Flying Officers Cup 2021: Confluence Queens coach, Esther Michael proud of team's feat, reveals plans For Quarter-Final.

After putting up stellar performances which did not only earned them Quarter finals slot at the ongoing Flying Officers Cup in Abuja, Confluence Queens also hold hundred percent record in the tournament with three wins from three games, the Coach of Confluence Queens, Esther Michael has attributed the form to understanding of purpose. 

Speaking on Saturday afternoon, after their match against WACO Ladies, the friendly speaking Coach said she's excited and on top of the world that the team is working perfectly to their target

"I feel excited because that was my dream before we came around."

Confluence Queens is one of the highest scoring side with 9 goals and none conceded yet against SGH Ladies, Sunshine Queens and WACO Ladies.

Esther Michael while reacting to this feat said they had plans on ground from previous outings and the hard work is beginning to pay off.

"Even before we came for  this tournament, we went to Edo, picked up one or two lessons there then we set a target, surely we are going to come victorious because even the last tournament, Confluence Queens player was the highest goals scorer, so we are fully focused on our target."

On what their next move is going to be from the quarter finals stage, Esther said that, they hope to keep up with their good record in the competition and probably get to the final. 

"By God's grace, we are coming out all out to put up good performance and aim for the win."

The Coach also revealed what they have in stock ahead of the coming NWFL Premiership season.

"One of our plans is not to just qualify for the Super 6, but to try a step further and win the Premiership."

Confluence Queens crashed out of the first round of the 2020 Flying Officers Cup, but have already won their three group games in the ongoing 2021 edition.

Flying Officers Cup 2021: NWFL Premiership Heavyweights Collide In Quarter-Finals

Four more clubs qualified for the quarter final of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup after the conclusion of Group C and D games on Match Day 7.

In Group C, Sunshine Queens pipped SGH Academy 1-0 to make it to the quarter final.

Maryam Aluko took advantage of an error from Owogbemi Kehinde to slot in the winning goal for Sunshine Queens in the seventh minute.

Confluence Queens thumped WACO Ladies FC 4-0 in the second Group C game of the day to qualify for the quarter-finals with an 100 percent record so far in the tournament.

Ibinabo Georgewill in the 29th minute scored the first goal of the game for Confluence Queens. The former Rivers Angels forward headed in a cross from Suliat Hassan to make it count for the New Direction Ladies.

In the second half, two quick goals from Arit Usang (58th minute) and Martha Peter (61st minute) extended Confluence Queens' lead to three while Ibinabo Georgewill scored her second goal of the match in the 63rd minute to make it 4-0 in favour of the Lokoja based side.

Confluence Queens with nine points from three games finished top of Group C and qualify for the quarter final alongside Sunshine Queens (6 points) as SGH Academy (3 points) and WACO Ladies FC (0 point) bid the competition goodbye.

In Group D, Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership side Nasarawa Amazons had to endure a frustrating defensive display by Nationwide side, Lakeside Queens FC.

Lakeside Queens almost caused a major upset of the tournament but unfortunately, an own goal by Lakeside Queens goalkeeper and player of the match, Ambali Sekinat with the last kick of the game won the match for Nasarawa Amazons.

Edo Queens in the last game of the day earned a 3-0 win over Danaz Ladies FC to join Confluence Queens as the two clubs with perfect record so far in the tournament.

Chioma Olise in the 23rd minute tapped the ball into the net after Danaz Ladies goalkeeper failed to handle the ball well for Edo Queens first goal. The former Royal Queens player did well to give the Obaseki Ladies the lead.

Deborah Odiagbe in the 39th minute doubled the lead for the Obaseki Ladies with a header that came off a rebound from Danaz Ladies goal post while Rebecca Ajimuda made it 3-0 in the 51st minute with her second goal of the tournament.

Edo Queens finished at the top of Group D with a maximum of nine points from three games and completed the list of Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership clubs to qualify for the quarter final alongside Nasarawa Amazons (6 points) as Danaz Ladies FC (3 points) and Lakeside Queens FC (0 point) bowed out of the tournament.

In the Quarter-finals fixtures on Monday, 18th October, Royal Queens and Osun Babes will play the first game by 10am, while FC Robo Queens and Naija Ratels FC will play by 1pm.

On tuesday, Confluence Queens and Nasarawa Amazons will Kick-Off by 10am, while Edo Queens and Sunshine Queens by 1am.

| Quarter-Finals Fixtures, Monday, 18th Of October 2021| 

Royal Queens Vs Osun Babes 10am 

FC Robo Queens Vs Naija Ratels FC 1pm

| Quarter-Finals, Fixtures, Monday, 19th October)

Confluence Queens Vs Nasarawa Amazons 10am 

Edo Queens Vs Sunshine Queens 1pm

Flying Officers Cup 21: Osun Babes Manager Whyte Ogbonda promises more as team qualify for the Quarter-final

Osun Babes Manager, Whyte Ogbonda has expressed satisfaction with his team, as they earn a berth in the quarter-finals of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup. 

The 'Omoluabi Queens' played a goalless draw against Bayelsa Queens on Friday evening to book a spot in Quarter-Final of the biggest Women Football Pre-season Championship in Africa.

The former Ibom Angels Manager praised his players performance and tasked them to be more determined when they face Royal Queens in their next encounter. 

'The game against Bayelsa Queens was a great test and it really helped us as we continue to build a team for the new season. 

"Truly, our preparation was not ideal before now, but I told my players before the match that it is very important that we go past the first round and qualify for the next round.

'It was very tough out there and you could see that we needed to work together more because at times we were pushed beyond limits. 

'We are happy to be in the next round of this tournament and with more hard work, I believe we will get better as a team." 

Osun Babes will play in the quarter-finals against Royal Queens on monday at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja.

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. 

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