Flying Officers Cup 2021: Nigeria Women Football League Gives Official Backing

 

Flying Officers Cup 2021: Nigeria Women Football League Gives Official Backing.

Nigeria Women Football League Officially Throws Weight Behind Flying Officers Cup.

The Nigerian Women Football League (NWFL) has officially thrown it's weight behind the third edition of the biggest Women Football Pre-season Championship in Africa, the Flying Officers Cup, which will hold from the 10th to the 24th of October 2021.

In an official endorsement letter signed by the Chief Operating Officer (C.O.O) of the Organisation, Mrs Dupe Shabi, the Apex Women League body stated that the NWFL has given it's backing to this year's edition of the tournament and would give it's general support to make the competition a success. 

Ratels Sports Development Foundation have shown great commitment to the activities and development of Women's Football in Nigeria and have been sole sponsor of the Flying Officers Cup since 2019. In the final of the 2020 Edition between Nasarawa Amazons and Bayelsa Queens, NWFL Chairperson, Aisha Falode bagged a special award in recognition of her role in the development of Women's football in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. 

In the letter of endorsement, Shabi wrote: " We are pleased to confirm our endorsement of the Flying Officers Cup 2021, scheduled to hold between the 10th-24th October 2021 in Abuja. 

"The Nigeria Women Football League will give all necessary support to Ratels Sports Development Foundation to ensure an hitch free tournament". She Concluded. 

The NWFL played a pivotal role in the last edition of the Flying Officers Cup in Abuja and had the Chairperson of the League body, Aisha Falode, NFF Second Vice President, Shehu Dikko  in attendance, as special guests of honour.

Abraysports, NNL All Stars qualify for Amapro Football Championship final

 

NNL All Stars will face Abraysports in the final of the 6th edition of the Amapro Football Championship.

The Ladi Ojokojo led team edged Da Faria 4-3 on penalties after regulation was 1-1, while Abraysports humbled William Falla 3-1.

Samson Isiaka put the Lagos based team ahead with a cool finish in the 3rd minute of the game.

All Stars came from behind to cancel Da Faria lead as Sodiq Alamoyo slotted into the bottom corner on 25 minutes.

The second half was even for both teams as they displayed best of football artistry to the amusement of the Ilorin fans.

NNL All Stars shot stopper, Muyiwa Majolagbe turned hero of the afternoon as he stopped two spot kicks from Da Faria as his team scored four of their spot kicks.

Coach of NNL All Stars Ladi Ojokojo was full of praise to his boys who whethered the storm against the dangerous Da Faria side.

"We knew how talented the opposition were. Our plan was to score first and try to consolidate. But it was the other way round," he explained.

"The fighting spirit showed by my boys really made me proud. We can't afford to celebrate for now because a bigger task awaits us.

In the other semi-final game, William Falla got the first goal with a fine finish from Ramon Azeez.

A rejuvenated NNL All Stars showed class as they scored an equalizer in the 20th minute as Victor Atteh curled home a sweet free kick.

Obadun Abdulrasheed powered home a delicious header at the near post as Abraysports went in front.

Obalowu Nofiu made the game safe for the Ilorin based side with the third goal at the dying embers.

Head coach of Abraysports Bolade Ezekiel admitted that his wards relied on counter attacks to defeat William Falla and promised to upset NNL All Stars in the final.

"It was more of a tactical game but we dealt with the pressure from William Falla. We relied on counter attacks to punish them," Kolade enthused.

"The game against NNL All Stars will be technical because they are more matured. With our tactical gift we will be victorious.

The final will be held on Sunday at the main bowl of the Kwara Stadium Complex, Ilorin. Kickoff is 4pm.

FCT FA Boss Thumbs Flying Officers Cup

 

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Football Association Chairman, Mouktar Mohammed has said that the FCT Football body will give the Organisers of the upcoming Flying Officers Cup the full supports needed to make it bigger than the last two editions. 

Adam Mouktar Mohammed made the pledge when he welcomed the President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), Barrister Paul Edeh, to his office on Friday, with the Ratels Boss presenting him with Naija Ratels FC Souvenirs. 

 The seasoned Football Administrator who has aided the growth of football in the Federal Capital with his numerous initiatives since resuming office as Chairman, further expressed satisfaction at the quality of preparation going on ahead of the biggest Women Football Pre-season Championship in Africa, noting that the Association will surely play a pivotal role to ensure huge success. 

"Today is indeed a historic day and I am very delighted to receive the President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation, Barrister Paul Edeh." Mouktar said. 

