MOLATsportgist

South Africa women’s national team, Banyana Banyana head coach, Desiree Ellis has named her final 18-woman squad for the Aisha Buhari Cup (ABC). An Invitational Women’s Tournament taking place in Lagos, Nigeria from September 15 – 21, 2021.

The team is drawn in group B where they will take on Ghana and Cameroun in the six-nation tournament.

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Coach Ellis believes the ABC is perfect for her team’s preparations for the AWCON qualifiers.

“We have the Aisha Buhari Cup, the COSAFA Cup and the AWCON qualifiers and we have already worked on what we think we will need over the next two months. 

“Consistency and regular game time is always key as we are trying to make sure that we have covered our bases but the first tournament (Aisha Buhari Cup) will dictate what happens next,” she said.

The team is expected to depart for Lagos, Nigeria on Sunday, 12 September, and will be joined by their foreign-based players. 

Goalkeepers:
Kaylin Swart (JVW FC)
Regirl Ngobeni (University of Western Cape)

Defenders:
Lebohang Ramalepe (Dinamo Minsk)
Janine Van Wyk (Glasgow City)
Tiisetso Makhubele (Tshwane University of Technology)
Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Koketso Tlailane (Tshwane University of Technology FC)

Midfielders:
Ongeziwe Ndlangisa (Sunflower FC)
Mamello Makhabane (JVW FC)
Thembi Kgatlana (Atletico Madrid)
Refiloe Jane (AC Milan)
Linda Motlhalo (Djurgardens FC)
Robyn Moodaly (JVW FC)
Noxolo Cesane (University of Western Cape)
Gabriela Salgado (JVW FC)

Forwards:
Sibulele Holweni (University of Western Cape)
Melinda Kgadiete (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Hildah Magaia (Moron BK)

Head Coach: Desiree Ellis

Nigeria’s Football Governing Body, The NFF has officially endorsed the third edition of the prestigious Flying Officers Cup billed to hold next month in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

In a letter signed by NFF Technical Director Austin Eguaveon on behalf of the General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, the Federation gave her full support to the biggest Women Football Pre-season Tournament in Africa.

“We express the warm compliment of the President, Executive Board Members, Management and Staff of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

“We hereby give you approval and thereby endorse the laudable competition by your Organization, Ratels Sports Development Foundation.”, Austin Eguaveon wrote on behalf of Mohammed Sanusi.

He also commend the organisers for their efforts and commitment to the development of women football in Nigeria.

He added, “We are aware of your efforts in always helping the Girl-child and your deep commitment to develop the women’s game in the country.”

“We however have to reiterate that at every stage of the Competition, the Technical department of the NFF must be carried along.”

In her reaction to the competition’s endorsement, the General Coordinator of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup, Dr. Victoria Nlemigbo Esq  thanked the President, NFF General Secretary, the entire board and staff of the Federation for their unalloyed support for the competition and for Ratel Sports Development Foundation in general.

“Getting the NFF’s support for the Flying Officers Cup is very key and fundamental. This shows the work that the planning committee has put in place and continues to put in place to make the Competition a huge success.

“So far, sixteen teams have already expressed and committed to participate in the competition and we are looking forward to hosting them in this epic and expected  perfect Tournament.

The Flying Officers Cup has become the biggest Women Football Pre-season Championship in Africa with Edo Queens and Bayelsa Queens emerging winners in 2019 and 2020 respectively. The third edition have grown even bigger accommodating teams from outside the country.

🥅 16 Teams
🏆 One Trophy
🏟️ FCT, Abuja
🗓️ October 10-24 2021

Nigeria 🇳🇬: Bayelsa Queens, Confluence Queens, FC Robo Queens, Naija Ratels, Nasarawa Amazons, Osun Babes, Royal Queens, Rivers Angels, Adamawa Queens, Danaz Ladies, Oasis Ladies, Honey Badgers, Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens and Lakeside Queens.

Ghana 🇬🇭: Hasaacas Ladies

Benin Republic 🇧🇯: Espoir FC.

The President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation, the major sponsors of the Pre-season Championship noted that the official endorsement by the NFF, which is the body in charge of football competitions and activities in Nigeria, further shows that the competition will be bigger and better this year.

The Sports Philanthropist implore everyone involved with the planning of the Pre-season Championship to keep all hands on deck to ensure a very successful outing.

“We are proud of what we have been able to achieve so far and with supports from the NFF, NWFL and all club-sides involved, we are sure and optimistic that the competition will be a very good one. In the coming days, we shall be rolling out more plans about the Flying Officers Cup. I want to appreciate the NFF and the NWFL for their moral and technical supports.”

The maiden Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Football Tournament (Aisha Buhari Cup) early scheduled to officially kick-off on Monday, September 13 will now commence effectively on Wednesday, September 15 till Tuesday, September 21, 2021.

The slight shift in kick-off date is necessitated by two key factors, namely an expressed request by the participating teams that their foreign-based players would not be able to arrive in Lagos for the football showpiece any time earlier than Tuesday, September 14 and the world football governing body, FIFA’s Type 1 window stipulation that teams shall play two matches each with two full rest days between each match to possibly allow for players’ recovery in case of injury.

According to the Director of Organisation for the Aisha Buhari Cup, Aisha Falode the LOC acceded to the teams’ request and FIFA’s requirement due to the committee’s respect for the nation’s First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Aisha Buhari in whose name the high profile football showpiece wishes to honour as well avail the teams the necessary ambience and opportunity to hit the tournament venues with their various best legs.

“There is a slight change in kickoff date for the Aisha Buhari Cup, the invitational tournament will now run from September 15 – 21 against an early commencement schedule date, September 13 – 21, 2021. This is in compliance with the force majeure article in the tournament’s regulation – chapter 4, article 4.3.4. and article 51.1. Teams and their members of official delegation are to arrive in Nigeria on 13 September 2021.

“The participating teams requested for the slight change after they realised that their foreign-based players would not be able to arrive in Lagos earlier than Tuesday, September 14.

“The teams want to have their best legs available for the tournament especially as almost the teams are using the invitational tournament as preparations for the upcoming qualifiers for the Nation’s Cup.

“Again, there is the FIFA’s Type 1 window requirement that stipulates that teams shall play two matches each with two full rest days between each match to allow for players’ recovery from possible injury.

“The LOC has utmost respect for the nation’s First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Aisha Buhari in whose name and honour the invitational tournament is instituted and will key into measures and requests toward making it big for the teams,” said the renowned broadcast journalist.

The Aisha Buhari Foundation’s Future Assured Programme (FAP) focuses on women and girl-child as well as vulnerable people like widows, orphans and the disabled across the country. The programme involves training for entrepreneurial skills and provision of starter packs, conditional and unconditional cash transfers and provision of business tools.

The Aisha Buhari Cup is in honour of Nigeria’s First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Aisha Buhari and will be played by Africa’s powerhouses namely hosts, Nigeria, Cameroun, Ghana, South Africa, Mali and Morocco from September 15 – 21 in two stadia in Lagos, Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan and the ‘Soccer Temple’ Agege.

MTN had only last week signed a three –year agreement with the Nigeria Football Federation as the Official Communications Partner of the all Nigerian National Teams.

The all-yellow fluorescence of Nigeria’s telecommunications shone even brighter on Monday as the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) announced MTN has become the Platinum Sponsor of the Aisha Buhari Cup (ABC). The much –anticipated Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Tournament will kickoff next week Monday.

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Marketing Consultant of the tournament, Mr. Taye Ige told ABC Media that the LOC is exciteded by the decision of the company to support the showpiece that help strengthen girl child.