As an independent body, the NWFLCOA does not need the validation of the NWFLCC to conduct its own elections or affairs.

According to a release available to the Media on Tuesday, the NWFLCOA stated: “We are surprised that the Chairperson of the NWFLCC (Madam Aisha Falode) will make public a response to our official correspondence to the NWFL Secretariat public even before receiving our response thereto. “

“We note that the Chairperson, NWFLCC may be mistaking our elections for elections into the Board of the NWFL where members of our Association are to vote by the NFF Statute of 2010. We wish to reiterate that the NWFLCOA as an independent body has its membership drawn from Clubs that invest in the League, particularly clubs in the NWFL Championship and Premiership.”

“Since this matter has been brought to public space by the Chairperson, NWFLCC, it is imperative to set the records straight. Upon assumption of office, the leadership of the NWFLCOA by its letter dated 22nd July 2022 informed the NWFL Secretariat that a new Executive Council emerged at an election which was organised by the immediate past Executive Council on the 21st of July 2022. This letter was written in a bid not to do business as usual.”

“In response to the Association’s letter informing them about the new Executive Council, the Chairperson, NWFLCC Board responded and released the full content of the letter to the media even before receiving our response. The NWFLCOA Executive Council note that the action of the Chairperson of NWFLCC is tantamount to undue interference and meddling with the activities of the Association. NWFLCOA has responded the said letter from the NWFLCC and hereby make the content of its response public so that concerned stakeholders will know the truth.”

“Nothing in the NWFL rules or our constitution or even the official NFF letter appointing you as Chairperson gives you the powers to supervise and monitor our elections or gives you the impetus to cancel our Association’s elections.

“We are shocked that the NWFL which is suppose to be an independent body would rise to condemn a free and fair election conducted by our great Association rather than commend and congratulate the new Executives like most Nigerians have done over the past few days. Please note that the NWFL Board are guided by the NWFL rules and the NFF Statutes, while our great Association is guided by its Constitution.

“We expected that the Chairperson will refer us to the section of the NWFL rules, NFF Statutes, the Constitution of our great Association or even the letter appointing the Board by the NFF where the Board is arrogated the powers to supervise and monitor our elections before it can be valid,” the NWFLCOA response explained.

The NWFLCOA Executive Council urge the CCNWFL Board not to delve into the affairs of Club Owners Association for the sake of progress and unity.

The NWFLCOA Executive Council expresss its willingness and readiness to work with the CCNWFL but will resist any form of interference targeted at our collective interest and unity.

The Chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League, Aisha Falode, has commended the Nigeria Football Federation’s Referees Appointment Committee Chairman, Alhaji Rabiu Inuwa, for helping to raise the standard of the Nigeria Women Football League with his excellent appointment of referees for the entire 2021/2022 season.

Falode, who is also a board member of the Nigeria Football Federation, said at the weekend that, the successes recorded by the women’s league would not have been possible without the excellent contributions of Alhaji Rabiu Inuwa.

“He was committed to the further development of women’s football in Nigeria as he ensured that only the best sets of referees in the land were appointed to do all matches of the women’s league.

“The improved standard of play in the league was evident in the Super Six sponsored by Tulcan Energy Resources played in Benin City, as 90 percent of Referees appointed for the crucial stage of the league were FIFA graded referees led by FIFA Women’s World Cup, CAF Nations Cup and Olympic Football referee, Ms. Ndidi Patience Madu, from Enugu state. And it was the same scenario during the regular season of the league, this made us achieved a one hundred percent top of the shelve performance worthy of emulation by other women’s football league across the continent.

“No doubt, we are hopeful that, in this year’s WAFU B qualifiers and the CAF Women’s Champions League, the Nigerian representative, will do us proud in the 2022 edition compared to the country’s performance last year.”

Aisha Falode, the Chairperson of the oldest women’s league in Africa, spoke about the reform that the league has been undergoing since she took over in 2017 as well as the challenges the league board has faced and are still facing in their bid to continue raising the bar on quality and professionalism.

The ace Sports Journalist and Football Administrator who has been a great inspiration to alot young Ladies shed more light on the progress of the NWFL under her leadership.

“We are a role model to other African countries,” she noted. “The football associations of other countries write to us to give them our template.”
 
The Aisha Falode-led board has created a structure that offers more competitions and priorities the welfare of players and referees.

“You cannot sell yourself short,” Falode stated.
 
It may have taken five years for the first sponsorship deal to eventually arrive, but Falode is proud of the work they have put in to transform the women’s league in Nigeria, in spite of having “next to zero support”.

The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) recently signed a multi-million naira partnership deal ahead of the NWFL Premiership Super Six scheduled to take place in Benin from 16-22 May 2022.

 
Falode, who also pointed out that “we must begin to blow our own trumpet” used some of her time on stage to call on more companies to invest in women’s football in Nigeria with the emphasis that “football today is big business”.