"I have been a big fan of your Football Club, Naija Ratels Football Club, even before we met and it's all because of the passion you have put in place to make it a success in less than two years. We would keep supporting all your projects and we want to use this medium to officially say that the FCT Football Association under my leadership has endorsed the upcoming Flying Officers Cup and we shall work together to ensure we have a very robust competition." He Concluded. 

Speaking also at the meeting between the two parties, President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation, Barrister Paul Edeh, hailed the FCT FA Boss for deeming it fit to give necessary supports to Naija Ratels FC and the Flying Officers Cup. "The official presentation of the Naija Ratels FC jersey signifies the symbolic mark of our club with the FCT F.A. We would also like to seek your support to set up an Academy here at the FCT, which also goes in-line with your policies on grassroots football. 

"Ratels Sports Development Foundation look forward to a strong collaboration and relationship with the FCT F.A. We are indeed appreciative of the support that we've already gotten from the Association. 

"Our intention is to leave a positive legacy for Football in Nigeria, so that we can contribute to future generations, but to achieve these objectives, we need the support and assistance of Organisations like the FCT Football Association.

The third edition of the Flying will hold in Abuja, from the 10th to the 24th of October 2021.

Osun Apex League Gets September 4 Kickoff Date

 

The much publicized maiden edition of Osun Apex Football League have been scheduled to kick start in first week of September.

With thirteen (13) teams divided into two groups, the top two teams in each group would be qualified for Super 4 to determine the eventual winner.

In his remark, the state of Osun FA supremo Otunba Rasaq Ishola Mustapha RIM., who declared open the fixtures proceedings remarked;

"We want to acknowledge the doggedness of the participants of this year's 'Apex League'. The league is aimed at preparing and exposing business minded teams for greater exploits in a way that will benefit the participating teams economically.

We have so much in stock for football to thrive in the state.

"Despite the pandemic and inadequacies of resources, the board is up and doing with football matters in the state. 

"I therefore enjoin the club officials to make the league attractive, through upright behaviors. The rule book given to each team should be digested thoroughly. There won't be rooms for misbehaving in whatsoever means. Some reputable agents have been scheduled to monitor our proceedings." Hon. Sulaimon Adio who is the vice chairman explained.

Osun Apex League is packaged and financed by Osun FA under the distinguished sports financier Alhaji Rasaq lshola Mustapha RIM. The Grand Prize of 120, 000 and 100, 000 have been earmarked for the eventual winner and runner's up. 

A lot of incentives are on ground for participating teams and individual awards will be presented when the tournament climax. In attendance are all board members.

Kickoff: Saturday 4th Sept. 2021

Olansile vs Ayedire 1pm

Hammola lnt'l FC vs Otin Babes 3pm

Group A

Akoment FC Ede

Hammola Int'l FC

Victory Police FC

H. M. K FC Osogbo

Osun Civil Defense FT

Otin Babes FC Okuku

Group B

Fehinty FC Osogbo

Orolu LG FC Ifon Osun

Timi Giants FC Ede

Ayedire United Ileogbo

AUD All Stars Osogbo

Hadji Hammed FC Osogbo

Olansile FC Osogbo

Full fixtures coming up...

Flying Officers Cup, A Perfect Preparation For Us Ahead Of TotalEnergies CAFWCL - Hasaacas Ladies Coach

Flying Officers Cup Will Give Hasaacas Ladies Perfect Preparation For TotalEnergies CAFWCL- Basigi.

Hasaacas Ladies Head Coach, Yusif Basigi believes the Flying Officers Cup Will give his side the perfect preparation ahead of their TotalEnergies CAF Women Champions League Campaign in Egypt later this year. 

The CAFWCL (WAFU 'B') Champions will battle for supremacy with some of the top teams in Nigeria when the Flying Officers Cup kick-start on October 10th at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The Ladies from Takoradi would go into the Pre-season Championship, hoping to continue from where they stopped, having won three trophies, The League title, The Ghanaian Women F.A Cup and the CAFWCL WAFU 'B' Qualifiers Cup in Ivory coast some weeks ago.

The experienced Gaffer, who is also the Head Coach of the Ghanaian Women U-20 Side, the Black Princesses said he is confident that his team will do well and also use the biggest Women Football Pre-season Championship to prepare for the challenges ahead. 

"We are getting prepared for the Flying Officers Cup in Nigeria." Basigi said from his base in Takoradi.

"This is the first time we are getting an invitation for a Club side Pre-season Championship. This is unprecedented and we can't wait to be in Nigeria and play in a different environment. 

"Our aim is to do well in the tournament, because if we do well, it's going to breed our confidence and propel us for the TotalEnergies CAF Women Champions League in Egypt and also the start of the new season in Ghana. 

