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.

Enjoy the wrap from games played at Area 3 Pitch and Old Parade Ground respectively.

Honey Badgers 0-5 Confluence Queens

The Lokoja based side were always in control of their tie and it wasn’t a surprise when they broke the deadlock through Moses Chioma on three minutes from Chiamaka Osigwe’s assist.

Moses made it 2-0 minutes later with an emphatic finish, before Mary Opara scored a third.

It was one-way traffic against the inexperienced side, and Chioma completed her hat-trick with a well taken effort. Confluence Queens still had one more in their locker though as Fagbenro Daniella netted a fine goal.

Nasarawa Amazons 2-0 Royal Queens

Dooshima Tarnum bagged the first goal of the game from a rebound after Afuye Kehinde spilled an initial attempt on goal.

Former Pelican Stars forward Chimebere Opara made the game safe for Amazons with eight minutes left to play.

Adamawa Queens 0-4 Naija Ratels

Emmanuel Hope scored twice, Dolapo Ariori and Bankole Sofiat one each as Ratels romped to victory over Adamawa Queens.

Delta Queens 1-1 Edo Queens

The match between Delta Queens and Edo Queens lived up to it billing.

Enterprising Chinaza Agoh registered her fourth goal of the tournament to open scoring for Delta.

Substitute Alice Ogebe forced Rebecca Adegbinle to a late own goal as spoils was shared.

On the sideline of the 2022 Sheroes Cup, organisers on Tuesday which is a rest day for the women’s football pre-season tournament organised a seminar for coaches, players, and officials tagged “The Next Big Thing In Women’s Football” at Merit Hall, Abuja.

The only women’s coach at the seminar, Felicia Anthony of Honey Badgers spoke on the challenges of working with men.

“It’s very challenging working with men as they always underrate women and want to take charge as the head. Some men are understanding. I find it very difficult to work with some men.”

For Delta Queen’s coach, Tosan Blankson, coaching women players is not a difficult aspect of football.

“Coaching women in football is the difficult aspect of coaching. When you get to the training ground, some will say they are not well saying that coach you understand. Some players behave like children and tend not to understand the tutoring hence you have to treat them well. They are lovely.”

Another coach who has managed teams in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) as well as the NWFL, Adamawa Queens’ Jacob Vandi opined that coaching women is lovely with a lot of patience.

He said: “I also coached the men in the Premier League before coming to the women’s league. Working with women’s players is lovely but it’s challenging because you have to repeat what you have taught them but when you get the best players, the work becomes easier. It’s lovely working with women’s footballers.

“The players were happy with the competition and the organization, especially with the law of the game. We do have difficulties with match officials during league games. It will encourage our superiors to plan in this manner.”

League Champions with Bayelsa Queens and the current coach of Edo Queens, Moses Aduku hammered on the role of discipline in any team from his experience as a player and coach.

“I never thought or intended that I was going to be a coach as a player. I planned to be the one that will change the face of Nigerian football with my influence to clean up the game of football. I never achieved my goal as a result of indiscipline.
While playing, my colleagues do call me above the law due to being indisciplined. The seed you sow sometimes hits you back. I was determined not to fail as a coach as I did as a player.

“If I have an indisciplined player, I will try to manage the player but if the player is affecting the team, one will have to do without him or her. Indiscipline can’t take a player anywhere. 80% of players in a team are talented and indisciplined players. We need to manage them and if they are affecting the team, we need to let them go.”

On refereeing, Confluence Queens Head Coach, Liadi Bashiru admonished coaches to tell players not to expect favours from referees.

“Coaching has a lot to do in order to train players with a winning mentality. One should educate players not to expect players to get favours from referees. Clubs should treat their players well instead of inducing referees with money to get a good result.

“Recruitment of players is always important. When a team gets continental ticket, they start to recruit new players which is like staying a new team invariably affecting the team performance.”

Coach Tosan Blankson wants clubs to educate their fans.

“Whether we like it or not, we must deal with our fans first. Some referees were not induced but home teams can induce fans to harass referees.”

Former Nigerian International, Abdul Sule spoke on players’ welfare and club preparation for away games.

“Preparation for away games is important. A team should travel early for away games. Clubs need to motivate players to improve their performance for home and away games.
Players also need to be more committed and disciplined.

“It’s not easy to run a club. When a club is owing a player, there is a way they are to be addressed. They are to be talked to calmly to prepare them for the next game. We need to be calm as we are dealing with emotional ladies. if they are being calmed down, they can give their best on the field of play.

“One can’t always blame clubs as when clubs play a league with nothing to play for, then how can players and management give their best? The league must have sponsorship and structure. All hands must be on deck.”

