Flying Officers Cup 2021: Olowookeere Looks Beyond Loss To FC Robo Queens

After a 2-0 defeat to FC Robo Queens which effectively ended Naija Ratels FC participation at the 2021 Flying Officers Cup, coach of the Naija Ratels, Bankole Olowookeere is looking ahead of the tournament with the aim of improving his team ahead of the 2021/2022 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership season. 

The experienced Manager believes he is heading towards the right direction with his squad and promise to continue assessing the squad and making them stronger.

"It wasn't a bad game for the team. We tried our best to get the desired result but the best side won the game. FC Robo Queens deserve the victory. We just have to work more because that is the major reason for pre season tournaments.

"It's so clear and glaring that our attack have not been converting their chances that we have to work on."

Naija Ratels FC finished fourth in the last edition of the Flying Officers Cup with eight teams and have now bowed out of the 2021 edition with 16 teams at the quarter final stage.

Coach Olowookeere is of the view that the most important thing was the fact that his team maintained its status quo without dropping while also highlighting what he needs to work on ahead of 2021/2022 NWFL Premiership season.

He said: "If we do the Mathematics which is not common in football but part of it, it's still the same position for us because if we had played this tournament with eight teams we would have qualified for the semi final. We now have 16 teams. It's important for us that we didn't drop but maintain our status quo. If the team had converted their chances, we would have been contesting for the final but it is an issue in which we have to take a wholistic look at ahead of next season in the NWFL Premiership."

Naija Ratels FC will play in Group A when the 2021/2022 NWFL Premiership season kicks off alongside Nasarawa Amazons, Confluence Queens, Pelican Stars, Osun Babes, Adamawa Queens, and Edo Queens.

Next season will be Naija Ratels FC's maiden season in the top flight NWFL Premiership after gaining promotion from second tier NWFL Championship this year alongside Adamawa Queens.

Flying Officers Cup 21: Conference queens' captain praises teammate ahead of team's clash with Nasarawa Amazon in the quarter -final

Confluence Queens captain, Alexandra Florence has hailed her new teammate Ibinabo For scoring a brace against WACO Ladies FC and expecting her to do the same, when they meet Nasarawa Amazons on Thursday in the Quarter Final of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup.  

Ibinabo Georgewill' joined Confluence Queens this summer, after failing to get playing time at Rivers Angels and has since become an important part of the 'New Direction' Ladies since joining them last month.

The 'Rivers born' forward have scored three goals so far in the tournament, one against Sunshine Queens and two against WACO Ladies. 

Alexander Florence, who has been with the team for three seasons now, feels she has come to the right place and would play a pivotal role when the league resumes.

"I think she is a fantastic player and one who has alot of great qualities on and off the pitch. 

"She is a good friend and I believe so much in her abilities, just like I do with every member of the squad. I am not surprised she is scoring important goals for us, I expect her to do more when the league starts. 

"Nasarawa Amazons game is a huge game for us, we know what they are made of and know their qualities. We won't let worry us. Our aim is simple, and that is to give our all on the pitch. 

Confluence Queens are Participating in their second Flying Officers Cup Competition and would meet North Central neighbors Nasarawa Amazons in the third Quarter Finals game on Thursday.

Amoo named in Swedish Allsvenskan team of the week

Playmaker Akinkunmi Amoo has again hit the headline for the right reasons in the Swedish Allsvenskan after the quick footed player was rewarded for his weekend heroics with a place in the team of the week. 

Making a return to the starting XI for Bajen in their derby clash at the Tele2 Arena (Stockholm) against AIK, the 19-year-old popped up with the game’s only goal just before the hour mark to give his side a well-deserved three points.

His performance has now attracted yet another player of the week honours with the attacking midfielder named in the team of the week for match day 23 by Discovery+ Sports.

Having also made the cut for match day 20, the dazzling midfielder is the only Hammarby player on the list with IF Elfsborg Rasmus Alm claiming the overall player of the week following his brace against Djurgardens.

Amoo who took his goals contribution for the season to 10 goals (7 goals, 3 assists), also claimed the man of the match against AIK, his second in two consecutive games to move his side up to 6th on the log with 37 points from 23 games.

The Swedish club are reportedly prepared to cash in big time on the exciting youngster, who signed a long-term contract last year when he clocked 18.

