CAFWCL: Naija Ratels Congratulates Rivers Angels After 'Important Win' Against Hasaacas Ladies

 

CAFWCL: Naija Ratels Congratulates Rivers Angels After 'Important Win' Against Hasaacas Ladies. 

Newly promoted NWFL Premiership side, Naija Ratels FC have commended Nigeria's representative at the CAF Women Champions League (WAFU B) Qualifiers Rivers Angels for winning their opening game against Ghanaian Women Football League Champions, Hasaacas Ladies on Saturday at the Stade Robert Champroux Stadium, Abidjan.

Burgeoning midfielder Deborah Abiodun and Player of the match Maryan Ezeanagu scored in the 17th and 54th minute respectively to give the NWFL Premiership Champions a 2-0 victory over their opponent. 

The win on Saturday means Rivers Angels will sit ontop of the log after one game and face AS Police Ladies of Niger Republic on Tuesday evening at the same venue. 

President of Naija Ratels, Barrister Paul Edeh In a congratulatory message  hailed the team for keeping concentration all through the match to earn a massive three points in the game. He urged them to keep pushing hard and get one of the tickets for the Champions League proper later this year.

"It is with great pleasure that I Congratulate Rivers Angels on their victory over Hasaacas Ladies. I am particularly delighted at the confidence, discipline, team-work and indomitable spirit displayed by the players in Abidjan.

"We at Naija Ratels urge them to keep believing in themselves and give their best in the remaining matches. 

Rivers Angels will battle AS Police of Niger Republic on Tuesday and a victory for them will ensure qualification for the Semi-final of the WAFU B Qualifiers for the maiden edition of the  CAF Women Champions League.

AiteoCup: Pillars Collapsed As Sunshine Stars Seek Glory ln Semis

 

AiteoCup: Pillars Collapsed As Sunshine Stars Seek Glory ln Semis

Sunshine Stars resilience has once again paid off as the competition's defending champion were sent packing courtesy of Sadeeq Yusuf lone strike.

Having suffered a setback in the midweek of Nigeria Professional Football League where they were held 0-0 by ambitious Katsina United, Deji Ayeni tutored side enjoyed sweet victory over fellow NPFL campaigners.

Sadeeq Yusuf’s 48th-minute strike for Sunshine Stars ensured the Akure-based side book a spot in the semi-final of the 2021 Aiteo Cup.

The goal was enough to eliminate defending Champions, Kano Pillars from the tournament after the departure of Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa for Turkey this week.

 

Elsewhere, Fortune Omoniwari also scored the crucial goal as Rivers United edged Niger Tornadoes 1-0.

After a 1-1 scoreline, Bayelsa United defeated Gateway United 5-4 on penalties while Silas Nwankwo scored the winning goal as Nasarawa United pipped Gombe United 1-0.

Sunshine Stars will face Nasarawa United in the semi-final while Rivers United square up against Bayelsa United in the second semi-final game.

 

FIFA President, CAF President Storm Lagos For Aisha Buhari Cup

 FIFA President, CAF President Storm Lagos For Aisha Buhari Cup

ORGANISERS of the Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Football Tournament have confirmed the presence of the FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, the CAF President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, FIFA General-Secretary, Fatma Samoura, and other world football dignitaries at that the Six-Nation Invitational Tournament which kicks off in Lagos from September 14 to 20, 2021. 

This information was confirmed by the NFF President, CAF Executive and FIFA Council Member, Amaju Pinnick, to the tournament's Director of Organisation, Aisha Falode.

An estactic Falode, stated that, the presence of the football bigwigs at the tournament will simply attest to the high regards these personalities have for Nigeria’s First Lady. 

She added: "Their attendance is in line with the football body’s programmes of growth, commercialisation, marketing and rebranding of women's football, which of late have seen issues affecting the game receiving global attention at every forum. 

“The FIFA strategies for the Women’s Game are captured in its five-point agenda : "Develop And Grow On And Off The Pitch, Showcase The Game and Improve Women’s Competitions, Communicate and Commercialize, Broaden Exposure and Value, Govern and Lead, Strive For Gender Balance, Educate and Empower, Build Capacity and Knowledge."

Falode stressed that: “FIFA and CAF are deeply involved with various programmes on empowerment, leadership and governance among the women folks. The leadership of these football bodies have sunk huge intervention fund in various programmes directed at the women and these interventions are in tandem with the Nigeria’s First Lady, Aisha Buhari’s pet NGO project ‘Future Assured’ with its central theme on Girl-Child Empowerment. 