Finally, the Founder of Fame Foundation, Aderonke Ogunleye Bello coordinated a session on “combining sports with education and skills acquisition” with the captains of Edo Queens, Delta Queens, Naija Ratels FC, Honey Badgers, Confluence Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, Adamawa Queens, and Royal Queens.

The rest day will be concluded with an award ceremony this evening.

Edo Queens continued their flawless streak at the tournament while Delta Queens dropped points for the first time.

Below is the wrap…….

Adamawa Queens 0-2 Edo Queens

Edo Queens humbled Adamawa Queens 2-0 at the Old Parade Ground with Emem Essien and Tosin Ogundeko on target.

Naija Ratels 1-1 Royal Queens

Naija Ratels dominated the game in the opening stages and they managed to take the lead through Bankole Sofiat on eight minutes.

Ijeje Favour equalized for the Warri based side late in the first half.

Delta Queens 2-2 Confluence Queens

Goals from Moses Chioma and Peter Martha in the final 26 minutes earned Confluence Queens a point against Delta Queens.

Delta Queens started the game on fire with Chinaza Agoh stabbing home the opener on five minutes.

Five minutes later, Agoh registered another goal after Confluence Queens failed to clear their lines.

The fightback was sparked by a series of substitutions which brought fresh impetus to the team. Subs Merit Offor and Peter were particularly influential.

Nasarawa Amazons 7-0 Honey Badgers

Nasarawa Amazons thrashed Honey Badgers 7-0 at the FIFA Goal Project Pitch.

First-half strikes from Kesiena Ojiyovwi, Dooshima Tarnum, Amirat Saheed and Edeh Loveth put the Amazons in control at the break, with Badgers failing to attempt a single shot on goal.

Loveth’s effort two minutes before the hour added a fifth for the Christopher Danjuma managed side, before Ahimize Grace brilliantly rifled in her first of the day to make it 6-0.

There was still one more from Grace as she also completed her brace just like Edeh Loveth.

What they said?

Alan Regina, Goalkeeper of Adamawa Queens

“Well it’s a game, but it actually pained us that we lost, so we have to just go back and correct our mistakes.

Efe Osakpolo, captain of Edo Queens

“Our target is for us to win the trophy, we didn’t come here for Jamboree, like what the goalkeeper of Adamawa Queens said, that we are a good side and more stronger than them and we showed that.

“Our coach always tell us to show class when we play against our opponents and we always do so.”

Chinaza Agoh, Delta Queens player

“On a personal level, I feel great because I was able to play well.

“I have more to show to the world and I’m prepared to live up to expectations.”

Martha Peter, Confluence Queens Super Sub

“It’s a great privilege to play alongside my teammates as we were able to grind out good result.”

“Starting is up to the coaches, I always enjoy every moment when given the chance.”

Loveth Edeh, Nasarawa Amazons player

“I feel very happy scoring a brace for the first time in my career.

“We knew, we were going to win the game, it’s not that they are not in our level but we always have a winning mentality going into any match.”

Patience Agatha, Honey Badgers Captain

“We took the loss in good faith, we tried our best. We are trying hard and looking forward to the next games.

“We are preparing very hard, we have been working and I believe we will get there.”

Edo Queens, Royal Queens and Delta Queens wanted to keep their perfect records intact.

Here’s a roundup of all the day’s action from the Sheroes Cup.

Nasarawa Amazons 0-1 Edo Queens

Joy Jerry it was who delivered the only goal of the game, just before the 20-minute mark, scoring from close range after some sustained Edo Queens pressure.

The win puts Edo Queens at the top of the table with nine points.

Confluence Queens 1-1 Royal Queens

Royal Queens needed another win to maintain their flawless run at the Sheroes Cup and they got in front through Arowokeye Ayomide.

It took until the 83rd minute before Confluence Queens could level up thanks to Moses Chioma from the penalty spot.

Honey Badgers 0-3 Naija Ratels

Naija Ratels comfortably led courtesy of an early goal as Dzer Josephine’s right footed strike from the edge of the box hit the bottom left corner.

It was one-way traffic after the break, as Naija Ratels ran riot.

Ratels doubled their lead as Chukwulum Kelechi’s shot hit the cross bar, Emmanuel Hope tapped the ball into the back of the net from the rebound.

There was a brace for Hope who compounded the woes of Honey Badgers.

Delta Queens 2-0 Adamawa Queens

Ruthless Delta Queens had no mercy as they defeated Adamawa Queens 2-0.

Flamboyant striker Peace Abbey registered the first goal in the sixth minute.

Former Rivers Angels winger Arit Usang made the game safe with the second goal.

Adamawa Queens twice hit the woodwork thanks to ageless striker Ijeoma Obi.

What they said?

Coach Christopher Danjuma of Nasarawa Amazons

“Excellent game, I wanted to play with an identity, I saw it and that’s what I came here for.

