Edeh also admitted his admiration for the ‘Extraordinary Talent’ Motunrayo Ezekiel, while hinting that her hat-trick wouldn’t have been possible if not for the supports of her teammates.

The 18- year old despite still being in the early stages of her career has developed herself into one of the best players in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership, so much that she’s widely regarded as a rare talent.

The youngster repeatedly told the Club’s Chairman and some of her friends that she would score a hat-trick heading into the Pelican Stars game on Wednesday, in what is a rather unusual thing to do.

Motunrayo who plays as a defender for the Nigeria Women National U-20 team, the Falconets, plays as a forward for her team, Naija Ratels and was the heroine as the Abuja based side, got a well deserved 3-0 victory over Pelican Stars of Calabar at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja in the matchday 8 of the NWFL Premiership.

The multi-talented player netted three times on Wednesday, securing an emphatic win for her side. Motunrayo, scored in the 11th, 19th and 47th minute to complete her hat-trick of goals. The rare talent also scored an aesthetic free-kick, that is worthy of a FIFA Puskas Award nomination.

The budding teenager scored a brace earlier in the season against Adamawa Queens on Matchday 4 and added three more when the 7 time Champions, Pelican Stars came visiting, to make it five goals in just four games this season.

“Am glad she did score a hat-trick and it was clear that the whole team worked so hard for this victory,” Barrister Paul Edeh told www.naijaratels.com

“She had earlier promised me that she would score three times against Pelican Stars, I don’t know how she did it, but it must have been a very strong feeling.

“It is a remarkable feat, but what makes it even more astonishing is that she predicted she would do as much in the days leading to the game.

“She is a force of nature and one who is focused just like her other teammates. There is no word to describe how talented she is’. He concluded.

Asked during an interview with Naija Ratels TV, on why she thought she would score a hat-trick against Pelican Stars, Motunrayo replied by saying she had a strong feeling about scoring thrice and was determined to make it come to reality.

“It was a strong feeling, I usually have such thoughts before some games. It’s natural and I think it happens to some players all around the world as well. I am happy I could fulfil that dream and hopefully, I can get to play more games and score more goals.

Motunrayo has mustered five goals in four NWFL Premiership appearances so far, while she has also provided one assist.

The Pelican Stars win means that Bankole Olowookeere’s side, still remains in the third position, same point with Confluence Queens, who won Nasarawa Amazons by a lone goal on Wednesday.

The ‘One Day At A Time’ Ladies will be back in action on Wednesday, when they travel down to Ile-Ogbo to face Osun Babes FC.

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.

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.

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.

The Chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), Aisha Falode, has again congratulated Naija Ratels following their promotion to the top-flight of the Nigeria Women Football League, the NWFL Premiership.

Falode, an Executive board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), put a call through to the President of Naija Ratels FC, Barrister Paul Edeh on wednesday, acknowledging the exceptional display of the team. The number one women Football Administrator in the country also commended the team for their doggedness and team spirit for emerging Champions of the 2021 second tier league.

In his reactions, Barrister. Edeh appreciated the Aisha Falode-led NWFL for ensuring quality league organisation and great leadership qualities at all times.

The Naija Ratels President, however assured of his team’s readiness to abide by the rules and regulations guiding participation at the Nigeria’s Women’s Apex Football League.

“We are very honoured to hear from you, and most excited to gain promotion to the top flight. Barrister Edeh said.

“I assure you of our continuous loyalty and support as a Club to the NWFL Board led by you and pledge our commitment to honour our obligations to the league body,”

“We will continue to qmake ourselves, and numerous women football lovers across the country and beyond proud. The personal call and congratulatory message means alot to us and surely inspire us to do more as a club.” He concluded.

Naija Ratels emerged worthy champions of the 2021 NWFL Championship season, winning three games and drawing one against Adamawa Queens on the last day of the league season.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) first Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for Naija Ratels 3-star rated Hostel, located in Kurudu, Abuja Municipal Area Council.

The new 12 bedroom building will be built like a hotel and will have an indoor gym, a lounge, where the players can relax during their leisure time, a mini hall,dining areas library and the coaches chalet.

Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi who performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the building said he was impressed with what the management of Naija Ratels have been able to achieve within a short time and urge other football clubs in the country to emulate the achievements of the team.

“It is a great privilege to be here for the foundation stone laying ceremony for the construction of the new Naija Ratels Football Club Hostel.

“This is a fulfilment, not just for Naija Ratels, but that of mine and Nigerian football as a whole. Imagine that we have twenty clubs like Naija Ratels across the country, women football would have been well developed.

He continued : “Football is all about hope and that is what a club like Naija Ratels does to many young girls and footballers in the country. There is no doubt that some of these girls will play for the Super Falcons and go places, because I can see the desire and determination inside of them.

“I congratulate the team for gaining promotion and am sure they will do well at the Apex league.

Also speaking during the ground-breaking ceremony of the edifice, an elated President of Naija Ratels Football Club, Barrister Paul Edeh who couldn’t hide his joy, said the building is expected to be completed within a year, as work will begin immediately.

“I ventured into women’s football primarily to make a difference and help elevate the life of the girl-child and today we have grown as a family and gained promotion to the Premiership.

“For us, it’s a great journey and one that we have been able to learn alot. This is just the beginning, as we have achieved alot as a club within our two years of existence.

“We specifically picked this strategic location for the new hostel, because it is very close to the team’s training pitch, this will make training even more easier for the players and the coaches.

“The new edifice will be in form of a 3-star rated Hotel and will consist of 12 rooms ensuite, indoor gym, a mini hall, library, lounge etc and we have also acquired 4 hectare of land here in Abuja to build our own stadium.

Naija Ratels was founded by Barrister Paul Edeh in 2019 and have deservedly gained promotion from the Championship to the Premiership.

Ratels Sports Foundation has partnered with the organisers of the Most Gorgeous Girl Nigeria (MGGN) to host a mini Women Football tournament commemorating the first edition of the beauty pageant which will hold in Abuja.

The Chief Executive Officer of The Most Gorgeous Girl Nigeria (MGGN), Grace Ene disclosed this on Monday during a world press conference in Abuja to flag off the maiden edition of the National beauty pageant.

Miss Ene noted that Ratel Sports Foundation, founded by Legal Luminary, Barrister Paul Edeh has agreed to partner with the initiative through the Mini Football tournament in Abuja, which will in turn bring more awareness and hope for the girl-child.

“We are glad about this initiative and partnering with one of the leading Sports Foundation in the country, Ratels Sports Development Foundation.

“Through this event, we have been able to share the belief that the girl-child deserve more in our community and with Ratels Sports Development Foundation coming to support us with the Mini Women Football tournament, we are hopeful that it will create more love and awareness across all quarters.

Reacting, the Chairman and founder of Ratels Sports Development Foundation, Barrister Paul Edeh disclosed that the love for the girl-child prompt his organisation to support the beauty pageant and mini Women Football tournament.

“The girl-child deserve all the love and affection from people around them. They deserve to be confident and believe in themselves.

“MGGN is an opportunity to demonstrate at a National and Global level that there are no intercultural barriers. It promises to bring people together from all the nooks and crannies of this country and beyond.

“We hope our partnership with the organisers of the MGGN will help raise a formidable voice for the girl-child and make a meaningful impact in their lives.” He concluded.

The Most Gorgeous Girl Nigeria (MGGN) is a celebration of youth and empowerment, an important way to convey the true meaning of beauty and the empowerment of all women and girl-child.

Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship side, Naija Ratels FC have sent a congratulatory message to the 2021 NWFL Premiership Champions Rivers Angels on their recent success at the just concluded NWFL Premiership Super 6 held at the Otunba Dipo Dina international Stadium, Ijebu-ode.

The ‘Jewels of Rivers secured their 7th league title on Sunday after recording three victories and two draws in the NWFL Premiership Super 6. Three 4-0 wins over Bayelsa Queens, Edo Queens and Sunshine Queens and two draws against FC Robo Queens and Delta Queens ensured they won the title consecutively.

