Sports

Excitement as Flying Officers Cup Billboards floods Abuja Ahead Of Kick-Off

Published

4 years ago

October 6, 2021

Joel Ajayi

A blitz of brightly coloured billboards of the biggest Pre-season Championship in Africa, the Flying Officers Cup has perked up the city of Abuja ahead of the Kick-Off of the Women’s Football Championship.

As the tournament draws closer, the Organisers are gearing up their preparations for the football fiesta. Abuja, the host city have been spruced up for the tournament as about six (6) billboards mounted at strategic locations across the city have spurred up excitement amongst football lovers.

Some of the locations include Jabi, by Grand Cubana Hotel Junction, Gwarinpa by Chambian Plaza, IBB Way, Maitama, opposite El-Amin international School, Garki, Area 11, by Automated Car-wash, Utako Market by Arab junction and Defense Headquarters Junction.

Ratels Sports Development Foundation President, Barrister Paul Edeh said the billboards were mounted at strategic positions in Abuja to make the people catch up with the fun and excitement that has to do with the competition.

The competition billed to Kick-Off on Sunday, the 10th of October will see 16 teams including a team from Ghana and Benin Republic battle for honours at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja and Edeh noted that the reactions from the Abuja Football Lovers on the competition has been overwhelming.

“We have worked so hard over the last few weeks to get this done almost perfectly, the Area 10 Sports Complex is under renovation and it’s almost 100% done.

“Most particularly, am glad we have been able to get positive reactions from football lovers across the city on the billboards placed in various strategic locations in Abuja. The Flying Officers Cup is not just a competition, it is more like a Football fiesta.

“Teams that are coming for the Championship are guaranteed a very hospitable reception and would have a very conducive environment to thrive and develop as a team before the start of the new season.

“We are ready for the tournament and waiting for the team’s arrival.” He concluded.

Flying Officers Cup 2021 is the third edition of the women football Pre-season Championship in honour of the late Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile.

Edo Queens and Bayelsa Queens are the past winners of the tournament.

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Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

4 hours ago

June 8, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Association of Nigerian Women in Sports (NAWIS), known for its orderliness since its establishment in 1990, continues to uphold its standards ahead of the upcoming Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) elections.

With members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, NAWIS has consistently operated without external interference.

Over the years, its members have been nominated to various boards of national sports federations after meeting established criteria, including the payment of annual dues.

The association has attracted a strong base of respected sportswomen who have served the country with distinction, both during and after their active careers.

In preparation for the AFN elections, zonal elections were conducted on June 2 and 3, producing representatives for the national exercise.

While NAWIS initially planned to hold its election in Zaria, Kaduna State, the association’s headquarters, it was later rescheduled for Abuja on Monday, June 9, following directives from higher authorities.

Importantly, NAWIS has a set of strict guidelines that govern its electoral process, particularly the requirement for timely payment of annual dues. Failure to meet this condition results in automatic disqualification.

This guideline was the basis for the disqualification of Maria Wophil, who has reportedly not paid her annual dues since 2017. Her attempt to hurriedly settle outstanding debts just before the election was deemed non-compliant with NAWIS regulations.

Who is Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju?

Commonwealth gold medallist Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju is one of the leading contenders for the NAWIS representative position in the AFN.

She made history as the first African woman to run the 400m in under 50 seconds and brought glory to Nigeria by winning a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

Yusuf-Olukoju also claimed gold in the 400m at the 1991 All-Africa Games and silver in the 200m.

Based on nominations and her track record, Yusuf-Olukoju is considered the most qualified candidate. However, three other contenders have also shown interest, and the final decision will be made in the election slated for Monday, June 9, in Abuja.

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