2023 Sheroes Cup: Edo Queens and Naija Ratels off to flying starts

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Edo Queens and Naija Ratels cruised to winning start as the 2023 Sheroes Cup officially kicked off at the Aguiyi Ironsi Military Cantonment in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday.

Former winners, Edo Queens secured a 4-1 victory over newly promoted Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership side, Ekiti Queens in the opening match of the pre-season tournament.

The four goals for Edo Queens were scored in the first half, with Goodness Osigwe, Suliat Abideen, Omotoke Odueke, and Emem Essien all finding the back of the net. Ekiti Queens’ lone goal came from Seun Fakunle.

The official opening match of the tournament between Naija Ratels and Sunshine Queens ended 2-1 in favour of the former.

Goals from Augustina Unamba and Bankole Sofiat lifted Naija Ratels to a slim win.

Sunshine Queens managed a consolation goal from Eunice Ezeani.

The action continued on Sunday at Abacha Barracks pitch, with the eagerly anticipated only match of the day between Dannaz Ladies and Honey Badgers, ending in a 2-2 draw.

The opening games of the competition were attended by prominent dignitaries, include Nigeria’s senior women’s national team defender, Onome Ebi, NWFL Chairman, Nkechi Obi, President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), Barr. Paul Edeh, the Chairperson of the NFF Referees Committee, Mrs. Faith Irabor, and Chairman of the Organising Committee and FCT FA Secretary, Coach Haruna Ilerika amongst others.

This is the sixth edition of the foremost women’s football pre-season tournament in the country.