Naija Ratels Boss, Barrister Paul Edeh in a congratulatory message he personally signed, commended the club for the feat, nothing such success came through extreme hardwork and determination.

“I want to specifically say that Rivers Angels deserved the league title just as every other team that participated at the Super 6.

“They have been very consistent and am not surprised that they showed more determination after drawing their first two games.

“On behalf of everyone at Naija Ratels, I heartily congratulate the League Champions and encourage them to be a good representative of the country in the WAFU Zone B Qualifiers and the Champions League proper later in the year.”

Rivers Angels have won the league title 7 times. 1994, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2021. They will represent Nigeria at the maiden edition of the CAF Women Champions League, with the WAFU Zone B Qualifiers, which will take place in Ivory Coast in June 2021.

The highly rated Sports administrator was joined by other top personals to give out the customised match balls to all 8 teams that participated at the Football event of the National Sports Festival.

Amos Adamu who was one time Director General of the National Sports Commission was thrilled that a Nigerian Clubside can think of having their own customised match balls, stressing that it is the right step to move the club to greater heights.

Receiving the match balls on behalf of Team Edo, Captain of the side and Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Phillip Shuabu thanked the management of the team for reaching out to all the teams that participated at the Football Event of the National Sports Festival, saying other clubs in Nigeria should emulate the NWFL Championship side, by going into selling of merchandise that will bring in profits.

Barrister Paul Edeh, President of Naija Ratels FC who was represented by Coach Bankole Oloowokere said it was a pleasure to give out the match balls to the football participating teams, stating that football is the sports played most consistently in the world.

“Football is loved by all, that’s one of the reasons we decided to give our customised match balls to all Football participating teams in the National Sports Festival.

“The Naija Ratels customised ball is strong, iconic and reflects the values of the Clubside as we are planning of building a big fan base across all quarters.

Naija Ratels is an NWFL Championship side, based in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and is owned by Legal Luminary, Barrister Paul Edeh.

The players, technical crew and staff of the NWFL Championship team carried out the visit to the IDPs as part of it’s charity outreach activities and were all seen in a happy mood as they interacted with the Internally Displaced Persons.

Menstrual hygiene is one of the neglected health and hygiene issues surrounding the rights of vulnerable girls and women in camps built for internally displaced Persons (IDPs) and for hundreds of these women and girls living in the IDP camps, this natural monthly occurrence could be very disruptive.

For these reasons, the players of the Nigeria Women Football League side, Naija Ratels deemed it fit to donate relief materials and sanitary pads to the under privileged females in the internally displaced People’s Camp.

Donating the items, Team Manager of the side, Iorsue Kuhwa and Captain, Paulina Ali said the reason behind the gesture was to support young girls in the camp who cannot afford to buy pad for their monthly period.

According to them, it was observed that young girls and women in IDP Camps resort to the use of pieces of cloths or tissues for their monthly periods.

“We learnt how young girls and women in this IDPs Camp go through alot during their monthly periods and how some girls stay away from school going into isolation when they menstruating because of stigmatisation by their male peers”; Paulina Ali said.

Also reacting, the team manager said; “So as a team, we thought and decided we could help out in our own little way, so today we donated about 15 Cartons of Sanitary Pads, four bags of rice and some kits for the girls and women here.

“I believe it’s high time we teach young girls and women in IDP Camps about Menstrual health and hygiene. This awareness will create more confidence amongst these girls and there will be no shame when experiencing their Menstrual period, which is natural for every woman.” He concluded.

The assistant Camp Commandant, Solomon Azulo expressed appreciation for the gesture on behalf of the girls and women in the camp.

“It is a great honour to receive these menstrual hygiene kits and other relief materials on behalf of the young girls in the camp.

“This is a great gesture and am sure Naija Ratels did this just because they care about the Girl-Child.

“We are grateful and hope other teams, groups and bodies will always remember us here.” He concluded.

Naija Ratels is an NWFL Championship team based in Abuja and owned by renowned Philanthropist, Barrister Paul Edeh.