The 2021/2022 Nigeria Women’s Super 6 ended on Sunday in Benin, the Edo state Capital, leaving in it’s wake, memories and stories, history and testimonies, dreams and realities.

Six of the very best women football teams in the land converged on a city endowed with beauty and bliss, a land blessed with human and material resources and a people that are friendly to visitors and nice to foreigners.

For one week, women football took center stage, six teams came from the north, the south and the west, desperate to impress and determined to take with them the giant trophy that comes with a mouth watering cash prize.

For the first time in many years, a company took the bold step, they put their money where their mouth is and at the end, they are the biggest winners after one week of exhilarating and mind-blowing football.

Tulcan Energy, has become a slogan associated with women’s football. For everyone present in Edo state and those watching online, the exposure, the branding and the publicity was more than massive. By this singular involvement, Tulcan Energy has again emphasized the fact that, they are a company that is fully dedicated to improving lives and satisfying the youths through their initiative to partner NWFL

The Chief Executive Officer of Tulcan Energy, Tayo Adiatu could not hold back the excitement during the medals presentation ceremony as he glittered in his smiles and blossomed in his laughter. He enjoyed every moment of a first experience with women’s football and he is already looking forward to bigger and better relationship with the NWFL.

In all it’s glory, the chairperson of the NWFL and board member of the Nigeria football federation, Aisha Falode acknowledged this goodwill in all humility and thanked the sponsors, the supporters, the promoters and the media for their unflinching support. She sees this as the tonic needed to propel women’s football to the next level.

Bayelsa Queens started and ended the tournament as the team on a mission. So it was not a surprise to many when the Yenagoa girls defeated Nasarawa Amazon’s in Sunday’s final to win the 2021/2022 NWFL Super 6.

Nigeria football federation NFF, president Amaju Pinnick was represented at the closing ceremony by two respected board members in Ibrahim Gusau, FA Chairman of Zamfara state and chairman of chairmen in the the NFF executive committee and Kano state FA chairman, Shaif Inuwa Ahlan who also graced the occasion in his capacity as chairman of the referees.appointment committee. Both men congratulated Falode and her board for a job well done.

Beyond the glamor and the excitements on the pitch, the legacies of this year’s event will not be complete without mentioning the many discoveries. The emerging stars and the future world beaters. They were too many to remember.

However, Bayelsa Queens Monday Gift stood out as her twelve goals earned her the most Valuable player and highest goal scorer of a competition that offered so much and left out nothing in terms of beauty, passion, glamor, entertainment and class.

Gift Monday scored three goals and made an assist in the month of December, and also helped her side record a rare win in Lafia against Nasarawa Amazons on matchday one.

The Super Falcons forward propelled her side to 4th on the log of the NWFL Premiership after three games, recording two victories, which she played an important role in.

The former C.O.D Ladies of Lagos player beats off competition from Osun Babes forward Yemisi Samuel, Dominance Odubanjo of Delta Queens, Jumoke Alani of Edo Queens and Abidemi Ibe of Bayelsa Queens to win the monthly award for the first time in her career.

Also, Bayelsa Queens Gaffer, Moses Aduku has been named the NWFL Premiership Manager for the month after guiding his side to three wins from three Premiership games in December.

Victories against Sunshine Queens in Yenagoa, another one against Nasarawa Amazons in Lafia before ending the month with a 1-0 win over FC Robo Queens last week.

The run helped Bayelsa Queens move to the top of the NWFL Premiership, where they remain ahead of every other team, giving him an edge over Rollandson Odeh of Edo Queens who won two and drew one, Yinka Adunola, who won two, but lost one, Osahon Emmanuel who won two and also lost one and Edwin Okon who recorded a victory and two away draws in the month of December.

It’s the third time he has won the individual award.

The awards will be presented to the duo before the kick-off of week 4 games on Wednesday.

As a NIGERIAN football writer, the question that everybody always wants to ask you never changes: who is the next big star of the Female Football game?

Still in Nigeria and young, Desire Oparanozie is already a veteran in the eyes of many. She is now old news.

People are already wanting to look beyond the youngster and, if you like.

There are, of course, plenty of candidates. Some will doubtless make it to the top of the game.

So, let’s take a look at six teenage players tipped for the top in future years.

There are too many to mention!

6. Amirat Adebisi

A safe choice for the list, Adebisi has been tipped for the top for some time now and was the star of Robo Queens U13.

A diminutive attacking midfielder, Adebisi operates at the point of the midfield, looking to open up defences for her team’s attacking players.

Also an excellent free-kick taker, the player has a taste for goals and is often found making late runs into the area to finish off attacking moves that she may very well have instigated.

The talent is there, but the step up to star at first-team level is perhaps the greatest challenge a No. 10 will face in their career.

5. Monday Gift

Having played as a wide forward at Under-10 and Under-12 level, it was recently that she began to be used as a central striker. It was in this position that her game began to evolve from one of just electric pace, to now being regarded as a fine all-around attacking player.

Gift’s progress is being carefully monitored by many in high places—she will soon have the chance to prove herself at Under-17 and Under-20 level.

4. Sarata Bello

Bello is just one of a rising double-act making waves at Methodist High School. She is leading the way for the team’s much-hyped next generation.

Blessed with great speed, Bello is blessed with grit and determination.

The youngster has excellent close control and has shown herself to be a fine finisher when presented with chances.

3. Barakat Olaiya

Attacking midfielder Olaiya is just one of a handful of promising talents currently emerging at Bayelsa Queens.

A rapid dribbler with the ball, the No. 10 has proven herself to possess the technical attributes needed to both beat defenders and pick a key pass to her teammates. She has also built a reputation as a consistent goalscorer at youth levels.

2. Rofiat Sule

Often praised for her down-to-earth attitude, Sule is a surprisingly mature player for her age. She is quick and well-built, but relies primarily on her technical ability and footballing intelligence to shine.

Rofiat Sule is a natural goal poacher.

1. Rasheedat Ajibade

Renowned for her intelligent positioning, ability to beat opponents and, of course, her finishing, she is already being quietly compared in style to Desire Oparanozie and the legendary Perpetual Nkwocha.

Such is the talent of Ajibade that she scored a screamer for FC Robo Queens against Confluence Queens on 17th May 2013.