Since its inception in 2019, a number of big Nigerian Women Football clubs have participated and this year’s promised to be big and better, with clubs from neighbouring countries also participating.
In 2019, Edo Queens emerge winners after defeating Nasarawa Amazons in the final.
In 2020, Nasarawa Amazons became runners-up for the second time after losing to Bayelsa Queens by a lone goal.
Here are five Reasons why we should all look forward to the biggest women’s football Pre-season Championship in Africa.
• Something Different.
There has never been a Pre-season like this before, where teams from outside of Nigeria will be represented.
This would be an opportunity for teams to taste a different kind of football and opportunity away from norms. The atmosphere is expected to be something new.
• Rivalries.
One of Flying Officers Cup biggest selling points would be the passionate rivalries many teams in the tournament have with their opponents.
So many rivalries will be rekindled, from the home derbies to the continental ones.
Top teams like Rivers Angels, Bayelsa Queens, Nasarawa Amazons and FC Robo Queens may most likely meet up in the competition.
• The Return Of Fans.
A handful of supporters will be allowed to come support their clubs. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic struck the world, which made most matches played behind closed doors. With fans coming in and taking necessary precautions, it promises to be an electrifying environment at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja.
• Entertaining Goals.
Look forward to strikes such as the sumptuous free-kick scored last year by Royal Queens midfielder Chioma Olise against Edo Queens or the stunner from about 30 yards scored by Naija Ratels midfielder Blessing Emmanuel to give her side the equalizer against Nasarawa Amazons in the Semi-final. We are expected to see even better goals this time around.
• The Upset Of The Underdogs.
If the 2020 edition of the Flying Officers Cup taught us anything, it was that nothing is ever certain in Football. Naija Ratels an underdog, went on to reach the Semi-final of the Flying Officers Cup, losing via penalties to Edo Queens and Nasarawa Amazons respectively in the third-place and semi’s matches.
We might be seeing more surprises this year with teams from the NWFL Nationwide, Championship and Premiership all participating.
MOLATsportgist 