It’s a squeaky bum time in the NWFL Premiership this midweek, as we have some important fixture that would determine the team’s to qualify for the prestigious Super 6 Competition.

The penultimate round of the 2022 NWFL Premiership gets underway on Wednesday with six matches on ground.

Whether at the top or bottom, all sides will be going into this midweek matches knowing that victory could help their cause. For some sides, it is a necessity.

In Group A, Adamawa Queens welcomes Nasarawa Amazons to the Abubakar Pantanmi Stadium, Naija Ratels at the Area 10 Sports Complex will prepare for the most important and biggest game of the season, when they meet table rival, Confluence Queens in Abuja.

Sunshine Queens who are in a very difficult situation, will face the Canadian Geese’ in Akure, FC Robo Queens travels to Asaba to face Delta Queens in a must win game for the two sides. Bayelsa Queens welcomes Abia Angels to the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, while Edo Queens and Pelican Stars will battle at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.

Adamawa Queens Vs Nasarawa Amazons | Abubakar Pantanmi Stadium, Gombe| #ADANAS

A win for Adamawa Queens, will see them secure their Premiership Status for this term, but it’s not going to be an easy one against Nasarawa Amazons, who have been one of the most consistent team’s this season. In the first round of this game, the Solid Babes’ defeated Adamawa Queens 3-0 in Lafia and Wednesday’s game could just be another worry for the ‘Fintiri Ladies’ who have already lost two game at home this season.

Nasarawa Amazons have to grab all three points and have Edo Queens slip against Pelican Stars in Benin, to see them top the log, going into the last round of games nextweek.

Naija Ratels Vs Confluence Queens| Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja| #NAICON

Both Naija Ratels and Confluence Queens are solely focused on securing automatic Super 6 Qualification and Wednesday’s game could well determine that.

The One-day At a time’ Ladies trails Confluence Queens by a point and will host them at Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja.

Naija Ratels have been strengthened by their players in the various national teams and will be booming with great confidence going into this game, same as Confluence Queens, who will be having some key players back into the squad too. It promises to be a great cracker as we look forward to this interesting encounter

Edo Queens Vs Pelican Stars| Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin| #EDOPEL

Battle between the top and bottom team. Edo Queens welcomes Pelican Stars to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin on Wednesday evening. Pelican Stars have once again put themselves in a very mire situation, as they need a win in Benin to keep their hopes alive against relegation.

A win in Benin and a win against Adamawa Queens on the last day, with the hope that Nasarawa Amazons picks maximum point in Wednesday, might see them surviving this term.

Edo Queens are a ruthless side, especially when playing at home. They would love to keep their status as the apex team in group A, despite losing their first game of the season, last week to Nasarawa Amazons in Lafia.

Sunshine Queens Vs Royal Queens | Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure| #SUNROY

It has been, overall a disappointing season for Sunshine Queens, who have won only one game so far this season. They go into this game at home against Royal Queens with little confidence, but would love to win atleast for their supporters.

Royal Queens a did the unthinkable on Matchday 11 when they traveled to Porthacourt to beat Defending Champions Rivers Angels by three goals to one and have it at the back of their mind to finish the season on a high.

A massive six points separates both sides, Royal Queens are in 5th position with 10 points, while Sunshine Queens have just 4 points and are rooted bottom.

Delta Queens Vs FC Robo Queens | Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba| #DELROB

A must win game for both teams, infact, this is the biggest game of the week, alongside that of Naija Ratels and Confluence Queens.

FC Robo Queens have fought valiantly all through the season, and have just a game more to wrap up their impressive campaign, while their opponent on Wednesday, still has one more after Wednesday encounter.

Both teams go into this game with a lot of determination, a slip might end their Super 6 dreams. Two points separates these two sides, FC Robo Queens are presently on 19 points (3rd), while Delta Queens are on 17 points (4th).

Bayelsa Queens Vs Abia Angels | Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa| #BAYABI.

Bayelsa Queens are on top of Group A and plays at home against second bottom placed team Abia Angels. The ‘Prosperity Ladies’ needs a win at home to solidify their place ontop of the log, before they face perennial rivals Rivers Angels on the last day in Porthacourt.

Abia Angels seem to be benefiting from Sunshine Queens woes, who have gone on a 6 match losing streak. A very poor performance from a Sunshine Queens team in a very long while. The ‘Angels from the East’ drew yet again at home last week to Rivers Angels. This simply means that they have only earned 8 points so far and are in 6th position, just 4 points ahead of Sunshine Queens, who are rooted bottom and trail Royal Queens by two points in the log.