“The essence to win a prize money in a preseason tournament is good, but if you don’t have a template in which you build up, it doesn’t make sense, so I’m satisfied with the way my team played.

“Players are having time to play because I’m getting everybody to get involved and getting them to understand what I want to play.

Coach Moses Aduku of Edo Queens

“The result is good but it’s preseason where we are testing the players registered, it’s not a bad game, Nasarawa Amazons were tactically good, we got our chance and won the game.

“My style is to take the games one at a time and win the games, I’m a new coach in the team and the players are adapting to my philosophy. So the players will want to impress me and the Edo State government that’s sponsoring the team very well.

“We will go back to the tactical board, correct ourselves and improve on where we did well.”

Felicia Anthony, Coach of Honey Badgers

“We are just trying to build up for the next season, we are trying to do our best to assess the team.”

Coach Sunny Odu of Naija Ratels

“It was okay, there’s no body that doesn’t want his team to win or get a victory and we are happy that we won.

“You know in a game of football, there are 3 things, which is either to win, draw or loose.

Coach Tosan Blankson of Delta Queens

“This is one of the matches that you have to test the players because it’s a preseason tournament, one thing that we are sure of is that, we would play the final.

“Taiwo Afolabi’s performance after coming back from the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in India is hundred percent, she played 60 minutes and you don’t negotiate her performance, because she’s always exceptional.”

Coach Jacob Vandi of Adamawa Queens

“I can say that we just came for the competition to build our team, like you know, the league is already at the corner and the girls that are in the team now are very young and we are building a team that will be a force to reckon with in two years from now.”

The parent body of All Nigerian Football Players Union, ANFPU has identified and recognized laudable efforts of two sports philanthropists, Honorable Khamisu Ahmed Mailantriki and Barrister Paul Edeh in youth empowerment and grassroot football development, onwardnews24.com can report.

The players’ union recognized the duo with a special awards of excellence to commend both Honorable Mailantriki and Barrister Odeh for their commitments and contributions to sports in the downtrodden.

At the award reception held in Abuja on Wednesday 31st of August, 2022, President of the Union, Abdul Sule described both men as very important individuals to football and humanity.

Sule noted that Hon. Mailantriki and Barrister Odeh who have also been appointed as Patrons of the Players’ Union at the reception are among few citizens that have shown love and care for youths both in cash and kind.

“Our award recipients are very important persons in our society. They are men who spend their hard earned resources to support the youths and they have been very successful.

“Take example of Mailantriki, he has been doing this for years, he has been spending his money on the youths for years making sure that the players welfare are taken care of, making football very much easier for them. If others are doing part of what he is doing, we will harness the great talents we have in abundance.

“Are when we talking about Barrister Paul Edeh. He has been fantastic. He is taking care of young girls who had no hope and now he has given them hope and future. He has done so much for those girls to make sure they become who they are supposed to be. The future is bright for them and their families are happy.

“We as a football players union are equally happy and that’s why we felt it right and worthy to honour these men as a source of encouragement.

“Today, some of them are playing in the national teams. He organises international games in the country for them, bring teams from other parts of the continent.

“When someone gets a pat on the back for doing something, it’s an encouragement to do more. They are doing all this without government assistance and yet they have continued to forge ahead. It’s not because they are very rich but because they have the interest of the youth at heart. It’s very amazing.”

Abdul Sule who is a retired Super Eagles player recommended that duo fors national and international recognition as their contributions to the development of grassroots football in the country cannot be overemphasized just as he assured them of the Players Union’s supports in all their programs.

Honorable Khamisu Mailantriki is the financier of Mailtantarki FC who recently won both the Dana Cup in Denmark and Norway Invitational Youth Cup. He is also known for various kind of youth empowerment in Gombe State and FCT.

Barrister Paul Odeh has a keen interest in developing girl child and has been doing that through football. It was his love to give a life and figure for girls that made him established Naija Ratels and Honey Badgers Women’s Football Team. He has seen the team excelling well in Nigerian Women’s Football Leagues.
Barrister Odeh is also the BrainBehind a prestigious preseason tournament tagged Ratels Cup that has been helpful to prepare women’s teams in Nigeria for regular campaign.

Honey Badgers FC will start their 2021 Nationwide season against Osklean Ladies FC as the draws for the third tier league of the NWFL was made on Sunday in Ijebu Ode and Abuja respectively.

Else where in opening round ties, scheduled for Monday at the Aguiyi Ironsi Sports Complex, Abuja, Abruka Queens will face Beautiful Tours FC, while 9ineteen Damsels FC and Niger Amazons FC will start the campaign on tuesday by 2pm. Fortress Queens and Crystal Stars FC plays by 4pm on the same day.

