The tournament which began on Friday 4th November will climax Saturday 12th November at Moshood Abiola Stadium.

Two matches would take place on the grand finale. Confluence Queens face Nasarawa Amazons at third place, while Edo Queens have a score to settle with Delta Queens in the final.

It will be recalled that Edo Queens, Delta Queens, Confluence Queens and Nasarawa Amazons picked up 19 points, 17 points, 11 points and 10 points respectively during the group stage.

Sheroes Cup (formerly called Naija Ratels Pre-Season Championship then Flying Officers Cup) is an annual preseason tournament for women’s association football teams in Africa. The competition usually feature elite teams from Nigeria Women Football League, as well as neighboring African countries. Since the first edition in 2019, it has been described as the biggest preseason tournament for women club football in Nigeria.

Just before the commencement of the second edition, it was rebranded as “Flying Officers Cup” to honor and immortalize the recently deceased Nigeria first-ever female combat helicopter pilot, Tolulope Arotile.

In 2021, there was a hundred percent increase in the prize money from the 2020 edition. The first, second, third and fourth placed teams received ₦1,000,000, ₦500,000, ₦300,000 and ₦200,000 respectively.

In October 2022, it was renamed to “Sheroes Cup”.

The competition is founded and financed by Barrister Paul Edeh, through his sport firm domiciled in Benue State. For the first edition, twenty women football clubs in Nigeria was invited but only four decided to honour the invitation. The inaugural tournament was contested by hosts, Naija Ratels; top tier teams, Nasarawa Amazons and Edo Queens; and lower pyramid team, Honey Badgers from Northern Nigerian state of Makurdi. Edo Queens emerged winners following a straight round robin format. All participating teams received free sporting souvenirs, including soccer balls and jerseys.

The second edition saw the introduction of prize money, as well as removing registration fees due to the financial impacts of COVID 19 on participating teams. It was also officially ratified by the Nigeria Women Football League. The tournament venue was relocated from Benue State to Abuja. Bayelsa Queens emerged winners through a more traditional initial group phase, then elimination stages matches format.

The third edition saw the ratification of an organizing committee that included many major national stakeholders in women’s football. The prize money was also significantly increased and the tournament was billed to involve other African countries for the first time.

The fourth edition has seen introduction of player of the match award courtesy of Airtel, seminar and award night.

Edo Queens and Delta Queens have qualified for the final of the 2022 Sheroes Cup after both sides accumulated 19 points and 17 points respectively.

Confluence Queens who ended third will be taking on Nasarawa Amazons would at the third place match.

The two matches will be decided on Saturday at the famous Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

Below is how events panned out on day seven of the competition.

Edo Queens 3-0 Royal Queens

It was a one sided affair at Area 3, with Edo Queens destroying Royal Queens 3-0.

Kafayat Mafisere netted the fastest goal of the tournament on 35 seconds, before Tosin Ogundeko bagged a brace to help Moses Aduku’s side complete the rout.

Edo Queens topped the table with 19 points from seven games.

Naija Ratels 0-2 Confluence Queens

Goals from Merit Offor and Saidat Adebiyi proved to be enough as Confluence Queens won 2-0 against Naija Ratels at Old Parade Ground.

Confluence Queens ended up on third spot with 11 points from a possible 21.

Delta Queens 4-0 Honey Badgers

With a place in the final already assured, Delta Queens thrashed Honey Badgers 4-0.

Chinaza Agoh grabbed a double, with Folajomi Alaba and Peace Abbey notching one each for the Asaba based outfit.

Delta Queens picked up 17 points from seven matches.

Nasarawa Amazons 0-0 Adamawa Queens

A stubborn Adamawa Queens team did well to hold Nasarawa Amazons 0-0.

Amazons placed fourth at the end of the round robin.

Day 7 Results

Edo Queens 3-0 Royal Queens
Naija Ratels 0-2 Confluence Queens
Delta Queens 4-0 Honey Badgers
Nasarawa Amazons 0-0 Adamawa Queens

Day 8 Fixtures

Date: 12th November, 2022

Third Place

Confluence Queens Vs Nasarawa Amazons
10am
Venue: Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

Final

Edo Queens Vs Delta Queens
3pm
Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

Edo Queens cruised past Naija Ratels 2-0 before Delta Queens put Nasarawa Amazons to the sword with a 1-0 victory.

