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.

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.