WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
Edo Queens’ victory is icing on Edo State’s 33rd anniversary cake
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has appreciated the victorious Edo Queens FC for their success at the 2024 WAFU-B Zonal Champions League qualifiers in Côte d’Ivoire.
He tagged the victory as an anniversary gift to Edo State which was carved out of the former Midwestern/Bendel State on this day, 27 August 1991.
Obaseki also a N100million cash reward for the team. ” You have all done well. For me, this is our season of celebration. Tomorrow, (this Tuesday) Edo will be 33 years old. When I look at the present you have come to give me, I am so glad.
“Before we came into power, there was no respect for Edo women; nobody gave them the chance but thank God all that has changed now.
“Some past governments didn’t understand that sports is a vital aspect of youth development and thank God we recognize that. I am happy that the work and investment we have put in since the past eight years is showing now and we will continue to encourage our youth.
“I congratulate you girls. I encourage you to win the CAF Champions League. I will not tell you what I will do for you yet but for this you have done, you have made us proud and you have made Nigeria proud. So, I give you all one hundred million Naira, ” Governor Obaseki said.
Edo Queens before emerging as the 2024 WAFU-B champions as the second Nigerian team to do so in history, they had previously won the Sheroes Cup, Betsy Obaseki Cup and the NWFL Premiership titles.
The representatives of Edo Queens were outstanding throughout the WAFU B zonal qualifiers, winning all their five matches convincingly. They scored 14 goals and only conceded one goal in the match against Inter D’Abijdan which they won 2-1.
Edo Queens will be at the 4th edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League finals later this year.
Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman, of Edo State Sports Commission, Yusuf Alli and the head coach of the victorious Edo Queens Moses Aduku have heaped praise on the Edo State Governor and the First Lady Dr Betsy Obaseki for their support and investment in women’s football, which has been instrumental in the team’s success. They ascribed the success of the team to Governor Obaseki’s prompt response and release of funds for preparations.
The Edo Sports Commission boss maintained that the commitment of the Edo State Government to developing women’s football and sports in general is what has led to the success of Edo Queens.
“Since I assumed office in Edo, I have been winning. We reigning national champions and now West African champions. We played five games in Cote d’Ivoire, winning all with 14 goals and only conceded one. Our girls have done well.
“We sincerely thank our Governor for the huge support he has given us in everything we have done. I made a huge mistake in applying for funds to take care of the girls’ bonuses but upon realizing my mistake, I wrote to the governor again, drawing his attention, instead of query, the governor gave express approval and immediately we got the money we requested.
“What else can we say than to say thank you to our governor for his understanding and support,” Alli said.
The head Coach of the team Moses Aduku said that the Governor’s interest and prompt release of funds gave him and his team more confidence while going into the West Africa battle.
“I was confident that we were going to achieve good results. I told my inner man that we were capable of winning the zonal ticket even though we were going there for the first time. We were not rated but God saw us through.
“We remain grateful to the governor and I want to start preparation for the Champions League proper as soon as I present this cup because early preparation is key. We want to assure our Governor of bringing another cup home,” Aduku enthused.
Nigeria’s Under-21 women’s team Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has unveiled a final squad of 21 players that will represent Nigeria at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup taking place in Morocco from 17 October to 8 November.
The list features a blend of exciting new talents and returning performers, including attacking midfielder Shakirat Moshood, goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu, defender Jumai Adebayo, and forward Queen Joseph.
The Flamingos, who arrived in Casablanca on Wednesday for the final phase of preparations, are aiming to surpass their historic bronze-medal finish at the last edition of the tournament in India (2022).
Olowookere, who guided that 2022 squad to third place — Nigeria’s best-ever finish at the competition — expressed confidence that the current team has what it takes to go even further this time around.
“This group has shown great commitment and hunger,” he said. “Our goal is to build on the achievements of 2022 and challenge for the ultimate prize in Morocco.”
Also named in the final roster are goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface, defenders Azeezat Oduntan and Christiana Sunday, midfielders Muinat Rotimi and Zainab Raji, and forwards Chisom Nwachukwu and Mariam Yahaya.
Nigeria has been drawn in Group D, where they will face Canada, France, and Samoa. The Flamingos will open their campaign against Canada on Sunday, 19 October, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. (Nigerian time) at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 2) in Sale.
Three days later, they will tackle France at the same kickoff time on Pitch 1, before wrapping up their group stage fixtures against Samoa on 25 October at 5 p.m. on Pitch 3 of the same venue.
The FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025 will feature 16 teams competing across multiple cities, as the tournament returns to Africa for the first time in its history.
