Sealed Deal: Dutch Sports Brand ‘Masita’ Confirms Support For Flying Officers Cup Confirms Support For Flying Officers Cup.

One of Europe’s top Sports Equipment brand, Masita, on Monday in far-away Holland gave it’s backing to the biggest Women Football Pre-season Championship in Africa, the Flying Officers Cup.

The Dutch Sportswear brand stamped their endorsement on the Women’s Pre-season Championship when the President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), Barrister Paul Edeh was received at their head office in Mastritch, Holland on Monday.

While receiving Barrister Paul Edeh, the C.E.O of the brand, Kurt Molin, was full of praises for Edeh, who he said has invested massively into the growth of women’s football in Nigeria and Africa.

Kurt hinted that a partnership deal between the Masita brand and RSDF is on the verge of getting sealed.

As reported by the Flying Officers Cup media, Masita will be the kit sponsor of the Naija Ratels FC when they kick start their NWFL Premiership campaign.

“We have read a lot about what Ratels Sports Development Foundation are doing with women football in Nigeria and are proud to receive the President of the Foundation, Barrister Paul Edeh to our head office here in Holland.

“We are highly satisfied with all these achievements and are ready to partner with the foundation on their numerous programmes including the upcoming Flying Officers Cup.

“We are thrilled to enter into a relationship with Ratels Sports Development Foundation and Naija Ratels, a promising and ambitious Club and we hope that this strategic partnership allows us to work closely with the club as they enter into this next phase .

“Masita look forward to a great partnership and also confident that we can always get the best from this agreement.

“We are proud to be kit sponsor of the club in the forthcoming Women’s League season in Nigeria.”

More info about Masita:

Masita was founded in 1933 by the Mass family from Sittard and focus mainly on the trade and processing of sportswear, kitting clubs like Fortuna Sittard, Guinea National Team, Kiyovu Sports Rwanda, Mees Palace Football Academy Jos, Namungo Tanzania, KMV Tanzania, Wakriya Guinea and the many more.

Also present at the meeting in Holland was Former Super Eagles and South Korea Men National team Head Coach, Bonfrere Joe, who described Barrister Paul Edeh as a man who should be emulated by many in the Football Cycle in Nigeria and Africa.

Bonfrere Joe who was pioneer Technical Adviser of the Super Falcons, leading them to their first ever FIFA Women World Cup in China (1991), inspiring players like Ann Chiejine, Uche Eucharia, Marvis Ogun, Chioma Ajunwa and many more to greatness later on in their career expressed his happiness with the project of Ratels Sports Development Foundation.

“It is a huge achievement from my brother, Barrister Paul Edeh. We need more of this to develop women’s football in Africa and am impressed with what we have been able to see from the last two editions.

“I would like to inform you that what you are doing is unprecedented and that’s the reason I am giving my full support to this competition and am sure it would go a long way to help get women’s football to it’s right position in Africa and the world as a whole.

“I’m very hopeful and optimistic that this partnership with Masita is one of many partnerships that would be sealed by your foundation.”

He also hinted that he will be in Nigeria in the coming weeks for the 25th anniversary celebration of the Olympic Gold Medal won by Nigeria.

Also reacting, Mr Emmanuel Adukwu, the CEO of Mees Palace Football Academy, Jos who brokered the deal heaped praises on the Sports Brand that has continued to support teams in Africa.

“The Masita brand offers the biggest opportunity to the growing sports market in Nigeria and Africa at large
producing the highest quality sports equipment at the most affordable prices known for durability as well. I am happy that more teams are deciding to come on board the Masita partnership especially the Ratels Sports Development Foundation”. Adukwu noted.

He further listed technical assistance to the Various teams kitted by Masita through their coaches exchange program as a variable benefit no Nigerian sports club can afford to Ignore.

Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF) Boss, Barrister Paul Edeh thanked the Chief Executive Officer of Masita Sportswear for giving them the chance to seal a partnership with them, He also hailed former Super Eagles Coach Bonfrere Joe for lending his hand of support to the Flying Officers Cup, promising him that his Foundation will do all that is possible to continue pushing for a better future for the girl-child.

“Today’s announcement with Masita represents a landmark day for Ratels Sports Development Foundation and Naija Ratels Football Club’s commercial strategy as we continue to attract new global brands to our projects.

“My visit to Europe is to seal partnership deals and develop the various programmes of the Ratels Sports Development Foundation, as we get prepared and ready to host the best and the biggest Women Football Pre-season Championship next month.