The football showpiece which is in honour of Nigeria’s First Lady, Her Excellency, Aisha Buhari, would have in attendance women football powerhouses in Africa namely, hosts Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, South Africa, Mali and Morocco. 

“The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France was a masterpiece of cumulative efforts by the world football body to bring to the fore the women game and every other things concerning women."

The Director of Organisation added that: "The acceptance of the world and African football bigwigs to be part of the Aisha Buhari Cup is a mark of respect for Nigeria’s indefatigable First Lady and also honour and recognise her various activities and contributions in and outside Nigeria over the girl-child advocacy and empowerment programmes," said Aisha Falode who is the Chairperson, Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) and foremost broadcast journalist.

 

Naija Ratels Boosts Squad With Attacking Duo Ahead Premiership Season

NWFL Premiership side, Naija Ratels have completed the signature of the attacking duo of Ojo Oluwatofehinti and Unogwu Deborah from NWFL Championship side, Oasis Ladies of Lagos. 

Ojo Oluwatofehinti and Deborah Unogwu were key to Oasis Ladies success in the NWFL Nationwide season and all played a germaine role as the Surulere based side defeated Royaltoms International in the final of the maiden edition of the Eko Queens Soccer Championship.

Naija Ratels President, Barrister Paul Edeh, who spoke at the unveiling ceremony, believe that the duo will bring in alot of productivity and competition to the team's forward line, admitting that it would only make the team stronger. 

"We are very happy to be unveiling Ojo and Unogwu today after completing their signing from newly promoted Championship side Oasis Ladies. The duo bring to the table their freshness and vibrancy as youngsters who will be moulded by Naija Ratels.

"Signing these players is in line with Naija Ratels policy of signing young players who will be trained and impacted with, the team's philosophy. 

"Both players have great talents on the ball, their productivity is brilliant in terms of goalscoring and assists and that will definitely make the team stronger ahead of the challenges ahead.

"We all know that Naija Ratels is a team with alot of potentials," Unogwu said at the unveiling. "I think I made a great decision to be here and of course it is a step forward in my career. I am really happy and hopefully, I can help the team to win more laurels. I appreciate the Club Chairman, Barrister Paul Edeh, the technical crew and all staff of the team." She concluded. 

On her own part, Oluwatofehinti Ojo said: " This club has always impressed me with their success, as I followed all their games during the Championship season. Just like a line in the team's anthem said 'We are fearless no be mouth e dey show'. The team has no doubt stayed true to those words. The environment is good and am really looking forward to working on the pitch. It's a new challenge for me and one that I feel will be successful." 

"Every player wants to be involved in attacking teams and Naija Ratels are one of the most attacking in the Nigerian women football fold." She Concluded. 

Also speaking Oasis Ladies FC President, Gloria Auta described both Ojo Oluwatofehinti and Deborah Unogwu as priceless and part of the history of Oasis Ladies. 

“Both players are priceless and are part of the history of Oasis Football Club, they were integral part of the team that promoted Oasis Football Club (Ladies) to the NWFL Championship on our first attempt.

“It is difficult to see them leave but this is football players will have to move from club to club.

“We believe they would add significant value to Naija Ratels Football Club and the entire Oasis F.C Family wishes the both of them all the best as they continue their playing career with a reputable team like Naija Ratels Football Club”. 

The two attackers were signed from Oasis Ladies FC ahead of Naija Ratels preparation for the new NWFL Premiership season.

AITEO Cup: Olowookere Looking Forward To Experience Great Moment.

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AITEO Cup: Olowookere Looking Forward To Experience Great Moment.

Naija Ratels Manager, Bankole Olowookere is Keen on experiencing great moment in the AITEO Cup, as they face Edo Queens in the second round of the oldest Football Competition on Thursday at the Lokoja Township Stadium. 

The 'Ratels' won Tin City Queens 5-1 on Sunday in the first round of the Competition and will now face a more experienced side, Edo Queens and surely wants to come out victorious. 

The Federation Cup (AITEO Cup) is Nigerian oldest tournament with a huge history to its name and the Nigeria Women U-17 Coach wants to make history in the competition with Naija Ratels.

"It's something we want to do, we are looking forward to a great match with a very good team" Olowookere said. 

"Edo Queens have quality players and am sure they would give their all against us. It is true that we as a team wants to make history, it has to do with alot of hardwork and dedication on the pitch.

"For us, it's process and we will keep pushing for greatness as a United team, we know we would have to do more than ordinary to defeat Edo Queens on thursday and I think we are mentally and psychologically ready for that." He concluded. 

