Women’s football in Africa demands more competitions to give opportunities to girl-child and prepare team for global competitions. This is the case as many competitions arises in the continent. Especially, in Nigeria as over three tournaments are lined up for the year and hence clash in schedule.
In the spirit of sportsmanship and time manangement, the Planning Committee of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup has announced the postponement of the third edition of the Biggest Women Football Pre-season Championship in Africa, to show solidarity for the Betsy Obaseki Cup which will come up from the 24th of September to the 3rd of October in Benin City, Nigeria.
Originally scheduled to hold from the 22nd of September to the 1st of October in Abuja, the Flying Officers Cup has now been rescheduled to hold from 10-24th of October 2021 amid concerns of clash in date with the maiden edition of the Betsy Obaseki Tournament in Edo State, Nigeria.
President, Ratels Sports Development Foundation, Barrister Paul Edeh expressed his regret over the announcement of the new date, but thought it is necessary to move the prestigious competition to a later date in the spirit of sportsmanship.
“It is obviously not good news for us, but we feel it is the most prudent decision considering the present circumstances.
“The decision to postpone wasn’t in our plans at all, but we had to do it, so as to give teams that are interested in participating in both Tournament the opportunity to do so. The reality is that the Betsy Obaseki Tournament is in line with our vision, hence the present decision.”
The Flying Officer’s Cup is known for honouring fallen heroes who gave their all protecting the nation. To honour is to give more rooms of opportunities to the girl-child whose dream is to be a great football player.
He added: “All the teams that will be participating in the Flying Officers Cup have been officially informed about this latest development and we wish to let them know that the shift in date won’t have any effect on the quality and policies of the tournament, as we even believe that the Postponement will give them the ample time to prepare better for the Pre-season Championship.”
Sixteen teams have officially confirmed their participation in this year’s edition of the Flying Officers Cup and the latest team to send in their letter of participation is the newly crowned Benin Republic first division Women Football Champions Espoir FC.
Confirmed Teams for the 2021 Flying Officer’s Cup:
NWFL Premiership Teams – Bayelsa Queens, Confluence Queens, FC Robo Queens, Naija Ratels, Nasarawa Amazons, Osun Babes, Royal Queens, Rivers Angels and Adamawa Queens.
NWFL Championship teams -Dannaz Ladies, Oasis Ladies and Honey Badgers
NWFL Nationwide teams – Prince Eletu Queens and Lakeside Queens
Champions of Ghana: Hasaacas Ladies
Champions of Benin: Espoir FC
MOLATsportgist 