Meet The Participating Teams Of The SheFootball Cup

Eight women teams will fight for honour in the first edition of She Football Initiative Tournament a brain child of Aiysa Yusuf-Aromire Foundation which kick off 7th January 2023 at Legacy Pitch, National Stadium Surulere, Lagos state, Nigeria.

The football tournament is aimed at promoting women and promoting the power of women in football and also using various means to highlight the positive social impacts the game of football have on women and girls across Nigeria, Africa and the World.

The participating teams are DreamStar Ladies, Royaltoms Queens, Phoenix Queens, Lakeside Queens, Ijamido Queens, English Queens, Future Stars Queens, and Nakamura Queens.

CLUB PROFILE

🔹Dream Star Ladies

DreamStars Ladies was founded in 2017, they played in the Nigeria Women Premier League.
Based in Ibadan, Lagos state. Nigeria.

🔹Lakeside Queens

Lakeside Queens is a Bariga based women football club founded in 2007.

They presently played in the second division of the Nigeria Women football league.

🔹 Future Stars 99 Football Academy

Founded in 2016 in Igando, Lagos state. They currently played in WAFA league.

🔹Royaltoms International Football Academy.

A football Academy established in 2002, based in Sango-Ora, Ogun state. They have produced bear known female footballers in recent years.

Ijamido Football Academy

Established in 2002 in Sango Ota, Ogun State. The team has produced some promising female footballers who plying their In Nigeria and abroad.

🔹 Nakamura Babes (The Black Arrows)

Is a female football club based in the heart of Lagos state (Mushin) the aim of the is to harness the potentials of girls through sports in one of the density populated area in Lagos state and arguably in the South West of Nigeria. The club was founded in 2017.

🔹Phoenix Queens, Orile
Established in 2007 to provide enabling environment to youth in Or ile-Iganmu and its environs.

They currently play in the WAFA League in Lagos state, Nigeria.

🔹 English Queens ( Best Wale FC)

Founded in 2005 in Owode Egbe in Ogun state. A football academy combining education with football to the youths of owode-Egba.

The SheFootball is an initiative of Aiysha Yusuf Armoire and is powered by Nigeria’s private airline ValueJet Airline.

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NWFL Premiership: FC Robo vs Nasarawa Amazons Top Two Best Performers

The 2022/23 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership enters match week two on Wednesday with matches across six centers in the country.

In a keenly contested encounter at the Legacy Pitch, Lagos, Robo Queens and Nasarawa Amazons settled for a share of the spoils with the hosts earning their first point of the season while the visitors keep their unbeaten run intact.

Two players were outstanding on the day with nothing less but a woman-of-the-match performance from both ends of the pitch.

Joy Duru, Nasarawa Amazons

For the visitors, it is safe to say they were able to earn a point thanks to the defensive brilliance of their captain Joy Duru. Hardly put a foot wrong, Duru was excellent with her ground and aerial duels to help her side keep a clean sheet away from home.

Shukurat Oladipo, Robo Queens

Robo Queens known for producing top-notch players every season after the likes of Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Monday Gift to mention a few who graduated from the club to plying their trades in Europe’s top League.

Oladipo could be the next to follow suit with her unwaivering ability to take players on. Her deft touches, sleek passes, ball carrying and dribbling can be compared to that of legendary Xavi Hernandez.

Samuel Chukwueze on target as Villarreal beat Galatasaray

A goal and an assist for Samuel Chukwueze in Villarreal’s entertaining friendly win in Turkey.

Samuel Chukwueze with his dazzlingly prolific and versatile skill was terrific for Quique Setién led Villarreal side in an away friendly against Galatasaray.

The 23-year-old Super Eagles star retained his place in the team’s starting eleven after having been a prominent figure in the squad and knew how to play his part and also contributed his share in the exciting and hard-fought match that ended in a seven goal thriller.

The Nigerian received a brilliant through ball from Coquelin, which left him all alone in front of goal and he scored with tremendous coolness and class.

Chukwueze got his assist as he capitalized on an error and gifted youngster Pascual a goal, which was his first with the first team. Something the young star will never forget.

The Yellow Submarine took a 3-0 lead before halftime with Samuel Chukwueze scoring the third goal before supplying Jorge Pascual to make it 4-1 in the last minute of the first half.

Galatasaray in the second half scored two goals in a row to reduce the deficit at regular time.