His sparkling form has alerted top clubs across Europe, from Atletico Madrid to Leicester City.

British Nigerian coach joins Sunderland in a dream move

UEFA trained tactician, Nosayaba Iyamu, has joined former English Premier League side, Sunderland Association Football Club In dream move from Harrogate Railway FC. 

The UEFA licensed coach who has been living in the United Kingdom for over 20 years, put pen to papers last month and he’s looking forward to memorable years ahead at the Stadium of Light.

Speaking to Pulse.ng  in an exclusive interview, the United Kingdom based coach, Nosa tagged the move a dream come true and huge step in his career.

“The move to Sunderland is definitely a dream come true and a huge step in my career. 

“I have always said to myself, if I ever wanted to make the leap into the professional environment my first choice would definitely be Sunderland. 

“The facilities they (we) have are second to none and the Academy is among the leading ones in Europe,” he said.

The 37-year-old also spoke on why he decided to pitch his tent with the Black Cats in the exclusive interview with Pulse, despite, tempting offers from two English premier league clubs.

“I did get opportunities from different clubs including two premiership clubs, but my heart has always been here. They are renowned for their academy reputation and success in this area. 

“The owners are investing in a big drive recruitment at the moment trying to get the best backroom staff and have set a plan to help the Club to keep developing. 

“It's a fantastic time to be here for me. I'm surrounded by so many experienced coaches so I will be definitely adding to my knowledge of the game,” he said .

The UEFA trained coach, who is also an IT Technical Consultant within the private sector in the UK, revealed his plans for his pet project –Center Circle Academy.

“Center Circle Academy is a project that's kicked off really well here in the UK. I have made solid coaching team and we are doing our best for the young adults. 

“We are supporting them in football and outside football. Assisting with education and employment. I understand the importance of education “as a naija man,” he concluded.

Nosa who is a graduate of the University of Manchester, has won several trophies with his former employer since he joined them in 2014. He’s a step away from completing his UEFA A coaching course, which will place him amongst top football coaches in the World.

Flying Officers Cup 2021: NFF First-Vice President, Akinwunmi To Reward Best Goalkeeper, Highest Goalscorer With N100,000 Each

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) First Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi has reiterated his commitment to continue giving maximum supports to women's football in Nigeria and beyond. 

The Legal Luminary on Monday promised to give a cash prize of N100,000 each to the best goalkeeper and highest goalscorer of the ongoing Flying Officers Cup 2021.

Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi who has been the sponsor of the Referee of the month Awards in the NWFL Premiership for the past three years disclosed that the highest goalscorer and Best Goalkeeper cash prize award is his little way of supporting and encouraging young women footballers to do more as they progress in their career.

"I believe this is my little way of encouraging young women footballers to excel in their chosen careers. The cash prize isn't much, but am sure it's going to be a memorable one for them. 

"The Flying Officers Cup has been consistent. This is the third year and it means the organisers are doing something special. In the last three years or so, I have been sponsoring the award for the Best Referee in the NWFL Premiership every month, this is something I feel will steadily encourage people to do more in their area of specialization. 

"The award I heard has helped officiating in the league, because everybody wants to be decorated and celebrated, which is good for the league and everyone."

The Flying Officers Cup is an annual Women Football Pre-season Championship for football clubs in Africa.

The first edition was held in Makurdi, where Edo Queens emerged winners, the second edition in Abuja was won by Bayelsa Queens. The ongoing third edition has gotten to the Semi-finals stage.  

The past winners of the best goalkeeper awards are Christy Ohiaeriaku of Edo Queens in 2019 and Oyinyechi Okeke of Bayelsa Queens in 2020, while the highest goalscorer in 2019 was Taibat Odueke of Edo Queens (4goals) and Joy Omewa of Confluence Queens (7goals).

Edo State Deputy Governor Shaibu is a perfect fit for Sports Personality of the Year says Yussuf Alli

The General Manager Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Yussuf Alli on Monday described the award of the Sports Personality of the Year (2020) bestowed on Comrade Philip Shaibu, the Edo State Deputy Governor by The Sun Newspapers as a perfect fit. 

The Sun Newspaper on Saturday named Shaibu as the Sports Personality of 2020.