“We are glad with this kind of support and partnership gotten from ‘Masita’ which is well known world wide as one of the top sports clothing company. We will also work and ensure that we get positives from this agreement.

I also want to thank Mr. Emmanuel Adukwu, who is Nigeria representative of the brand ‘Masita’ and also the veteran Football Coach, Bonfrere Joe, who is a man that I have always admired even before he led Nigeria to their first ever Gold medal at the Football event in the Olympics. He is technically sound and have always been a winner.

Ratels Sports Development Foundation is the brain child of Legal Luminary, Barrister Paul Edeh and have been given various supports to the girl-child through Sports and Education

NFF honours class of ’99 Falcons.

Super Falcons class of 1999 honoured at the third edition of the Aiteo-NFF awards held at the Banquet Hall of Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Monday evening.

The team captained by Florence Omagbemi were the first set to reached the quarter finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, staged in the United States of America, feat the Super Eagles are yet to equal since 1999 when the girls achieved it.

The class of ’99 defeated North Korea 2-1 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena with goals from Mercy Akide and Rita Nwadike, before losing 7-1 to the USA despite taking a second-minute lead through Nkiru Okosieme. Defeat to the Americans in Chicago stirred something in Africa’s lone flag-bearer at the first Women’s World Cup to feature 16 teams.

In their next match, the Falcons flew past Denmark 2-0 at the Jack Kent Cooke Stadium near Washington DC, the goals coming from Mercy Akide and Nkiru Okosieme. In the quarter-finals, at the same venue, the Nigerian girls stormed back from three goals down to Brazil in the first half to tie the game 3-3, with Prisca Emeafu, Nkiru Okosieme and Nkechi Egbe the scorers.

Present at the award night are; Florence Omagbemi, Ann Chiejine, Yinka Kudaisi, Martha Tarhemba, Adanna Nwaneri, Eberechi Opara, Kikelomo Ajayi, Stella Mbachu, Rita Nwadike, Gloria Usieta, Marvis Ogun, Prisca Emeafu, Judith Chime, Nkiru Okosieme, Maureen Mmadu, Florence Iweta, Nkechi Egbe, Patience Avre and Mercy Akide-Udoh.

The set also produced the first Nigerian football centenarian, Maureen Mmadu that achieved 100 caps spotted by FIFA in 2009. Super Eagles only equalled the 100 caps in 2013 in South Africa.

Silas Nwankwo wins Player Of The Year award at the Aiteo-NFF awards 2021.

Nasarawa United goal poacher, Silas Nwankwo, has been named as the Best Performer of the year after emerging the joint top scorer of the 2020/21 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

He picked the award at the 2021 Aiteo-NFF awards, held on Monday night at the Eko Hotels, Lagos.

In his speech, he dedicated his award to his Football Academy and his Nasarawa United’s teammates while insisting he is enjoying his trajectory.

“It feels great, actually, to be called upon. I am enjoying myself right now,” he said.

“I dedicate this award to God Almighty, my Football Academy, and to everyone at Nasarawa United FC and entire Nasarawa State, beginning from the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, and everyone that was there for me that I can’t mention all now.” he added.

The former Sunshine Stars FC of Akure, Ondo State, joined the Lafia-based side in the beginning of last season, scoring 19 goals, a feat he shares with Akwa United’s Charles Atshimene.

“We beat them in 2018 and we can do it again” – Thembi Kgatlana on facing Super Falcons.

To wrap up what is proving to be an exciting showpiece, the top two teams in women’s football on the African continent at the moment, Nigeria and South Africa will face off in what is expected to be a battle of power and superiority, on the final day of the maiden edition of Aisha Buhari Invitational Friendly at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, on Tuesday evening.

During their last meeting, the nine-time Champions of Africa, narrowly edged the Banyana Banyana on penalties in the final of the 2018 AWCON in Ghana, after both teams could not be separated in regulation and extra time.

Thembi Kgatlana on facing Nigeria again: “We know Nigeria has a decent team, so I expect it to be a great match. We are more attacking minded and collectively we can achieve greatness against Nigeria, just when we beat them in the group stage of the 2018 AWCON in Ghana.”

Banyana Banyana were superbly dominant and impressive in their 3-0 demolition of Ghana’s Black Queens on Friday. With Thembi Kgatlana catching the attention of the spectators with her incredible pace and techniques.

