Flying Officers Cup 21: Edo Queens And Confluence Queens Progress To Semi-Finals

Confluence Queens and Edo Queens joined Osun Babes and FC Robo Queens in the semi final of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup after the conclusion of quarter final games on Wednesday. 

At the third quarter finals game played on Wednesday at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja, Confluence Queens edged-out Nasarawa Amazons 1-0 to book a place in the semi final.

The Kogi based side started the game having the lion share of possession.

Mercy Omokwu scored the lone goal for Confluence Queens in the 27th minute with a long range shot from outside the box to beat Chukwu Uchenna in goal for Nasarawa Amazons.

Nasarawa Amazons came out in the second goal half pilling pressures on Confluence Queens defence but Alexander Florence marshalled her back line well to prevent the Lokoja based side from conceding any goal.

In the 62nd minute, Kalu Chinyere's effort for Nasarawa Amazons from long range hit the woodwork.

Six minutes from full time, Confluence Queens thought they had doubled their lead after a header from Joy Michael seemed to have resulted into a goal but referee Vivian Osimani rescinded her decision after consultation from assistant Referee Rasheedat Abdulganiyu.

Edo Queens without Coach Wemimo Mathew who is with Super Falcons for African Women's Cup of Nations (AWCON) Qualifiers defeated Sunshine Queens 1-0 in the last quarter final game.

As early as the seventh minute, Edo Queens got the breakthrough as Adaobi Okah converted with a fantastic strike from an acute angle.

In the second half, Sunshine Queens pushed for the equaliser but Edo Queens controlled the game well to ward off Sunshine Queens threats and qualify for the semi final.

The semi final games will take place on Friday, October 22 while the third place and final match will take place on Sunday, October 24.

Flying Officers Cup 2021(Quarter-Finals Results)

- Royal Queens FC 0 Osun Babes FC 2

- FC Robo Queens FC 2 Naija Ratels FC 0

- Nasarawa Amazons 0 Confluence Queens 1. 

- Edo Queens 1 Sunshine Queens 0

| Semi-finals Fixtures| Friday, 22nd Of October| 

- Osun Babes Vs FC Robo Queens (10am)

- Confluence Queens Vs Edo Queens (1pm).

Osun Babes' Super Midfielder, Bolaji Olamide Targets Flying Officers Cup Glory.

Osun Babes Midfielder Bolaji Olamide has told the Flying Officers Cup Media that she only has her sight on winning the Pre-season Championship after her team progressed to the Semi-finals on Monday afternoon. 

Bolaji, who was voted 'Player of the match after a superlative performance in their 2-0 win over young and determined side Royal Queens, said she looks forward to her team getting to the finals and winning the competition.

"Our game against Royal Queens was a very difficult one, we had a lot of opportunities, but failed to take them. They were all over us at a time, putting pressure and aiming to score. Am happy I could help my team' get to the Semi-finals and hopefully we would be in the finals.

"I am hopeful and with the squad we have, we can go all the way to do something special. I am optimistic, so is my teammates and everyone in the team.

Osun Babes are participating in their first Flying Officers Cup Pre-season Championship and would be playing their Semi-final game on Friday.

The team won their first game against Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens by 2-1, played a 1-1 draw against FC Robo Queens and their last group game against Bayelsa Queens ended goallessly.

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).