30am

Osun Babes Fc   v. Bayelsa Queens Fc -1pm

Prince Kazeem Eletu Fc vs FC Robo Queens -3.30pm

CAFCL: Dollar rain in Rivers United camp ahead of Al Halal tie as Wike redeem winning bonus pledge

By Favour Itua 

It all smiled in the camp of Rivers United as the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike redeemed the pledge of $100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Dollars) to Rivers United for the win against Young Africans of Tanzania. 

SThe sole administrator of the team, Barrister Chris Green, made the presentation to the team during a training session at the main bowl of the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Omagwa, Rivers State. 

The former NFF Technical Committee Chairman also revealed that His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Wike, has also de another pledge of $100,000 (one hundred thousand dollars) should they win at home against Al Hilal on Sunday. 

"As you can see, the boys are on top of excitement.  They are very hapmoralet is a morale booster. You can see they are ready to go,  and I know if it means them dying on the field on that day, they are going to die.

"Football is like a proverbial biscuit, but they are going to take it and give it their all. I'm 100% sure". 

The astute administrator went on to hail the number one man in Rivers State for his fatherly love and support to the team even as he assured fans and lovers of the club victory come Sunday. 

"Except you don't know Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike and I'm quite sure even in Nigeria and beyond, everyone knows the kind of person he is. 

"I can say this without any equivocation.  I can say this without any contradiction that this man is godsent not only to Rivers State but Nigeria as a whole".

"As you have witnessed, this is first of its kind in Nigeria - even the Super Eagles don't get this kind of gesture. 

"As the team is going that is how he is going to increase the bar". 

Rivers United will host Al Hilal Omdurman on Sunday in the first leg of the CAF Champions League's second preliminary round at the Adokiye Amiesimaka4 podium by 4 pm.

Flying Officers Cup: 8-year-old, Cherish Edeh Delivers Inspiring 'Girl-Child Education' Speech

Eight years old Cherish Edeh, the daughter of the Founder and President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF) gave an inspiring speech on girl-child education during the opening ceremony of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup to mark the international day of girl-child. 

Young Cherish started her speech by saluting people at the event and thanked her father Barrister Paul Edeh for granting her the opportunity to speak in respect for his intend to love, support and encouragement of a girl child.

Despite being just a kid, Cherish has always had a passion for girl-child education. In 2020, she joined her dad and his friends to organize a charity football match, where money was raised for scholarships of over 30 young girls who were out of school because they couldn't afford to pay their school fees. 

"Nigeria accounts for more than one in five out-of-school children anywhere in the world. Although primary education is officially free and compulsory, only 67 per cent of eligible children take up a place in primary school," she said.

She continued, "It is true that Girls suffer more than boys in terms of missing out on education. In the North-East and North-West, for instance, only 41% and 47% respectively of eligible girls get primary education.

"Hence, this has increased the vulnerability of the girl child especially in the northern part of Nigeria.

"Sports at large and football, in particular, has been a tool or an escape route for some of these girls to have a good life and build a career for themselves, even with little or no education.

"It is for this reason that my father, in his magnanimity and passion for promoting the course of the girl child, established Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), which begets Naija Ratels Football Club." 

She added that she has had the opportunity of interacting with the 11-year-old Naija Ratels new signing Mirabel and draw the conclusion that there are many Mirabels' out there who may not be fortunate to get a scholarship from her father. 

"My conversation with her opened my eyes to the hidden potentials innate in a lot of young girls on the street who neither have the privilege to go to school nor build a career in sports. We meet them in our everyday life; they are on the streets hawking and doing other menial jobs. Some are even abused and dehumanized daily.

"Like I said earlier, offering young girls an opportunity to build a sporting career is the reason why Ratels Sports Foundation was established. But then, I strongly believe, just as it is in the developed countries, formal education is necessary for every child.

"For this reason, I asked my father to offer Mirabel a scholarship up to the university level, which he obliged."

Every year since 2012, International Day of the Girl is celebrated on Oct. 11 to recognize how hard being a girl can be. The United Nations (UN) created the holiday to celebrate the potential of girls in different cultures around the world, and to highlight the threats, discrimination and issues facing their well-being

The theme of this year’s observance is ‘Ending Child Marriage.’ The UN called for an end to child marriage and stressed that education is a strategic background for protecting girls against this harmful practice and to recognize girls’ rights and highlight the unique challenges girls face worldwide.

Girls worldwide deserve better: better education, better survival rates, better protection from child marriage and sexual assault, better access to resources, better health outcomes and a better future. It’s a very tall order considering some of the challenges ahead but the UN and others are hopeful that Oct. 11 can be a rallying cry with which to empower girls worldwide.

“Education for girls is one of the best strategies for protecting girls against child marriage”, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in his message for the Day. “When they can stay in school and avoid being married early, girls can build a foundation for a better life for themselves and their families."

Putting into the contest, Cherish implores the general public to be more like her father in providing help to the vulnerable girls around them to build a sustainable society for all to thrive.

"I plead with you today (well-meaning Nigerians) just like I pleaded with my father, to look out for these other Mirabels' you might come across and extend a hand of fellowship to them. Early education is very important and we must all unite to make it a staple in the growth and development of every child.

"This way you would have contributed your quota in curbing social vices that could have emanated from having these kids on the streets. Hence making Nigeria safer for all of us.

"Finally, it is pertinent to crave the indulgence of our parents/guardians to allow their girl child or wards pursue career paths of their choice, especially in sports. Yes! Sports!. Football, in particular, might seem to be masculine –though due to its physicality– and so, many parents (especially the elites) dissuade their girls from actively enjoying and participating in the round leather game.

"The reality remains that your children are better off living their dreams. May I also intimate us with the fact that most of the influential women in the world today are sportspeople? If you doubt me, please google it." She Concluded.

Making the world better for girls makes the world a better place.