A total of eight goals have now been scored in the tournament. Only Nigeria’s Gift Monday has scored more than one goal.

Black Queens humbled Cameroon at the Aisha Buhari Cup.

Ghana’s Black Queens edged the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon 2-0 to win their first game in Aisha Buhari Cup on Monday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.

Head coach of the Black Queens, Mercy Tagoe made three changes to the side that loss 3-0 to South Africa.

With Justice Tweneboaa, Konadu Vivian and Owusu Elizabeth replacing Adams Grace, Soale Wasila and Opoku Sonia.


Coach Gabriel Zabo of Cameroon also made three changes to the team that loss 1-0 to Morocco.

Bawow Gabrielle, Elaine Bibout and Bertthe Abega replaced Carole Mimboe, Bella Rose and Jeannette Ngock.

Ghana could have been ahead in the 7th minute as Captain Portia Boakye of Ghana kept launching attacks with her long thrusts

Cameroon’s Aboudi Onguene churned out a number of interesting crosses from the left-wing but her low cross was cleared by Janet Egyir to avert further danger.

Bawow Ange invented a reflex save that stopped Konadu’s bullet header from going in in the 37th minute, and two minutes before recess, Adubea’s ferocious shot from the edge of the box was parried for a corner.

Goalless it ended at halftime with the Ghanaians producing most of the goal scoring chances.

Second half started on a high for the Black Queens just as they ended the first half, as Gladys Amfobea tried a long-range effort which went wide in the 51st minute.

However, the Black Queens of Ghana broke the deadlock in the 60th minute thanks to a well taking goal by Princella Adubea who earlier had a one-on-one chance with just the Cameroonian goalkeeper to beat but shoot wide.

Cameroon tried to equalise in the 70th minute from Onguene Gabrielle Aboudi’s free-kick which posed no threat to Fafa Dumehasi in goal for Ghana.

Ghana could have extended their lead five minutes later, but Vivian Konadu failed to direct her low drive shot into the back of the net. Konadu, who plays for Racing Feminino in Spain, was a constant threat for the Cameroon defenders due to her pace and skills.

However, her effort was finally crowned with a sublime finish in the 89th minutes as she received a counter pass and dribbled past three defenders before slotting the ball in the back of the net.

All focus will be on the AWCON Qualifiers happening next month as Ghana face Nigeria next in the African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) Qualifiers while Cameroon squares up with the Central Africa Republic in a bid to qualify for Morocco 2022 AWCON.

CAFCC: Enyimba, Bayelsa United through to the next round.

Bayelsa United and Enyimba having progressed to the second preliminary rounds of CAF Inter-club competitions will pitch their tents against opponents from different countries.

Enyimba FC of Aba, drawn bye in the first preliminary round will now take on Diambers of Senegal in their first continental engagement of the season.

The two times CAF Champions League winner under the new coach Finidi George with the hope of winning their first ever CAF Confederation Cup will first have to bypass the Senegalese.

At the other end, Bayelsa United continued their fairytale run against Ashanti Golden Boys of Guinea on Sunday night in a one legged encounter, and will hope their story won’t end when they take on CS Sfaxien of Tunisia in the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

As reported by Opta, Bayelsa United are the first Nigerian club to lead 3-0 at half time in a continental match since Enyimba FC defeated Paradou AC in January 2020.

Favour Martins fired the Nigerian AITEO Cup Champions into the lead from Okardi Inikurogha’s cross on 5 minutes, before Okardi Inikurogha nods home from Hassan delivery in the 31st minute. Five minutes later, Emo James from Zakala Tobin’s left footed cross rifles a superb strike to extend the hosts’ lead at halftime.

Ashanti Gold not ready to give up without fighting, coming out the tunnel with a different mentality, well determined and more energetic, score through Moussa Keita.

Okardi Inikurogha once again with a beautiful header restore the three gap leads for the hosts and registered his brace for the night.

In the 78th minute, Moussa Keita once again reduced the gap having his brace and the second goal for the visitors. 4-2 it ended in favour of the Nigerians.

Bayelsa state Governor, Douye Diri has reportedly presented new Coaster buses to Bayelsa United and Bayelsa Queens and rewarded the Prosperity Boys with a sum of 14 million Naira for beating AS Ashanti Golden Boys in the CAF Confederation Cup.

#CAFCL: Rivers United pass Yanga’s hurdle.