Samuel Chukwueze, with his excellent in-game delivery and great influx, now hopes to keep pace with his team in their next game as they prepared more fully ahead of the league resumption.

Villarreal will resume their La Liga campaign with a clash against Valencia before taking on Real Madrid in their second league game when La Liga resumes after the World Cup break.

She-Football Conference 2022: ValueJet Airline Set To Partner Ayisat Yusuf-Aromire Foundation For Sixth Edition

The Ayisat Yusuf-Aromire Foundation in conjunction with ValueJet Airline will hold the 2023 Edition of the SheFootball Conference on Friday and Saturday the 6th and 7th of January 2023 at the Lagos State Sports Writers Association Of Nigeria (SWAN), Hall, Surulere, Lagos.

The SheFootball Initiative is aimed at harnessing the power of women in Football and also using various means to highlight the positive social impacts the game of Football have on Women and girls across Nigeria, Africa and the World.

As part of activities for the 2023 Edition, a one day Football Competition, called ‘ The SheFootball Cup’ will be played at the Legacy Football Pitch, Surulere and will feature Eight (8), namely, DreamStar Ladies, Royaltoms Queens, Phoenix Queens, Lakeside Queens, Ijamido Queens, English Queens, Future Stars Queens, Nakamura Queens.

The theme for this year’s edition is ‘Women’s Football Development Beyond Limits’ and is expected to be graced by top Women Personalities, who have shown great value and quality in the development of sports in the country and beyond.

Notable amongst them are Ms Christina Oshodi, who is a UEFA Coach Educator in the United Kingdom, Dr. Abiola Akiyode, UNILAG & Executive Director (Women Advocate Research And Documentation Center) WARDC, Mrs Ezinne Ezeani, Director SheCan Nigeria and many others.

The goal of the year’s SheConference is to increase the awareness of opportunities available to Women In Sports and also develop new strategies or revising and improving on existing strategies in a tailored-made approach to help develop Women’s Football In Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

Speaking ahead of the 6th Edition of the SheConference, Convener and Former Super Falcons Player Ayisat Yusuf-Aromire reiterated that the main motive behind the Conference is to engage Women Football Likeminds in providing pathways in the development of the round leather game in the Country.

Ayisat, who recently became the first woman to win the FIFPro Merit Award is positive that the game will keep improving with programmes like the SheConference.

“The priority for anyone involved in Women’s Football should be development. This is an opportune time to be part of women’s football, through the SheFootballConference.

“There is still much work to be done, so that the potential of the women’s game can be integrated and maximized.

“Perhaps, that’s one of the reasons behind the SheFootballConference, which has been on for the past five years.

“We will continue our mission of providing opportunities and positive experiences for women who aspire to progress in Sports, through the SheFootballConference.

As we bring the importance of Women Football Development into sharper focus on the 6th and 7th of January 2023 in Lagos, we appreciate ValueJet Airline for their massive supports, FareNetwork, Monaliku, C13, Enescott and FIFPro.

The 2023 Edition of the SheFootball Conference will hold on Friday and Saturday, 6th and 7th Of January 2023 at the Lagos SWAN Hall, Surulere, Lagos.

NWFL Premiership: All Home Wins As Bayelsa Queens Begins Title Defense On Positive Note

The first tier of the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiership kicked off with six matches across centers in the country on Wednesday 30th November 2022. The abridged league had 14 teams drawn into two groups of seven teams; Group A and B.

The matchday one witnessed heavy clash of two arch-rivals and saw 12 goals scored with six home wins and one away goal.

Bayelsa Queens vs Rivers Angels

The defending champions Bayelsa Queens started its title defense with a 2-0 win at home against one if its biggest rivals and seven-time winner, Rivers Angels.

After a goalless first half, the Prosperity Girls worked out two goals in the second half to beat the Jewels of Rivers at the Samson Siasia Stadium, thanks to Juliet Sunday’s 78th minute header before Mary Aderemi sealed the victory for the host in the 90th minute.

Osun Babes vs Royal Queens

At the Lanleke Stadium Ile-ogbo, Omoluabi Babes recorded a 2-0 home victory with goals from Eberechukwu Oleka who opened the scoring from the spot and Faith Samson in either half.

Abia Angels vs FC Robo Queens

Elsewhere, Lagos Landladies paid rent in Abia as Nkechi Agams had the solitary key to unlock Queens’ defense for Angels to triumph.