The Old Parade Ground had very evenly balanced fixtures that were won by small margins as Royal Queens overcame Honey Badgers 1-0 while Confluence Queens also defeated Adamawa Queens 1-0.

Enjoy the wrap below….

Royal Queens 1-0 Honey Badgers

Royal Queens collected three more points to stay unbeaten thanks to a 1-0 victory over Honey Badgers.

But this was very much, as the old cliché goes, a game of two halves. Royal Queens utterly mastered the first half and really should have had more than the single goal they had to show for it.

Yet in a somewhat unexpected turn of affairs, it was Honey Badgers that were totally on top when the action resumed after the break, and Royal Queens breathed a huge sigh of relief when the final whistle blew.

The Warri based side took the lead on 39 minutes when central defender Uroko Valentina fired a thunderous effort to the net.

Naija Ratels 0-2 Edo Queens

Yetunde Fajobi scored two goals including a penalty to help Edo Queens register a 2-0 win over Naija Ratels.

The former Osun Babes forward expertly dispatched a 19th minute spot kick for the opener.

In the 55th minute, the attacker made it 2-0. She collected the ball before skipping past her marker all too easily and lobbed goalkeeper Doris Ohia.

Nasarawa Amazons 0-1 Delta Queens

Goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi was excellent as Delta Queens pipped Nasarawa Amazons 1-0.

Chinaza Agboh settled the tight contest with the match winner but Delta Queens should be grateful to Mgbechi who put up a great show behind the sticks.

Adamawa Queens 0-1 Confluence Queens

Wasteful Confluence Queens was made to wait until 79th minute as a late goal from substitute Peter Martha saw them snatch a 1-0 win against hardworking Adamawa Queens.

Confluence Queens had peppered its opponent’s goal but were denied by a string of fantastic saves by Cynthia Akwasi and some wayward finishing.

What they said?

Honey Badgers Coach Felicia Anthony aka De Bull

“Lack of experience made us to lose two games but we are a championship side that’s building for the future.

“We will work on our mistakes and improve in the next game.”

Coach Moses Aduku of Edo Queens

“Winning is a joyful thing, but this is a preseason tournament and we are watching out for the players’ development.

“We came here to test every player, we came here with 32 players, so you can see today, we tested some players.”

Edo Queens forward Yetunde Fajobi

“Now I can say so because I’m happy with what I’m doing.”

“I’m happy, I’m calm and things are starting to show on the pitch.”

Naija Ratels coach Sabo Okala

“There’s no basis for disappointment, this is a preseason game and it’s to see the level of your preparation for the season proper.

“It’s good for us that we are having this opportunity to test our players.

“To some extent, we will proffer solution to this goal scoring problems.”

Delta Queens Coach Tosan Blankson

“It was a tough game and we gave it all and the girls played better than their last match maybe due to the fact that, they have rested well from the first.

“Preseason game or not, there’s a pride attached to it, so there have to be continuity in the team.”

Delta Queens goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi

“I’m just thankful I was there today. So to help the team out today was great.

“It’s just one of those emotions where now we’ve set our bar so high, standards-wise of how we want to play. But the overriding emotion is elation because we got three points and a 1-0 win.”

Coach Oluwaseyi Olaoye of Nasarawa Amazons

“It’s a disappointment that we lost against Delta Queens, we had our chances in the first half but we couldn’t convert them.”

Coach of Confluence Queens, Israel Akata

“The game is a good match as they hope to use the preseason tournament to polish their team.

A total of six goals were scored with Edo Queens midfielder Suliyat Abideen the star performer.

Below is how things panned out….

Adamawa Queens 0-1 Royal Queens

Royal Queens pipped Adamawa Queens 1-0 in the first game of the morning session.

It was the Yola side who began the stronger and ljeoma Obi went close to opening the scoring after four minutes, but Emmanuel Goodness was on hand to make the save.

Royal Queens were next to go close after 18 minutes via Arowokeye Ayomide, but the forward could only fire high and wide when she might have done better.

The Warri based outfit took the lead just seven minutes into the second period when Deborah Peter nodded into the top corner from the centre of the box.

