Flying Officers Cup 2021: It’s Edo Queens, FC Robo Queens For Final.

Flying Officers Cup 2021: Emem Essien Lifts Edo Queens Past Confluence Queens Into Final, As FC Robo Queens Ends Osun Babes Dream.

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FC Robo Queens Dash Osun Babes Flying Officers Cup Dream As Emem Essien Fires Edo Queens Into Final.

The stage is set for the final of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup after the conclusion of semi final games on Friday.

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FC Robo Queens in the first semi final game defeated Osun Babes 2-0.

The Lagos Land-Ladies dominated the game before eventually finding the breakthrough in the 41st minute courtesy of Onyenezide Esther.

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Osun Babes in the second half searched for the equaliser as Bolaji Olamide’s effort in the 63rd minute hit the wood work.

The Omoluabi Queens created some chances in the second half but failed to convert while FC Robo Queens proved to be dangerous on the counter.

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Osun Babes had a gilt edge chance to equalise but Alvine Dah Zossu who had only the goalkeeper to beat put her effort wide in the 79th minute.

Two minutes later, FC Robo Queens doubled its lead as Folashade Ijamilusi converted the Lagos based side’s second goal to lift them into the final on Sunday.

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The second semi final game was a keenly contested and physical game but Edo Queens had to rely on a late drama to be able to edge Confluence Queens 1-0.

The deciding goal of the game came in the 88th minute as Emem Essien headed in a cross for her fourth goal of the competition to take her to the top of the goal scorers chat.

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Edo Queens remain the only team yet to concede a goal at the 2021 Flying Officers Cup while they are unbeaten alongside finalist, FC Robo Queens.

Osun Babes and Confluence Queens will play the third place match on Sunday, October 24 before the final game between FC Robo Queens and Edo Queens.

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The kick off for the final game is 3pm, while the third place match will hold by 10 am in the morning at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja.

The final game will be telecast live on Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Radio Nigeria Network Service.

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Semi Final Results
Osun Babes 0 FC Robo Queens 2
Edo Queens 1 Confluence Queens 0.

THIRD PLACE
Osun Babes Vs Confluence Queens (10am)

FINAL Sunday, 24th October 2021
Edo Queens Vs FC Robo Queens (3pm)

Flying Officers Cup 2021: The Last Four And Their Journey To Semi-Finals

The 2021 Flying Officers Cup has now reached the Semi-finals stage. Four teams are two matches away from winning the biggest Women Football Pre-season Championship in Africa.

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Confluence Queens, Osun Babes, FC Robo Queens and Edo Queens will compete for a spot in the final, which will be shown live on TV.

Confluence Queens and FC Robo Queens have scored more goals that the other two teams in the Semi-finals. The two teams have recorded 10 goals each going into the semi’s, while Edo Queens and Osun Babes have 8 and 5 goals respectively.

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The first Semi-finals fixture will be between Osun Babes and FC Robo Queens by 10am on friday morning at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja., While the other Semi final will see Edo Queens and Confluence Queens battle each other. It will be interesting to see whether Edo Queens undefeated run will continue or Confluence Queens, the top scorer in the tournament will establish its superiority.

Osun Babes
Osun Babes 2 – Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens 1
FC Robo Queens 1 – Osun Babes 1
Bayelsa Queens 0 Osun Babes 0
Q1: Osun Babes 2 Royal Queens 0.

Confluence Queens
SGH Sports Academy Amazons 0 Confluence Queens 4
Confluence Queens 1 Sunshine Queens 0
WACO Ladies 0 Confluence Queens 4
Q2: Confluence Queens 1 Nasarawa Amazons 0

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FC Robo Queens
FC Robo Queens 1 Bayelsa Queens 0
FC Robo Queens 1 Osun Babes 1
Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens 1 FC Robo Queens 6.
Q3: FC Robo Queens 2 Naija Ratels 0.

Edo Queens FC
Nasarawa Amazons 0 Edo Queens 1
Lakeside Queens 0 Edo Queens 3
Edo Queens 3 Dannaz Ladies 0
Q4: Edo Queens 1 Sunshine Queens 0.