Rivers United will continue to hoist the flag of Nigeria at the next round of the CAF Champions League after defeating Young Africans of Tanzania 1-0 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt on Sunday.

Heading into the second leg with a 1-0 away advantage in Dar es Salam, Rivers welcomed Yanga SC to Port Harcourt, full of hope and determination.

With nothing to separate the two sides at halftime, Rivers can’t afford a late minute drama as they stood up to the task in the second half.

With just nine minutes of regular time to be played, the Port Harcourt based side break the deadlock through Uche Onwuasonaya powerful strike in the 82nd minute.

Speaking to the media, Technical Adviser of Rivers United, Stanley Eguma, after the CAF Champions second leg preliminary round tie game, said it was a hard earned victory.

“We beat them away, and everyone thought it was a push over, but it was very obvious here that they are a very strong team,” he said.

“But after the away game, I knew that the second leg will be very tough, and it was the reason we came back here to re-strategise.

“Our initial plan in the first half didn’t work, so we had to change strategy in the second half when we discovered that they were playing more offensive.

“We have to seize the ball from them and had more ball possession before we were able to pierce their defence and get the lone goal in the 82nd minute.”

Having won the first round ticket, Rivers United would now face Sudanese giants, Al-Hilal.

CAFCL: Akwa United out of tournament, succumbed to Algerian Champions.

Not a good one for Nigeria League Champions, Akwa United as they were knocked out of the continent on Sunday night, after losing 2-0 at CR Belouizdad.

The Promise Keepers held a slim 1-0 advantage going into the second leg, but it was the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 Champions, CR Belouizdad, who scale through on a 2-1 aggregate.

With nothing to separate the two sides at halftime, United had hope of reaching the next round of the 2021/22 CAF Champions League season, but crumbled in the second half to the consistent pressure of Belouizdad.

Khalfalah opened the scoring in the 72nd minute before referee awarded a penalty for the hosts 10 minutes later, and the captain converted from the spot kick.

The Promise Keepers unable to keep their promise as they bow out of the continental showpiece.

Karim Benzema completed Real Madrid comeback away at Valencia.

The first half saw three players substituted before the 25-minute mark.

Just 15 minutes into the game, Carlos Soler hobbled off with a muscle problem, replaced by 18-year-old Yunus Musah, a former Arsenal midfielder.

Five minutes later, Valencia were forced to make another emergency substitution when Thierry Correia strained a groin and asked to be changed.

Some minutes later, and it was Real Madrid’s turn to make a forced substitution after Carvajal complained of discomfort in his right calf and asked to be changed.

Valencia went ahead in the 66th minute through Hugo Duro’s thumping low strike.

Valencia would have gone top of the table had they held on for the win with four minutes left on a dramatic night at Mestalla.

However, Madrid are never beaten as Vinicius forced a late leveller in the 86th minute, and then crossed for Benzema to nudge in the winner on 88 minutes.

“It is always difficult to play Valencia away and after conceding a goal it is even more difficult, but we kept working. Real Madrid never give up.” –Vinicius Jr.

According to Opta, Karim Benzema is the first player to be directly involved in 11 goals in his first five games of a La Liga season in the 21st century (six goals and five assists in 2021/22), after Lionel Messi in 2011/12 (eight goals and five assists).

Real Madrid now too the league on 13 points while Valencia are in third with 10 points

Mauro Icardi at the death gives Messi the win on his home debut for PSG.

Mauro Icardi scored a goal in the dying moments of the match to give PSG the win against Lyon. 

Lionel Messi made his first start at home for PSG but still yet to score for them as they secured a last-gasp victory with him sat on the bench.

Having Messi, Neymar and Mbappe on the pitch never stopped Lyon from making a good start.

Lyon opened the scoring through Lucas Paquetá in the 54th minute but couldn’t hold for long as a close action in the box lead to a penalty, and Neymar converted from the spot kick to draw PSG levelled 1-1 in the 66th minute.

With the game tied at 1-1 and less 15 minutes remaining, Pochettino wanting to win the game bring on a left back Achraf Hakimi to replace Lionel Messi in the 76th minute.

Unhappy Messi sub off on his home debut for PSG.

In the 82nd minute, Icardi replaced Angel Di Maria, and turned out to savor the night as Kylian Mbappé found Mauro Icardi in the middle and placed the perfect cross for Icardi’s header, three minutes of added time.