Adamawa Queens pushed for the equaliser in the latter stages, but Royal Queens held on to win.

Confluence Queens 0-2 Nasarawa Amazons

Nasarawa Amazons earned bragging rights at the North Central derby courtesy of a 2-0 win over Confluence Queens.

Christopher Danjuma masterminded the success, with Ayatsea Hembatau and Dorshima Tarnum getting on the scoresheet for the Amazons.

Confluence Queens were made to rue series of missed chances during a breathless game, with Chiamaka Osigwe among those most guilty of spurning opportunities.

Edo Queens 2-0 Honey Badgers

Midfielder Suliyat Abideen scored twice to give Edo Queens a 2-0 win over youthful Honey Badgers.

Badgers weren’t afraid to take the game to the defending champions with their Tiki-Taka approach.

Abideen opened scoring with a free kick in the 63rd minute.

Four minutes from time, the playmaker rounded up a player of the match performance from the penalty spot.

Naija Ratels 0-1 Delta Queens

Delta Queens held off the challenge of hard fighting Naija Ratels to win 1-0.

The former Nigeria Women’s Premier League champions raced in front on 18 minute.

Arit Usang drove down the left before delivering a low cross into Mercy Omokwo, who poked the ball home from close range.

Day 1 Results:
Adamawa Queens 0-1 Royal Queens
Confluence Queens 0-2 Nasarawa Amazons
Edo Queens 2-0 Honey Badgers
Naija Ratels 0-1 Delta Queens

The event which was held in Kwara Stadium Complex was witnessed by members of NPFWA and the Media.

Speaking on the event, President of NPFWA, Mrs Ify Lordson Ichull said the investiture of Mrs Ehiabor was unsolicited and well deserved.

“We have been following the contributions of Mrs Ehiabor since she became part of the football family.

“She is a true and patriotic Nigerian who has continued to spend her hard-earned finances and resources for the benefits of sports in Nigeria.

“Therefore, she is worthy of being honoured and decorated as our national matron,” Mrs Ichull Lordson stated.

An obviously elated Ehiabor expressed gratitude for the honour bestowed on her.

“I am indeed, very happy and grateful for this honour. It is a great feelings to be decorated as a national matron of NPFWA,” the Nigeria Women Football League Club Owners Chairperson remarked gleefully.

The Nigeria Professional Footballers Wives Association, NPFWA have joined other football lovers to felicitate with the newly elected chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League, NWFL Club Owners, Mrs. Henrrienta Iheakonyen.

Mrs. Iheakonyen who emerged victorious in a keenly contested poll held in Lagos on Thursday beat the incumbent chairperson, Matilda Otuene.

The victory was in continuation of Henrietta’s wining streak as she was on Tuesday 19th July, confirmed as the Matron of the Nigeria Professional Footballers Wives Association.

With this victory over Rivers Angels General Manager Matilda Otune who seek re-election into office, Henrietta now occupies three key positions in the football circle as she also the current chairperson of NWPL club side, Delta Queens FC.

Reacting to the victory, the president of the Nigeria Professional Footballers Wives Association, Mrs Iffy Ichull Lordson said Henrietta is a born winner and they are happy to have her as matron.

“Our matron is a born winner, and we are happy to identify with her. We have no doubt in her ability to lead the club owners of the Nigeria Women Football League to the right path.” She said.

Matchday eleven of the 2022 NWFL Premiership will see some high-octane battles including the Bayelsa Queens home game at the Samson Siasia Stadium,Yenagoa against FC Robo Queens and the Confluence Queens away fixture at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin against Edo Queens.

Wednesday’s action starts with Sunshine Queens game against Delta Queens at the Ondo Sports Complex, Akure, while Naija Ratels will be at the Abubakar Pantanmi Stadium, Gombe to face Adamawa Queens. Defending Champions, Rivers Angels will welcome Royal Queens at the UNIPORT Sports Complex, Porthacourt.

The last game of Matchday 11 will see Osun Babes welcome Nasarawa Amazons at the Lanreleke Stadium, Ile-Ogbo.

Sunshine Queens Vs Delta Queens | Ondo Sports Complex, Akure| #SUNDEL.