Flying Officers Cup 21: Slim Victory Enough For Edo Queens And Confluence Queens To Book Semi-Finals Spot

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Quarter-Finals Result
– 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-final Fixtures
– Osun Babes Vs FC Robo Queens (10am)
– Confluence Queens Vs Edo Queens (1pm).

Osun Babes Midfielder, Bolaji Olamide Eye 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.

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“Our game against Royal Queens was a very difficult one, we had alot 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.

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Osun Babes are participating at 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 goalless.

Flying Officers Cup: Osun Babes Manager, Whyte Ogbonda Delights In Quarter-Final Place For Team

Osun Babes Manager, Whyte Ogbonda has expressed satisfaction with his team, as they earn a berth in the quarter-finals of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup.

The ‘Omoluabi Queens’ played a goalless draw against Bayelsa Queens on Friday evening to book a spot in Quarter-Final of the biggest Women Football Pre-season Championship in Africa.

The former Ibom Angels Manager praised his players performance and tasked them to be more determined when they face Royal Queens in their next encounter.

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‘The game against Bayelsa Queens was a great test and it really helped us as we continue to build a team for the new season.

“Truly, our preparation was not ideal before now, but I told my players before the match that it is very important that we go past the first round and qualify for the next round.

‘It was very tough out there and you could see that we needed to work together more because at times we were pushed beyond limits.

‘We are happy to be in the next round of this tournament and with more hard work, I believe we will get better as a team.”

Osun Babes will play in the quarter-finals against Royal Queens on monday at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja.

Flying Officers Cup: NWFL Premiership Coaches Heap Praises On Organisers.

Top Coaches in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership have heaped praises on the Organisers of the upcoming Women Football Pre-season Championship, the Flying Officers Cup.

Some of the Managers who spoke to the Media recently, described the tournament as a good way for their various teams to prepare hard at the highest level, ahead of the beginning of the Premiership season.

Nasarawa Amazons Head Coach, Christopher Danjuma, whose team participated in the last two editions of the Flying Officers Cup said the tournament has always helped and given his team a clue of what to expect, when the league starts.

According to the Nigeria U-20 Women National team, the Falconets Gaffer, the Competition offers his team the opportunity to gel better by playing against top teams in a very competitive atmosphere.

“It has always been a perfect way to start the season. The Flying Officers Cup, has become a tradition for Nasarawa Amazons. We were at the last two editions and got to the finals, losing to Edo Queens and Bayelsa Queens respectively. It gives us the chance to get better as a team and that’s one thing that has really been helping us.” He Concluded.

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Osun Babes will be participating in the prestigious tournament for the first time this year, having missed out of the last two editions and the Head Coach of the side Olayinka Adunola said she is optimistic and looking forward to a fantastic Pre-season Championship in Abuja.

” No doubt, we have always wanted to participate in the tournament, but am glad that we can this time around. We know the standard of the tourney and understand that we have to be at our best to keep the momentum going until the league starts. We want to have fun on the pitch, at the same time, try some new players and improve as a team everyday. The Flying Officers Cup offers us the platform to do that.” She Concluded.

Bayelsa Queens Head Coach, Moses Aduku said his team will use the tournament to test new players and strategize ahead of the new season. Bayelsa Queens recently won the AITEO Cup and a lot is expected from them in Abuja, but the experienced Gaffer insist it’s just a Pre-season Championship.

“Every Coach wants to win something and add more silverware to the ones they already have in their cabinet. We are going to be ourselves, improve in every game and test the quality that we have and definitely won’t put too much pressure on ourselves. I am impressed with the standard of the Competition and no doubt, it is the best.” He Concluded.

Sunshine Queens will also be at the Flying Officers Cup for the first time and their Manager, Tayo Onilude is very much excited too.

“We have been working hard everyday to get the players in shape and against all odds will be giving our best in Abuja. The good thing is that we would be playing against some solid teams and perhaps we would be using different formations and tactics to execute our games, until we get it right.

