WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
Sheroes Cup 2023: Naija Ratels and Edo Queens secure first victories
BY SAMUEL AHMADU
The 6th edition of Sheroes Cup commenced at the Aguiyi Ironsi Military Cantonment in Abuja on Saturday.
The opening day was a vibrant showcase of talent and unity, set against the backdrop of a festive atmosphere that captivated the audience. The event was graced by prominent dignitaries, including Nigeria’s Super Falcons captain, Onome Ebi, who added prestige to the occasion.
In an electrifying opening match, former Sheroes Cup champions, Edo Queens, demonstrated their prowess by defeating newcomers to the Premiership of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), Ekiti Queens, with a resounding 4-1 victory.
The four goals for Edo Queens were scored in the first half, with Goodness Osigwe, Suliat Abideen, Omotoke Odueke, and Emem Essien all finding the back of the net. Ekiti Queens’ lone goal came from Seun Fakunle.
The subsequent clash between Naija Ratels and Sunshine Queens, which marked the official kick-off of the pre-season tournament, unfolded at the same venue. Naija Ratels secured a 2-1 victory, courtesy of goals from Augustina Unamba and Bankole Sofiat. Sunshine Queens managed a consolation goal from Eunice Ezeani.
Nkechi Obi, Chairman of NWFL, made a significant statement during the event. She stated, “This competition has been instrumental in helping clubs prepare for the new season by assessing their players, especially newcomers. It is an excellent platform for private or corporate bodies to showcase their initiatives and support human development efforts.”
She further revealed exciting news, adding, “In the coming season, the NWFL management will be unveiling a welfare package for players, demonstrating our commitment to the growth of women’s football.”
The President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), Barr. Paul Edeh, presided over the official opening ceremony and emphasized the tournament’s significance.
He highlighted the RSDF’s unwavering commitment to funding the competition since its inception in 2019, praising its role in preparing teams for the NWFL premiership and international competitions such as the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Edeh also extended gratitude to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Referees Committee, led by Mrs. Faith Irabor, for their dedication to improving officiating standards, both during the pre-season and the regular season. He urged for enhanced officiating throughout the competition.
Mrs. Faith Irabor, the Chairperson of the NFF Referees Committee, outlined ongoing efforts to elevate Nigerian referees to international standards, underscoring the Federation’s commitment to enhancing the quality of officiating in the sport.
Regarding the tournament’s format, Coach Haruna Ilerika, Chairman of the Organising Committee and FCT FA Secretary, explained that all six participating teams would initially engage in round-robin games. The top two teams would then compete in the final, while the third and fourth-ranked clubs would face off in a third-place match.
The action continued on Sunday at Abacha Barracks pitch, with the eagerly anticipated only match of the day between Dannaz Ladies and Honey Badgers, ending in a 2-2 draw.
It’s worth noting that Delta Queens, the reigning champions, are absent from this edition, with Imo Strikers having triumphed in the NWFL Championship earlier in 2023.
Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has listed Captain Taiwo Afolabi and forwards Harmony Chidi and Peace Effiong in his 21-woman Flamingos’ roster for this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in the Dominican Republic.
The clinical Chidi scored 13 of the team’s record-setting 25 goals in the qualifying series, as the bronze medallists from the last edition of the championship in India barnstormed their way past Central African Republic, Burkina Faso and Liberia in the continental campaign.
Petite midfielder Afolabi will lead the midfield, alongside Faridat Abdulwahab, Shakirat Moshood and Ayomide Rotimi, while first-choice goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma will have Sylvia Echefu and Elizabeth Boniface pushing her to her best all the time.
Taiwo Adegoke leads six other defenders, with Harmony Chidi leading six other forwards including Peace Effiong.
Nigeria will compete in Group A of the 16-nation finals alongside host nation Dominican Republic, Ecuador and New Zealand.
The delegation of Flamingos will depart the shores of Nigeria aboard a Turkish Airlines flight on Tuesday, 1st October for a two-week training tour in Santo Domingo, capital city of the Dominican Republic, ahead of the commencement of the tournament.
FLAMINGOS FOR FIFA U17 WORLD CUP DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 2024
Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens); Elizabeth Boniface (Sunshine Queens); Sylvia Echefu (Confluence Queens)
Defenders: Prisca Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers); Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels); Taiwo Adegoke (Remo Stars Ladies); Rokibat Azeez (New Generation Academy); Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Vivian Ekezie (Heartland Queens); Ololade Isiaka (Abia Angels)
Midfielders: Taiwo Afolabi (Delta Queens); Faridat Abdulwahab (Nasarawa Amazons); Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy)
Forwards: Oghenemairo Obruthe (City Sports); Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers); Kudirat Arogundade (Green Foot); Ramotalahi Kareem (Honey Badgers); Aishat Animashaun (Naija Ratels); Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels); Blessing Ifitezue (Delta Queens)
FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Dominican Republic 2024
Group A: Dominican Republic, Ecuador, New Zealand, Nigeria
Group B: Spain, USA, Korea Republic, Colombia
Group C: Korea DPR, Mexico, Kenya, England
Group D: Japan, Poland, Brazil, Zambia
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the appointment of Justin Madugu as a temporary successor to America’s Randy Waldrum, who has stepped down.
The NFF announced that its decision was based on the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee. Coach Justin Madugu will lead the remaining technical crew and take charge of the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons, pending the appointment of a substantive Head Coach.
The Super Falcons’ next big engagement is the Women Africa Cup of Nations finals, taking place in Morocco in the summer of next year.
Japan survived a late scare against Nigeria to set up a re-match of the 2022 final with Spain in Sunday’s quarter-finals.
In rainy Bogota, Miyu Matsunaga’s free header just after the half hour was enough to send Japan to the break with a lead, as they have done at every match at Colombia 2024.
Maya Hijikata then doubled the advantage midway through the second term, tucking home a cross from substitute Chinari Sasai at the back post; that goal taking her joint-top of the adidas Golden Boot race with Brazil’s Vendito.
Olushola Shobowale did manage to pull one back for Nigeria in stoppage time but they couldn’t find a second as Japan hung on to close out the 2-1 win and set up that epic quarter-final clash with Spain. It is a re-match of the final match of the last edition in Costa Rica two years ago.
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