Nasarawa Amazons vs Edo Queens

Nasarawa Amazons secured a 1-0 triumph against Edo Queens thanks to Ayatsea Hembafan’s 44th-minute goal but not enough to sit at the top of the group B log.

In other news, league newcomers Heartland Queens and Ibom Angels received welcomed package of goals from Naija Ratels and Adamawa Queens respectively. Despite Heartland receiving heartbreak they remain the only side to score away from home on matchday one.

ICMC 2022: Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens FC Ready For Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup

Ahead of the maiden Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup, the coach of Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens, Jaiyeola Damilare says his team is well prepared for the tournament.

The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship side will compete with seven other teams from December 15 to 21, 2022, in Asaba, Delta State capital.

“My team is well prepared for the Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup, we have been training extensively for the tournament, and we hope to have a great outing at the tournament,” Jaiyeola told pressmen ahead of the tournament.

When asked about challenges faced by the team in preparing for the tournament, the gaffer opined that his wards are happy to play the tournament in honour of former Super Falcons player, Chiejine as he praised the organisers for putting up such a laudable tournament.

He said: “No challenges, for now, we have a great and dedicated team that is happy to be part of the tournament because it’s to honor the late Ifeanyi Chiejine a former Super Falcons player as we hope the tournament will be used to find more Ifeanyi Chiejines.

“The organizers are superb people honestly because to bring a world-class tournament like this for teams like us to benefit from is really huge and I want to appreciate them for deeming it fit to give teams a competitive atmosphere to compete healthily.”

The Lagos-based side will trade tackles with the likes of Delta Babes, Kwara Ladies, Fortress Ladies, Castmog FA, Moje Queens, Imo Strikers Queens FC, and Anambra Angels in a bid to eulogise Late Ifeanyi Chiejine who dedicated her life to promote the development of women’s football in Nigeria.

The second-tier NWFL Championship side recently gained promotion from third-tier NWFL Nationwide and is using the Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup to prepare for the league in a bid to make it to top-flight NWFL Premiership.

QATAR 2022: An All-Female Referee To Rule Costa Rica vs Germany World Cup Match

The world football governing body FIFA through its social platform have announced that the match between Costa Rica and Germany will be officiated by an-all female referees. The first time this will be happening in the tournament’s 92-year history.

French referee Stéphanie Frappart will oversee the match from the center marking another milestone as she will become the first ever female referee to officiate a men’s World Cup game when the last Group E match takes place on Thursday.

The 38-year-old has been used as a fourth official for Poland’s Group C match against Mexico last week, and so far at the 2022 tournament. She has written her name into football history as she boasts experience in the European World Cup qualifiers, 2022 Coupe de France final and 2019 women’s World Cup final. Frappart was also the first woman to referee a Ligue 1 and UEFA Champions League game.

She will be assisted by Brazilian Neuza Back and Karen Diaz Medina of Mexico to form an all-female officiating team – another men’s World Cup first. Kathryn Nesbitt will serve as the offside specialist among the VAR team.

Also participating in the 2022 World Cup is Rwandan Salima Mukansanga who ten months ago, became the first female to officiate an all-male team football match at Africa Cup of Nations. She has also officiated at the Olympics, FIFA Women’s World Cup, Africa Women Cup of Nations and CAF Women’s Champions League, and is now the first African woman to officiate a men’s World Cup as she was used as fourth referee for the France and Australia.

Yamashita Yoshimi of Japan became the first women to referee matches in the J-League and Asian Champions League, on top of officiating at the 2019 Women’s World Cup and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

ICMC 2022: Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup Inaugural Edition Gets Support From Evolution Cup

Evolution Cup joined the growing list of sponsors to support the maiden edition of Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup, donating several customized balls towards the competition slated for December.

The maiden edition of the Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup will hold in Asaba, Delta state on the 15th of December 2022.

Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup will be used to immortalize and celebrate the former Super Falcons player and a member of the 1999 squad, Ifeanyi Chiejine, who while alive was a great personality who dedicated her life to the development of women football in Nigeria.

The timely donation was well received by the convener, Judith Chime in preparation for the sporting event which comes up in December.

Speaking after donating the balls, Project Strategist of Evolution Cup, Olatoye Olawale revealed the reason for the support.

“We need to support the Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup and the convener, Judith Chime is a friend and also an ex-international who represented the Super Falcons.

“Evolution Cup is all about development and making progress and this initiative goes in line with our goals. This is why we have donated match balls for the Memorial Cup. It’s a way to also encourage talent from grassroots.