NWFL Premiership 2022| Week 14 Fixtures|

|GROUP A|

Nasarawa Amazons Vs Naija Ratels| Lafia City Stadium, Lafia| #NASNAI

Pelican Stars Vs Adamawa Queens| U.J Usuene Stadium, Calabar| #PELADA

Osun Babes Vs Edo Queens| Lanreleke Stadium Ile-Ogbo| #OSUEDO

|GROUP B|

Royal Queens Vs Delta Queens| Warri Township Stadium,| #ROYDEL

Abia Angels Vs Sunshine Queens| Umuahia Township Stadium| #ABISUN

Rivers Angels Vs Bayelsa Queens| UNIPORT Sports Complex| #RIVBAY.

FC Robo Queens Head Coach, Osahon Emmanuel Orobosa and Rivers Angels Forward Vivian Ikechukwu have both been voted for the NWFL Premiership Manager and Player for the month of February.

The Lagos Landladies’ won two out of the two matches played in February, winning Royal Queens in Warri and Ijebu-Ode respectively.

A 1-0 victory against the ‘Canadian Geese’ in Warri was followed by another impressive 3-1 win at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode against the same side.

Osahon Emmanuel wins his first ever NWFL Premiership monthly accolades and joins Naija Ratels FC Manager Bankole Olowookeere and Edo Queens Manager Wemimo Mathew, who have earlier won the awards this season.

In the player’s category, Rivers Angels forward Vivian Ikechukwu beat off stiff competition from Naija Ratels Forward Motunrayo Ezekiel and Nasarawa Amazons midfielder Aweda Titilayo to win the coveted prize.

The former Abia Angels Forward scored in Rivers Angels 2-1 home win against Sunshine Queens and 2-0 away win in Akure against the same side.

NWFL Premiership 2022| Osahon, Ikechukwu Named Manager, Coach Of The Month Of February.

FC Robo Queens Head Coach, Osahon Emmanuel Orobosa and Rivers Angels Forward Vivian Ikechukwu have both been voted for the NWFL Premiership Manager and Player for the month of February.

The Lagos Landladies’ won two out of the two matches played in February, winning Royal Queens in Warri and Ijebu-Ode respectively.

A 1-0 victory against the ‘Canadian Geese’ in Warri was followed by another impressive 3-1 win at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode against the same side.

Osahon Emmanuel wins his first ever NWFL Premiership monthly accolades and joins Naija Ratels FC Manager Bankole Olowookeere and Edo Queens Manager Wemimo Mathew, who have earlier won the awards this season.

In the player’s category, Rivers Angels forward Vivian Ikechukwu beat off stiff competition from Naija Ratels Forward Motunrayo Ezekiel and Nasarawa Amazons midfielder Aweda Titilayo to win the coveted prize.

The former Abia Angels Forward scored in Rivers Angels 2-1 home win against Sunshine Queens and 2-0 away win in Akure against the same side.

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.

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.

By Kehinde Osagiede

The untirery efforts and commitment of the wife of Edo state Governor Betsy Obaseki towards girl child and women development has again been reaffirmed as she in collaboration with the Deputy Governor Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu unveiled Football tournament, tagged Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament in Benin City.

The first lady during the unveiling ceremony held at the new Banquet Hall, Government House, Benin, said that the Football Tournament will be an annual event aimed at rehabilitating, empowering the girl child as well as for promotion of women football in the country.

Mrs Obaseki who gave kudos to the Edo Deputy Governor Comrade Philip Shaibu for the initiative, stated that the football tournament is going to be a part of her pet projects hinged on rehabilitation, empowerment of Edo girls and for women development among other objectives which include promotion and development of women football.

In an address, the Deputy Governor of Edo state Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu who is the chief organiser of the tournament slated for September 26 – October 3, 2021, expressed the hope that the Football tournament the state will achieve the core objectives geared towards the development of Edo girl child and becomes a part of Edo sports calendar.

“Let me thank our first lady and my brother, our dear Governor Mr Godwin Obaseki for giving approval for what we are doing in the sports sector, especially for giving us the platform to express ourselves through programmes such as the one we just initiated ‘Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament.

“We are breaking new grounds in women Football development and I want to thank the first lady for adding this to her numerous pet projects geared towards the protection and empowerment of Edo women.
“I am proud to say that we have succeeded in building a disciplined state owned football club Insurance FC. They play good football and apply the spirit of fair play always. Insurance played all home games this season without any incidents and after every game, both home team and away side embrace each other. So, we are building a new football culture and I urge other states to emulate us so that Football can truly play its unifying role in the Nigeria’s integration programme.” Shaibu emphasised.

In a statement earlier released by the Head, Media and Communication of the tournament organising Committee, Ebomhiana Musa, about 16 Nigerian female clubs including Edo Queens and some other selected NWFL sides will feature in the maiden edition

The statement added that the invitational tournament, amongst others, is aimed at encouraging women football in Nigeria and to prepare the various clubs to put them in top shape for the take-off of every new league season.

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.