21 FLAMINGOS FOR 2025 FIFA U17 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP FINALS
Goalkeepers: Elizabeth Boniface (Abia Angels); Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers); Sylvia Echefu (Bayelsa Queens)
Defenders: Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Jumai Adebayo (Rivers Angels); Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo); Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers); Nofisat Tijani (Youthful Talent 99); Fatimoh Shuaib (Nasarawa Amazons)
Midfielders: Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy); Shavih Istifanus (Youth Arise Academy); Zainab Raji (Dannaz FC); Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy); Ayomide Abubakar (Onimarg FC)
Forwards: Kaosarat Olanrewaju (Ayishat Yusuf Academy, Lagos); Mariam Yahaya (FC Robo); Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy); Tabitha Terlumu (Braavos, Edo); Precious Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers); Chisom Nwachukwu (Rivers Angels)
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
The Nigeria U17 Women’s National Team, Flamingos, arrived safely in Morocco on Wednesday, ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The team departed Abuja early Wednesday morning at 7:18 a.m. aboard a Royal Air Maroc flight and landed in Casablanca at 11:28 a.m. Nigeria time.
On arrival at the Mohammed V International Airport, the girls were greeted with an unexpected but inspiring moment as they ran into former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, who was en route to France.
The ex-international took a few moments to speak with the players, urging them to stay disciplined, focused, and to represent Nigeria with pride and unity at the global showpiece. His words were met with smiles and applause from both players and officials.
The Flamingos have since settled into their base at the Ibis Hotel in Casablanca, where they will spend the next few days fine-tuning their preparations before heading to Rabat for the tournament proper.
The team’s spirit was high upon arrival, with several players expressing excitement at the opportunity to don Nigeria’s colors on the world stage once again.
The 2022 World Cup bronze medallists held a light training session on Wednesday evening to help the players recover from jet-lag and get used to the Moroccan weather conditions. The session focused primarily on recovery, ball movement, and coordination drills.
Nigeria is drawn in Group D of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, alongside Canada, France, and Samoa, with their opening match scheduled for Sunday, October 19. The Flamingos head into the tournament full of confidence, having played ten preparatory matches, scoring 44 goals without conceding.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
Flamingos Set for Morocco 2025 as Nigeria’s U-17s Depart Abuja for Final World Cup Preparations
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, will depart Abuja in the early hours of Wednesday, October 8, as they begin the final leg of preparations for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup scheduled to take place in Morocco.
The team will travel aboard Royal Air Maroc to Casablanca, Morocco’s industrial and economic hub, where they will set up camp ahead of the tournament.
During their stay in Casablanca, the Flamingos will step up their build-up programme with two high-profile international friendlies — first against New Zealand on October 10, and then Paraguay on October 14.
Following their training camp, the team will move into the official FIFA hotel in Rabat on October 15, joining other participating nations as the countdown begins to the global showpiece.
Drawn in Group D, Nigeria will face Canada, France, and Samoa in what promises to be a competitive group. The Flamingos will begin their campaign against Canada on Sunday, October 19, before locking horns with France three days later.
Both matches will be played at the Football Academy Mohammed VI in Sale, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. Nigerian time. Their final group match comes against Samoa on October 25, starting at 5 p.m., also in Sale.
Head Coach Bankole Olowookere’s side heads into the tournament brimming with confidence after a remarkable build-up.
The Flamingos have played 10 tune-up games, scoring an impressive 44 goals without conceding any, a record that highlights their attacking prowess and defensive discipline.
Olowookere has expressed optimism about his team’s readiness, noting that the squad’s balance and form give them belief they can surpass their quarter-final finish at the last edition in the Dominican Republic.
With a perfect preparation run and growing momentum, the Flamingos will be aiming to make history in Morocco and bring pride to Nigerian women’s football once again.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- U20 FOOTBALL5 days ago
Flying Eagles Bank on ‘Magic of October 8’ to overcome Argentina
- World Cup3 days ago
CAF Rule Change May Boost Nigeria’s World Cup Qualification Hopes
- World Cup1 week ago
Super Eagles Walk Tightrope as Nine Key Players Risk Suspension in World Cup Qualifiers
- World Cup1 week ago
Osimhen Returns as Chelle Names 23-Man Squad for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers
- U-20 FOOTBALL6 days ago
Nigeria, Argentina Renew Rivalry as Flying Eagles Target Quarter-Final Spot in Chile
- U-20 FOOTBALL1 week ago
Nigeria Face Must-Win Battle Against Colombia in Chile
- World Cup3 days ago
BREAKING! Lookman Suspended for Crucial Benin Clash
- World Cup2 days ago
Judgment Day Beckons in Group C: Only One Ticket, Three Contenders, Infinite Drama