“We plan to do more of this, as Evolution Cup is not just about our tournament, it’s about how we can also support initiatives that is in line with our goals.” Olatoye Olawale said.

NWFL 2022/23: The Time Is Now As Nigeria Women’s League Kicks Off New Season

After over 150 days, the Nigeria Women’s Football League returns with an abridged format with fourteen teams divided into two groups as the 2022/23 season will kick off today, Wednesday, November 30 across various centers.

The league will begin with South south derby as defending champions, Bayelsa Queens will open the defence of their title against Rivers Angels at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa. The Restoration Girls participated at the 2022 CAF Women’s Champions League and finished third.

Former champions Nasarawa Amazons have a tricky game with Edo Queens in Makurdi. In a game where both coaches will show their technical and tactical abilities, having worked together as first and assistant managers of the U- 20 Women National team.

FC Robo Queens known to unearth several top-quality players, who have gone on to represent Nigeria and won global laurels will start its season when they travel to Enyimba International Stadium, Abia State for a date with Abia Angels.

Newly promoted teams, Heartland Queens and Ibom Angels, will slug it out with Naija Ratels and Adamawa Queens respectively.

Group A

Bayelsa Queens Vs Rivers Angels
Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa
4pm

Naija Ratels Vs Heartland Queens
Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Abuja
4pm

Osun Babes Vs Royal Queens
Larry Leke Stadium, Elegbo, Osun State
4pm

Group B

Nasarawa Amazons Vs Edo Queens
Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi, Benue State
4pm

Abia Angels Vs FC Robo Queens
Enyimba International Stadium, Abia State
4pm

Adamawa Queens Vs Ibom Angels
Atiku Abubakar Stadium, Adamawa State
4pm

A Super Six tournament will be used to determine the eventual Champion of the topflight league next year.

ICMC 2022: Immortalize Chiejine, Groom Future Stars With Tournament, Says Judith Chime

The maiden edition of the Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup is set to hold in Asaba, Delta state on the 15th of December 2022.

The tournament is used to immortalize and celebrate the former Super Falcons player and a member of the 1999 squad, Ifeanyi Chiejine, who while alive was a great personality who dedicated her life to the development of women football in Nigeria.

Speaking to the Press, the covener and founder of the Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup, Ex international, Judith Chime said the reason the tournament was founded is to immortalize Ifeanyi Chiejine because she was the youngest in the 1999 squad of the Super Falcons at 16 years.

Judith Chime who’s a former Super Falcons goalie, added that the Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup will be used to develop women’s football in Nigeria and scout for more Chiejines from the amateur and grassroots teams.

“Ifeanyi Chiejine is not a name to be forgotten so easily and quick. As most people know now, Ifeanyi was the youngest player among us. She was 16yrs when she played for the Super Falcons and she was recognized as a Legend but wasn’t present to be celebrated. My last conversation with Ifeanyi was when l was coming home for the burial of my beloved mom, Ifeanyi asked me to come and see her, and l promise her that l was going to come see her after my mom’s burial but to my greatest shock, she died same day l was laying my mother to rest. To me it is personal, because whenever l think about my mom, Ifeanyi Chiejine would be there.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02V1fCbNPiENbPsBxehBaMoLy6nJLGJPVd48txdpfbxr5xdcCHs2HcmMbej3jgJEAsl&id=522713132

“I also remember a time when one of her sister told me ‘please don’t allow my sister’s name to be forgotten’ and l said l will try not to but l never thought about how or what to do until now.

“It is the right thing to do, to immortalize this name because the young ones do not know most of us and a girl child is never celebrated the way it should be. So l am begging all the mother’s, father’s, uncles, friends, Government personnel’s to assist us in making this a reality. If not for anything but for humanity. All l am asking is for my father’s land to show some respect and join me and my team in immortalizing this great legend Ifeanyi Chiejine because she deserves it. Ifeanyi Chiejine gave her life to this country from the age of 16 and died at the age of 36 without any child nor husband and all l ask is to immortalize her name so that this event will be placed every year to keep the name alive in our heart.”

“With this tournament, we hope to find another Chiejine which will be difficult but we are hopeful. This tournament is to develop the amateur players from the grassroot. Nigeria has great talents, we plan on recruiting for colleges abroad and also planning on inviting scout to the event. Ifeanyi Chiejine once had the opportunity of studying abroad but she chose to come back despite all that was said to keep her in the state. So we think another player could be spotted for same opportunity.”