The experienced Gaffer continue "Success builds momentum, which we are hoping to take to Egypt. We need to keep fit, stay together as a team and try to achieve more success. 

This year's edition of the Flying Officers Cup is the third edition and will see sixteen teams from Nigeria, Ghana and Benin Republic compete for prize and honour in Abuja from October 10th to 24th.

Flying Officers Cup 2021: Organisers Postpone Tournament In 'Spirit Of Sportsmanship'.

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The Planning Committee of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup has announced the postponement of the third edition of the Biggest Women Football Pre-season Championship in Africa, to show solidarity for the Betsy Obaseki Cup which will come up from the 24th of September to the 3rd of October in Benin City.

Originally scheduled to hold from the 22nd of September to the 1st of October in Abuja, the Flying Officers Cup has now been rescheduled to hold from 10-24th of October 2021 amid concerns of clash in date with the maiden edition of the Betsy Obaseki  Tournament in Edo. 

President, Ratels Sports Development Foundation, Barrister Paul Edeh expressed his regret over the announcement of the new date, but thought it is necessary to move the prestigious competition to a later date in the spirit of sportsmanship. 

"It is obviously not good news for us, but we feel it is the most prudent decision considering the present circumstances. 

"The decision to postpone wasn't in our plans at all, but we had to do it, so as to give teams that are interested in participating in both Tournament the opportunity to do so. The reality is that the Betsy  Obaseki Tournament is in line with our vision, hence the present decision. 

"All the teams that will participate in the Flying Officers Cup have been officially informed about this latest development and we wish to let them know that the shift in date won't have any effect on the quality and policies of the tournament, as we even believe that the Postponement will give them the ample time to prepare better for the Pre-season Championship.

Sixteen teams have officially confirmed their participation in this year's edition of the Flying Officers Cup and the last team to send in their letter of participation is the newly crowned Benin Republic first division Women Football Champions Espoir FC.

Ekiti To Partner Osun State On Youth And Sports Developments

 

Ekiti To Partner Osun State On Youth And Sports Developments

Akanni Seyi Joshua

Hon. Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in Ekiti State, Hon. Michael Awopetu today embarked on a courtesy call on his Osun state counterpart, Hon. Yemi Lawal, at his Abere office. 

The advocacy parley which lasted for about one hour had a tone of restrategizing some key decisions and building a strong partnership between the two states.

The two energetic commissioners discussed extensively on having a strong synergy among Sports Commissioners in the South West in a bid to create a lasting policy, capable of putting the South West on a global map. 

 

Furthermore, stagging major competitions together and developing worthwhile policies together that can better the lots of the athletes now and in future formed part of their discussions.

Recall that Osun State governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola has reiterated his commitments to youth developments via a  Youth Policy Document presented by Hon. Yemi Lawal which has four components 4Es—Youth Empowerment, Youth Engagement, Youth Entrepreneurship and Youth Education, was developed to provide a crucial framework for guiding the state’s approach to ensuring that large number of youth residing in the state are provided with quality of life.

Just recently, Osun Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Yemi Lawal unveiled plans to hold Osun Sports Festival (OSF) – a 31-sporting-activity designed to positively channel the energy of youths in the state.

The much publicized festival would also serve as a platform to identify budding talents with the aim of nurturing them to stardom.

Osun Apex League: Osun FA Embark On Pitch lnspections

 

The organizer of the much publicized state of Osun 'Apex League' have informed that, in its bid to ensure a decent league season, premium would be placed on safety, infrastructures and facilities to be be adopted by participating teams.

The maiden edition of the 'Apex League' would see most of the Nigeria Nationwide League One outfits jostle for the revered shield.

The league which would be played on home and away basis week in week out is adjusted in line with Nigeria Football Federations calendar.

As informed by the secretariat, rules guiding Nigeria Nationwide League One shall be applied throughout the season. The licenses obtained by teams are expected to be returned to FA secretariat by Tuesday,  10th of August 2021.

Below are the schedule for inspection itinerary:

Monday August 2nd 2021, Ayedire Utd., Hammola FC, Fehinty FC and Kuta XI. 

Tuesday August 3rd 2021, Timi Giant FC , HMK FC and Hadji Hammed FC

Wednesday August 4th 2021 ..Olansile FC, Victory Police FC,  All Star AUD and Orolu FC

It is therefore to be noted that, FA won't hesitate to step down any team that presented a questionable and below standard home ground. 

State of Osun Apex League is an initiative of Osun FA under the distinguished leader, Chief Rasaq Ishola Mustapha RIM, the league is expected to commence by mid-August.