“It is a perfect fit. In the last five years, Shaibu’s contributions to sports at the local, state, national and international levels has been huge, the award is a perfect recognition for a man who worked with sports-loving Governor, Godwin Obaseki, to reposition sports in Edo state and Nigeria.’’

Alli posits that today Shaibu is more synonymous with sports than activism, “he is not just a sports administrator par excellence, he is also a participant, he is the first governor or deputy governor to register and play in the Nigeria Football League. He is also first major political office holder to win a football gold medal at the National Sports Festival, after leading Team Edo to a 3-2 win over Team Lagos in the final of the men’s football event at the festival.”

Alli said supporters of Edo Insurance Football Club of Benin will remain grateful to him for the role in reviving the club while players and staff of  Edo Queens will not forget that he ensured they earn equal salaries and allowances with their male counterparts, the players of Edo Insurance FC”.

 Alli recalled that as head of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Edo 2020 National Sports Festival hosted by Edo state, Shaibu did an excellent job,

“ With the support of his Governor, Shaibu worked tirelessly to ensure that Edo put world-class sports facilities and equipment in place, the organization was seamless despite enormous challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.’’

The General Manager of Access Bank Lagos City Marathon also recalled the contribution of Shaibu to the meteoric rise of sprint sensation Enoch Adegoke cumulating in his making the final of the men's 100m at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

“At a stage in his career when few believed in Adegoke, Shaibu invested his time and money in the sprinter, the result was his specular showing in Tokyo where he became the first Nigerian to make the Olympics 100m final in 25 years”.

Alli also commended the management of The Sun Newspapers for giving honour to whom it is due.

Flying Officers Cup 2021: Osun Babes, FC Robo Queens Dislodge Royal Queens, Naija Ratels To Seal Semi Final Spots

Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership sides, Osun Babes and FC Robo Queens qualified for the semi final of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup after recording victories over Royal Queens FC and Naija Ratels FC in the first two quarter final games on Monday. 

The Omoluabi Queens as Osun Babes is fondly called edged Royal Queens FC 2-0 in the first quarter final match.

Osun Babes started the game dominating possession before getting the first breakthrough of the game.

Ebere Oleka in the 18th minute converted from the penalty spot to give Osun Babes the lead after Bolaji Olamide was brought down inside Royal Queens penalty area.

Royal Queens FC of Warri tried to equalise after going behind. Rosemary Adesina in the 23rd minute was well positioned but played the ball far wide.

Oleka after the half hour mark almost doubled Osun Babes of Osogbo lead with a header but her attempt went wide despite Royal Queens dominance.

In the 79th minute, Osun Babes had a free kick in a promising area after Alvine Dah Zossu was brought down near Royal Queens penalty area.

Bolaji Olamide fantastically scored the resultant free kick to double Osun Babes lead.

FC Robo Queens also replicated Osun Babes score line with a 2-0 triumph over Naija Ratels FC in the second quarter final game.

The game started in an end to end scenario as both teams showed their intentions early in the game.

Naija Ratels goalkeeper, Ohia Doris brilliantly punched out a volley from Esther Onyenezide in the 26th minute.

Twelve minutes later, Ohia Doris again made what could arguably be the save of the tournament as she leaned backward to save a ball looped by Taiwo Lawal.

FC Robo Queens resumed the second half in a dominating fashion having the lion share of ball possession and dictated the pace of the game.

In the 58th minute, Folashade Ijamilusi gave FC Robo Queens the lead from a very close range.

Aminat Bello in the 76th minute tried to shoot towards goal for Naija Ratels FC but her effort went wide off the post.

Four minutes from full time, FC Robo Queens took an advantage position to double its lead as Oladipo Shukurat took a shot from outside the box which rolled inside the net of Naija Ratels.

Two more quarter final fixtures will take place as Edo Queens face Sunshine Queens while Confluence Queens and Nasarawa Amazons trade tackles for the remaining two semi final places up for grabs.

|Monday, 18th Of October (Quarter Final Results)|

* Royal Queens 0 Osun Babes 2

* FC Robo Queens 2 Naija Ratels 0. 

|Tuesday, 19thth Of October (Quarter Final)|

* Confluence Queens Vs Nasarawa Amazons (10am)

* Edo Queens Vs Sunshine Queens (1pm)