Naija Ratels were recently crowned Champions of the NWFL Championship and will face Edo Queens this thursday for the first time since meeting them last year November at the Flying Officers Cup.

Osun Sports Festival To Produce Future Stars, Over N100m Set Aside For The Carnival

 Osun Sports Festival To Produce Future Stars, Over N100m Set Aside For The Carnival 

Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State on Tuesday unveiled Osun Sports Festival.

Speaking on behalf of the governor at a press conference in Osogbo, the state capital, Osun Commissioner for Youths and Sports Festival, Mr Yemi Lawal revealed that the state had concluded plans to hold Osun Sports Festival (OSF), a 31-sporting-activity designed to positively channel the energy of youths in the state.

 

 

The festival would also be used to identify budding talents with the aim of nurturing them to stardom.

 

Addressing a press conference at the state secretariat on to herald the sports festival, the Commissioner stressed that Governor Adegboyega Oyetola believed in the talents of Osun youths and saw a the need to channel their energy towards the development of the sports in the state.

 

 

Hon. Lawal said the sports festival which would feature about 31 sporting events would be taken round the state in a bid to discover and harvest new and budding talents so as to channel their energy towards positive use.

 

According to him, “It has been the focus of the present administration under the leadership of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola to develop sports at the grassroots, the festival will be taken to all the nooks and crannies of the state.

 

 

“Because of our alliance with the National Youth Policy, the festival will give all youths between the age of 15 and 29 the opportunity to showcase their sports prowess and those that are identified will be trained and nurtured to national and international prominence.

 

 

“The festival will parade athletes in 31 sports which will include athletics, football, tennis, volleyball, boxing, weightlifting among others and it will be held in three phases of Local, Zonal and State. All local government areas will present at least 100 athletes at the festival which will climax by the last week of August.

 

In a welcome address, Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode said the present administration sees sports as a catalyst for development in the state.

 

 

Egbemode who was represented by the Coordinating Director, Ministry of Information and Civic Orientation, Bar. Mrs Bukola Aderibigbe said Governor Adegboyega Oyetola believes that the energy of the youths can be channeled through sports for the development of the state.

New Naija Ratels Signing Sofiat Bankole Unveiled, Scores On Debut

 

Newly promoted NWFL Premiership side, Naija Ratels FC have announced the signing of forward Sofiat Bankole from Dreamstar Ladies FC Of Lagos. 

The talented youngster has joined the team last week, but was officially unveiled on Sunday just before Naija Ratels first round AITEO Cup clash against Tin City Queens, at the FIFA Goal Project Package B, Abuja. 

Bankole, who was a key member of the Dreamstar Ladies team that Participated in two consecutive NWFL Premiership seasons, brings with her a bevy of experience and choice at the attack for Manager, Bankole Olowookere and his technical crew. 

The young forward who scored two goals during her debut match on Sunday against Tincity Queens posed with Naija Ratels yellow and green home kit, standing alongside Club President, Barrister Paul Edeh. 

"I am so excited to be joining Naija Ratels FC. 

"It's a dream for me to be a part of this exciting squad and to work again with Bankole Olowookere, who steadily put me through when I was younger at Dreamstar Ladies. I look forward to doing well here and winning more titles with the team', Bankole said. 

"Now is time for a new challenge, Naija Ratels have really impressed me with their success in such a very short while. I really want to be successful here and am sure this is an environment I am looking forward to working in." She concluded. 

In his reaction, Club President, Barrister Paul Edeh said the club will continue with the policy of signing young players and taking them to great heights in their career. 

"We won't stop with our policy of signing young players to the squad. We believe in grooming them and making them achieve greatness here. 

"Naija Ratels will continue improving and will definitely do well in the Premiership. We love to take it one day as it comes." He concluded. 

Sofiat Bankole joined Naija Ratels Officially on Sunday before their AITEO Cup game against Tincity Queens and ended up scoring a brace in Naija Ratels 5-1 bashing of the Jos based side.

NPFL: Am Elated, The Boys Played According To The Game Plan - Ayeni

 

Am Elated, The Boys Played According To The Game Plan  - Ayeni

Ifegwu Ojukwu's goal proved decisive as Sunshine Stars moved out of the relegation zone after an accomplished 1-0 victory over Heartland on a wet Sunday's night at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.

The Owena Whales were full value for the win in the match day 31 contest delayed by three hours to kick off under floodlights at 7pm due to a heavy downpour in Owerri.