For Bankole Olowookere, his team Naija Ratels surpassed so many people’s imagination, by reaching the Semi-final of the 2020 edition. His team, then in the NWFL Nationwide, went on to beat teams like Royal Queens, Kaduna Queens and played draws with Edo Queens and Nasarawa Amazons in the third place and Semi-Final games respectively, now in the Premiership, Olowookeere thinks his team will compete better.

“We did well last year and hopefully, we can do more and play better, he said. The team will continue to improve on its style of play and that is the most important thing for us.” He Concluded.

AITEO Cup finalists, FC Robo Queens of Lagos will also plan to make a grand entry into the Competition this year. The ‘Lagos Landladies’ have quality players and are looking at competing with the best. The Head Coach and owner of the Club, Osahon Emmanuel also gave a huge thumbs up to Barrister Paul Edeh and Ratels Sports Development Foundation for being consistent with the Pre-season Championship.

“We are working towards competing against some of the best teams in Nigeria and Africa. This is a while new idea from what we used to have in the past. Kudos to the Organisers as we look forward to having a great tournament.

The Flying Officers Cup is the biggest Women Football Pre-season Championship in Africa and this year’s edition, the third will see teams from Nigeria, Ghana and Benin Republic participating.

Declare Bankruptcy If You can’t Pay Players. NANPF To Osun State Government

Due to the suspension of sporting activities across the Nation as a result of Covid – 19 Pandemic, the Governor of the state of Osun, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola has directed that all payment to the Sports Council from other salaries be suspended.

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This is contained in a release issued by the Sports Council CPRO- Mrs Funmilayo Moradeyo

In a letter signed by the Hon. Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Special Needs- Hon. Yemi Lawal, it indicates that the policy takes effect till all protocols on sporting activities be lifted.

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Those affected are Osun United FC; Osun Babes FC; Contract Coaches as well as Contract athletes.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers NANPF has rejected this new development and ask the state government and the club to declare bankruptcy if they can’t pay the players so that FIFA can come to the aid of the players, Platinum News understand

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NANPF made to this known through a statement made by the Union through its secretary general, Austin Popo on Friday afternoon.

“If they can’t pay the players let them declare bankruptcy so the union can apply to FIFA through FIFPRO to enable the affected players qualify for the FIFA/fifpro fund for distress players under covid19 palliative”

NANPF QUERIES OSUN UNITED OVER PLAYERS SACKING

The National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) on Tuesday, July 8th 2020 written the management of OSUN UNITED FC over the sacking of the entire team players of Osun United and Osun Babes without without a legal procedure.

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In a letter signed by the secretary of the association, Austin Popo, exclusively available to Platinum News, the association enquiry into the sacking revealed that the club had not taking the right step in relieving the players of their jobs.

“I bring you the unreserved compliments of the President of the Nigeria Players Union, National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers, NANPF, Tijani Babangida (Mon); Information available to the union, suggest that the management of your Football Clubs, Osun United and Osun Babes Football Clubs have sacked the entire players and officials of both teams without following due process as contained in the relevant provisions of the rules of the NNL and the Nigeria Women professional Football league.”

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“Our enquiry further suggest that there was no pre – notification meeting between the Club’s management and the players and coaches to discuss your actions contrary to the basic principles guiding the protection of workers rights It is equally important to draw your attention to the fact that every professional player either in the NNL or in the Women professional Football league is under a contract of minimum one year in accordance with the Leagues regulations.”

“We are just in the seventh month of the year. In other words, our understanding is that the players still have a subsisting contract with your club.”

The Union however call for meeting with all necessary stakeholders to bring about solution to the issue on ground in order to foster industrial peace and harmony.

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“Finally we all understand the challenging times, the world is going through, sports not excluded, due the impact caused by the Covid19 pandemic. In spite of this development, taking unilateral decisions to sack players without following laid down procedures is not a good idea, and therefore totally uncceptable by the players union.”

“We therefore advice for the sake of Industrial peace and harmony to call a meeting of all relevant stakeholders to resolve the issue amicable without compromising the rights of the players and officials
We await your immediate response”