Sunshine Queens are still searching for their second victory this season as they bid to move off the foot of the table when they face Delta Queens who are also desperate to get more points on the road as they continue to battle for a place in the Super 6 Championship.

The ‘Betty Babes’ are bottom on the Group B Log with just four points, while Delta Queens are fourth with 14 points, just one point behind FC Robo Queens who will be facing Bayelsa Queens at the same time on Wednesday.

The home team will still be without the services of key players like Blessing Nkor and Nelly Ekeh, who are still both with the National U-20 teams, as they prepare to face Senegal in the second round of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers. While Delta Queens are expected to face the battle with a very formidable squad.

Adamawa Queens Vs Naija Ratels | Abubakar Pantanmi Stadium, Gombe| #ADANAI.

Naija Ratels lost at home last week against Edo Queens by 3-0 and will face another stern encounter when they face Adamawa Queens at their adopted home ground, the Abubakar Pantanmi Stadium, Gombe.

Adamawa Queens have won their last three home games Confluence Queens, Pelican Stars and Osun Babes.

The ‘Fintiri’Ladies’ can be very unpredictable at home and Ratels would have a lot of work to do, if they are to get a valuable point in Gombe.

Rivers Angels Vs Royal Queens | UNIPORT Sports Complex, Porthacourt.

Rivers Angels will want to get back into winning ways, when they face Royal Queens at the University of Porthacourt Sports Complex on Wednesday. The ‘Jewels Of Rivers’ have won six games so far in the league and are sitting on top of the log in Group B.

Royal Queens big win against Nasarawa Amazons last week gave them a lifeline, as they moved out of the relegation zone. They now have a huge task ahead of them when they face the defending Champions on Wednesday.

Bayelsa Queens Vs FC Robo Queens | Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa| #BAYROB

It was a hard-fought 1-0 victory for FC Robo Queens when they both met earlier in the season and another close contest should be expected at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa when these two teams meet on Wednesday. Both teams are in great form, the Lagos Landladies’ are just one point above their counterpart on the log. The ‘Prosperous’ Ladies are third on the table with 15 points, while FC Robo Queens are second with 16 points.

Both teams will be eager to get favourable results, a win for Bayelsa Queens means that they will move up above FC Robo Queens, while a win or draw for the Osahon Emmanuel’s tutored side will see them keeping up with the momentum on the log. It’s going to be a very interesting encounter.

Osun Babes Vs Nasarawa Amazons | Lanreleke Academy Stadium, Ile-Ogbo| #OSUNAS.

Nasarawa Amazons are one of the most consistent sides in the group A and will face Osun Babes at the Lanreleke Academy Stadium on Wednesday. The Solid Babes are in great form and will be looking at targeting a good result in Ile-Ogbo. Osun Babes are more determined now, after playing out a 1-1 draw in Lokoja against Confluence Queens. They are off the relegation zone, but will have something big to prove Infront of their home fans.

11 points separates both sides on the log, while Nasarawa Amazons are second in group A with 18 points, Osun Babes are 6th with 7 points.

Edo Queens Vs Confluence Queens| Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin| #EDOCON

After a disappointing result against Osun Babes at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja, Confluence Queens will face Edo Queens at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, in an important encounter. Edo Queens are in a great run of form, and are the only team that haven’t lost a game so far this season. The Obaseki’ Ladies won Naija Ratels 3-0 last week in Abuja and will see if they can continue with the same form on Wednesday in Benin.

Naija Ratels Forward Motunrayo Ezekiel, Nasarawa Amazons midfielder Aweda Titilayo and Rivers Angels forward Vivian Ikechukwu have been nominated for the NWFL Premiership February Player of the month Awards.

Rivers Angels defeated Sunshine Queens home and away in February, with the Super Falcons forward scoring in both occasion.

She scored the winning goal in Porthacourt at the 63rd minute and recorded her goal in Akure in the 83rd minute.

Motunrayo Ezekiel deservedly got nominated for February Player of the month, after a superlative performance in the game against Pelican Stars. The young utility player scored a hat-trick in their 3-0 bashing of Pelican Stars at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja.

Aweda Titilayo scored twice against her former side, Confluence Queens at the Lafia City Stadium, on Matchday 7, to earn a nomination for the February player of the month award. The attacking midfielder scored in the 33rd and 68th minute to give her side a comfortable 2-0 win.