Coach Deji Ayeni kept fate with the same line up that defeated Wikki Tourists on match day 30 and they proved worthy with a show of character and tactical discipline to ward off the hosts who were looking to overran them in the early stages.

The visitors came alive from the 10th minute with the Wazobia attacking trio of Fuad Ekelojuoti, Sadeeq Yusuf and Ojukwu creating all sort of problems for the Heartland backline to deal with.

First it took a last ditch slide tackle to deny Ojukwu his first real chance at goal after a lovely team work, while veteran goalkeeper, Chijioke Ejiogu reacted promptly to stop Ekelojuoti from pouncing on the match hero's low cross in the 32' 

Two minutes before the break Ejike's header was parried onto the path of Ojukwu, but his tame effort could not beat Ejioku, then Saliu Suleiman had to intervene with a decisive save at the other end to ensure Sunshine Stars do not trail at the interval.

The Naze Millionaires again tried swarmed the visitors area at the restart, but could only warmed the gloves of Suleiman who stood firm behind a well organised backline marshalled by Kehinde Adeyemi.

Second half substitute, Kolade Adeniji set the stage for the match defining moment when he surged forward with the ball before serving Ojukwu to spin home a cross that was misjudged by Chijioke at the stroke of the hour mark.

Suleiman got pennalised for alleged time wasting 17 minutes from time, however the visitors were relieved to see Heartland fired high from the contentious indirect free kick awarded them inside Sunshine Stars' area.

The Akure landlords did not stop creating and almost put the game to bed with five minutes remaing when Yusuf's fierce effort from an acute angle off Ekelojuoti's diagonal ball strayed to the side-netting. 

Sunshine Stars back line, supplemented by the collective force held firm for the final minutes to secure the win that gave them a leap up to 16th on the log with 33 points.

 AYENI'S POST MATCH QUOTES

 _"Am very elated, the boys played according to the game plan and it really worked. When I came on board I told them our situation is redeemable, the only thing is to get our mindset right for our winning mentality and you can see the result._ 

 _"No team is invincible; we just have to put our best, be ready and play according to our match plan and everything will work out well by the grace of God"_ 

Sunshine Stars will remain in Owerri to battle Kogi United for a place in the AITEO Cup round of 16 on Wednesday, before returning Akure to host Kano Pillars on NPFL match day 32.   

Grassroot Football: Egbedore LG U-15 Kids Emerge AFGRA/OBAAF Cup Champions, Organisers Drum Supports For Exceptional Kids

 

Grassroot Football: Egbedore LG U-15 Kids Emerge AFGRA/OBAAF Cup Champions, Organisers Drum Supports For Exceptional Kids

Ede North Local Government have emerged Champions of the maiden edition of  AFGRA/OBAFF Cup U-15 Football Championship at the mainbowl of Ido Osun High School Sports Complex.

The tournament which is aimed at unearthing future legends was packaged by AFGRA Foundation and sponsored by Otunba Soji Adewusi, a renown business tycoon and philanthropist. The tourney is packaged by GFCC Egbedore under the leadership of Coach Abiona.

The coveted trophy which was won stylishly  by Egbedore Local Government kids was jostled for by teams across Ede-North, Ede-South, Egbedore and Ejigbo. Ede North U-15 kids were spanked by 4-1 by the eventual winner Egbedore Local Government. 

The final match which lived up to its hype is spiced with pep talk and brief lectures by the organisers.

According to the sports financier, Otunba Soji Adewusi who performed the traditional kickoff, the aim of staging the tourney is to secure worthwhile future for the kids. 

"Some of you are talented and you need a veritable platform to showcase your God given potentials. If I decide to donate cartons of indomie and even cash to all of you, I know you will finish it all in no distant time. 

"What we are giving you now if utilised properly will sustain you. Kante was from village like some of you but was nurtured to stardom same way we want to nurture these kids. Even the indigent ones shall be supported academically, I hope the next edition shall be bigger," stated Otunba Adewusi. 

Another brain behind the project, a UK based legal practitioner, Barrister Bob Olukoya harped on the slogan of the foundation 'sport is life', he charges players to stay focus and maximize the opportunity since sports teaches how to win, lose and humble. He stated that exceptional kids shall be supported, "that's what the foundation stands for".

Trophies and individual awards with cash prizes were later presented to winners in the evening where many defied the serious downpour to grace the final. Other dignitaries like, custodian of football in the state Osun Football Association, Club Owners, Journalists, Top Politicians, Coaches, football fans among others were on ground.