The Deputy Governor of the Edo State, Philip Shuaibu, on Sunday, assured that the state government would continue to enhance the growth of sports in the state with more investments.
Shuaibu told journalists at the end of the final match of the Flying Officers Cup played at the old parade ground in Abuja, in which Edo Queens FC lost 0-1 to FC Robo.
He said the state government would invest in all sports, not just football, adding that he was proud of the performance of the state team in the final match of the third edition of the Flying Officers Cup.
According to this, tournaments like this will help to scout for players for the national team and for clubs.
“I am very very proud, we have a very young team, this is just a work in progress for the team, with what I have seen so far. They can compete at any level now…we are setting all it takes to prepare for the season, which starts on Dec. 8.
“Tournaments like this will strengthen clubs and we will be seeing a very beautiful season come December. This can also help to scout for players both at the national and at club levels,” he said.
WAFU-20: Flying Eagles look positive against Ghana
The Deputy Governor said the state would partner with the organizers of the Flying Officer Cup, to develop women’s football in the country.
“I salute those that organized this tournament and like I told the proprietor, we will partner with him to make sure that Nigeria’s women football is strengthened,” he said.
Paul Edeh , the chairman of Naija Ratels FC of Abuja, who is also the organizer of the Flying Officers Cup, urged private bodies to support the next edition of the tournament.
”We lift God high for the success of the tournament, all glory belongs to God.
“In the first edition we started with four teams, in the second edition eight teams participated and in this third edition now we have 16 teams.
“In the next edition, we will in 2022 celebrate more Nigerians; we will be expecting sponsorships from well-meaning Nigerians, as well as big brands.
“This is because our brand has come to stay; this is what we need to move women football to great heights, ” he added.
In the third-place match, Osun Babes defeated Confluence Queens of Lokoja 10-9 on penalties.
As winners of the third edition of the Flying Officers Cup, FC Robo Queens went home with a cash prize of N2 million, Edo Queens N1.5 million in second place, while Osun Babes FC and Confluence Queens, in third and fourth place, received N1 million and N700,000, respectively.
A total of 16 teams were featured in the third edition of the Flying Officers Cup competition, which began on Oct. 10 and ended on Oct. 24.