At the Ijebu Ode Centre, Prince Kazeem Eletu and Dannaz Ladies will start the campaign by 11am, Royaltoms International will battle it out with Unification Ladies at the same time in Pitch 2.

By 1pm, Lakeside Queens and FC Phoenix first round games will kick off, while Papa Soccer Angels and Moje Queens will play in pitch 2 at the same time.

The game between Oasis Ladies and Aseyori Ladies will kick off by 3pm, while Omidiran Babes and Ekiti Queens also play at the same time.

Abuja Centre

Monday, 12th Of April

Honey Badgers Vs Osklean Ladies FC 2pm

Abruka Queens Vs Beautiful Tour Ladies (4pm)

Tuesday, 13th Of April

9ineteen Damsels FC Vs Niger Amazons FC (2pm)

Fortress Queens Vs Crystal Stars FC (2pm)

Ijebu Ode Centre

11am

Pitch 1 – Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens vs Dannaz Ladies

Pitch 2 – Royaltoms International vs Unification FC

1pm
Pitch 1 – Lakeside Queens vs FC Phoenix

Pitch 2 – Papa Soccer Angels vs Moje Queens

3pm
Pitch 1 – Oasis Ladies vs Aseyori Queens

Pitch 2 – Omidiran Babes vs Ekiti Queens

Super Falcons forward Francisca Ordega on Sunday hosted players of NWFL Championship side Naija Ratels And Nationwide side Honey Badgers FC at the Benue Hotels, Makurdi.

The former Athletico Madrid Feminine star, started her career in Gboko, Benue State, before joining Bayelsa Queens and Rivers Angels and later played for some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Washington Spirits, Shanghai Shenhua and Athletico Madrid Feminine.

Ordega who is one of the few women footballers who have represented Nigeria at all levels of the National team decided to host and inspire the two teams after having few training sessions with them at the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi.

The four time African Women Cup Of Nations Winner extended some words of advice to the young footballers, urging them to remain disciplined, focused and determined as they aim for a brighter future through football.

“Everyone can have a breakthrough, but it’s all about determination and consistency,” Francisca Ordega noted.

“At this stage of your career, you have to learn fast and listen to your coaches. It’s all good to have the talent, but the mental ability and strength will lead you far above others.

“Naija Ratels and Honey Badgers are two clubs dear to my heart and am sure you guys will make Benue proud.” She concluded.

In her response, captain of Naija Ratels FC Paulina Ali thanked the Super Falcons star for hosting them, noting that all her advices will be worked on by every member of the team.

“It’s a privilege to be around one of the best women footballers in the world. We are proud to have you as one of our own in Benue State.

“We promise not to fail you, our fans and the state in general. We shall make you all proud at the end of the day.” She concluded.

Naija Ratels will play at the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship, while Honey Badgers will begin their quest to promote to the second tier of the NWFL as they begin their journey in the Nationwide league on the 11th of April 2021.

In the same vein, the coaches of the four teams namely Confluence Queens, Royal Queens, Kaduna Queens and Honey Badgers will smile home with a cash gift of N20,000 each.

Barrister Edeh made this announcement when he held a meeting with all participating clubs in the 2020 Flying Officers Cup on Friday evening. He noted that it is neccesary to encourage and lend a shoulder of support to the four teams who couldn’t go past the first round.

“I must commend you all for coming out here to participate in the Flying Officers Cup. For me I think you are all winners even though you didn’t go far here.

“The spirit of sportsmanship is key and it will must always remember that participation is important.

“I am giving this token just to encourage you guys and make you believe you can do better next time. He concluded.

Ratels Sports Foundation are the sole sponsors of the Flying Officers Cup 2020, where eight women football clubs across the country are participating with the winner going home with a cash prize of N500,000, second placed team N300,000 and third place N200,000.

The final will hold on Sunday between two NWFL Premiership heavyweights, Bayelsa Queens and Nasarawa Amazons.

The former Osun Babes striker scored in the 7th, 20th, 31st , 85th and 87th minutes to give her team a resounding victory over bottom placed Honey Badgers.

An elated Omewa who was full of praises for her teammates, said she wouldn’t have been able to score those goals without their supports.

Despite her five goals, her team failed to qualify to the next round of the competition and the young forward noted that its painful that her team couldn’t progress to the next round of the competition, but the experience of the Flying Officers Cup will always remain with her.

” I am really grateful to all my teammates, they really assisted me in achieving this. I wouldn’t have done this without them.

” I know it’s a huge achievement and one that people will keep saying for long. I really appreciate the organisers of the competition and my manager Whyte Ogbonda for always believing in me. I know I still have alot to learn from, but what happened bon thursday will always make me want to do better. ” She concluded