In the Manager’s category, Osahon Emmanuel of FC Robo Queens, Daniel Evunema of Delta Queens and Edwin Okon of Rivers Angels all got nominated for the prestigious awards.

Osahon won two out of two in February, winning Royal Queens 1-0 in Warri and 3-1 at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode on Matchday 8.

Edwin Okon’s side also won Sunshine Queens home and away in February. The Jewel of Rivers defeated the ‘Betty Babes’ 2-1 and 2-0 in Porthacourt and Akure respectively.

Daniel Evunema’s side played out a goalless draw against Abia Angels in Umuahia and went on to beat them 2-0 in Asaba.

The Naija Women Football League Player and Manager of the Month winners was selected by a combination of votes from a panel of Women Football experts and jurists.

The winners will be announced on Wednesday, the 16th of March 2022.

Rivers Angels emerged winner of the NWFL Premiership again after defeating Sunshine Queens 4-0 at the Otunba Dipo Dina international Stadium, Ijebu-ode on Sunday evening.

In a well attended final day of the NWFL Premiership Super 6, FC Robo Queens played out a 1-1 draw with Delta Queens, while Bayelsa Queens recorded their first victory in the Super 6 with a 3-0 win over Edo Queens.

Rivers Angels Angels young forward Oghenebrume Ikhekua opened scoring in the 2nd minute, her fifth in the 2021 NWFL Premiership Super 6.

The ‘Betty Babes’ troubled Rivers Angels later on, taking over control of the game, with the trio of Abideen’ Suliat, Okah Adaobi and Idoko Mercy all finding space to net an equalizer.

However, the ‘Jewel of Rivers’ doubled their lead just before the half-time break, as Vivian Ikechuchwu find the right angle from a close range to give the Edwin Okon’s side a guaranteed lead going into the break.

Alice Ogebe scored a beauty in the 63rd minute, rounding off three Sunshine Queens defenders, before slotting in perfectly and the final goal came in the 79th minute through diminutive forward, Maryann Ezeanagu to round up a classical score line in the final game of the NWFL Premiership Super 6.

In a well attended final ceremony, which was graced by the Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, NFF first Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, Ondo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Phillip Shuaibu, NFF Board Members, Alhaji Ahmed Fresh, Sheriff Rabiu Inuwa, Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi and Nigeria Referee Association Boss, Alhaji Tade Azeez and other dignitaries.

The Chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League, Aisha Falode noted that she is satisfied with the quality of games played in the Championship and remained optimistic that Nigerian representatives at the CAF Women Champions League will represent the country well starting from the WAFU Qualifiers.

Rivers Angels topped with 11 points, while Delta Queens ended second with 9 points, FC Robo Queens followed closely in third position with 8 points, while Sunshine Queens in 4th position finished with 7 points, Bayelsa Queens and Edo Queens ended with 5 points and 3 points respectively.

The Nigerian women’s Football League Board has been assured of renewed support that would propel female football league to the next level.

This assurance was given on Sunday by Youth and sports Development Minister Honourable *Sunday Dare at the finals of the female Football Super Six at the *Dipo Dina Stadium* in Ijebu Ode where Rivers Angels emerged champions after beating Sunshine stars 4-0.

According to the Minister “I’m impressed with what I’ve seen today as we have seen female professional Football at its best. You will recall I that I watched the last NWPL Super Four final at the Agege Stadium, Lagos where I saw great exhibition of talents. I want to congratulate the overall winner and those who will represent us for the first time in the Female CAF Champions League to be our worthy representatives by perhaps winning the maiden Trophy of the CAF Champions League. Don’t forget we have a track record in female football in Africa Where we remain a dominant force. We can extend the dominance from the National team to club level”.

Dare commended the chairperson of the Female league Aisha Falode for her deliberate effort in taking the female league to the next level.

The final game was watched by the Deputy Governor of Ogun state Mr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele (MFR), NFF President Amaju Pinnick, NFF technical commitee chairman Ahmed Yusuf fresh, and F A chairman of kano state Mallam Sharif Rabiu Inuwa among others

Signed

Media office of the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development