Morocco 2024: Madugu Upbeat Falcons Will Soar As Cape Verde Storm Abuja

Coach Justin Madugu has expressed deep faith in his Super Falcons’ squad to excel when they clash with their Cape Verdean counterparts in a 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations final round, first leg qualifier at the MKO Abiola National Stadium on Thursday evening. “We are without a few regular players for various reasons but we are not here to dwell on that. The Super Falcons’ team remains the Super Falcons anytime, anyday and anywhere. We have players in camp who will do justice to the badge and get us the qualification ticket to the AFCON. “Surely, we would have wanted a couple more days for the team to train together, but the fixture is the fixture and the window is the window, and we just have to make do with what we have and get the best out of the arrangement. Everyone in camp will play their part for the Super Falcons to qualify for Morocco 2024.” A total of 20 of the 21 invited players were at the team’s camp on Tuesday morning, with only University of Pittsburgh of America’s Deborah Abiodun still expected. Nine-time champions Nigeria reached this final stage of the qualification series following the withdrawal of Sao Tome’s senior girls from a second-round fixture in September. The delegation of Cape Verde’s senior girls flew into Nigeria’s capital, Abuja on Monday morning, and the visiting team will have its official training at the mainbowl of the MKO Abiola National Stadium on Wednesday evening from 4pm. Thursday’s encounter will begin at 4pm, with Madugu most likely to hand leadership of the rearguard to Mexico-based veteran Osinachi Ohale, who was among the first players in camp, and with Captain Rasheedat Ajibade to lead a midfield and attack that could include Peace Efih, Toni Payne, Esther Onyenezide, Omorinsola Babajide, Esther Okoronkwo, Uchenna Kanu and Gift Monday. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, in the shortlist for the CAF African Player of the Year awards holding in Morocco this weekend, will be in goal. The 13th edition of Africa’s flagship women football championship will be staged in Morocco in July next year. For the encounter in Abuja on Thursday, the Confederation of African Football has picked Ghanaian official Ama Boateng-Nkansah as referee, with her compatriots Doris Darko, Alice Chakule and Barikisu Salifu as assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official respectively. Oumou Sy from Guinea will be commissioner while Madeleine Somda from Burkina Faso will be the referee assessor. For the return leg in Praia on Tuesday, 5th December, Liberian Sylvina Welma Garnett will be the referee with her compatriot Hannah Moses as assistant referee 1. Sierra Leoneans Precious Amara and Humu Marah will be assistant referee 2 and fourth official respectively, while Oumou Souleymane Kane from Mauritania will serve as commissioner and Fadouma Dia from Senegal will be in the role of referee assessor.  

Colombia 2024: Danjuma Invites Omilana, Kalu, Adoo, 27 Others For Tanzania

Head Coach, Christopher Musa Danjuma has called up goalkeepers Faith Omilana and Linda Jiwuaku, defenders Jumoke Alani and Tumininu Adeshina, midfielders Taiwo Afolabi, Chinyere Kalu and Chidera Okenwa, and forwards Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, Yina Adoo and Opeyemi Ajakaye among a roster of 30 Falconets for next month’s 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying fixture against the U20 girls of Tanzania. Following the withdrawal of Mauritius from the second-round attrition with Nigeria, the 2022 World Cup quarter-finalists drew a bye to the third round, where Tanzania await, with the first leg away in Dar es Salaam on a date within 10th – 12th November and the return leg in Abuja on a date within 17th – 19th November. Danjuma has picked a few of his World Cup quarter-finalists from Costa Rica last year, and an impressive number from the Flamingos squad that won the bronze medals at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in India a year ago. The invited players have been told to report at the Chida Hotel in Utako, Abuja on Sunday, 22nd October. World football-governing body, FIFA has increased the number of finalists for next year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup final tournament in Colombia to 24, from the 16 that participated in Costa Rica, and also increased the number of Africa’s flag bearers to four. This means that after the Tanzania fixture, the Falconets will have one round to go before qualification for the big houseparty in Colombia in September 2024. ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS: Goalkeepers: Linda Jiwuaku (Bayelsa Queens); Faith Omilana (Naija Ratels); Anderlin Mgbechi (Delta Queens); Shukurat Bakare (Nasarawa Amazons) Defenders: Jumoke Alani (Edo Queens); Oluwabunmi Semilore (Naija Ratels); Oluchi Ohaegbunam (Nasarawa Amazons); Tumininu Adeshina (Naija Ratels); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); Comfort Folorunsho (Edo Queens); Monica Elejo (Nasarawa Amazons); Alake Kasali (Bayelsa Queens) Midfielders: Taiwo Afolabi (Delta Queens); Chinyere Kalu (Nasarawa Amazons); Vera Samuel (Delta Queens); Shukurat Sobowale (Nasarawa Amazons); Esther Inyang (Delta Queens); Aminat Folorunsho (Rivers Angels); Gloria Evans (FCT Academy); Chidera Okenwa (Delta Queens) Forwards: Chiamaka Okwuchukwu (Rivers Angels); Chinasa Ogor (Delta Queens); Opeyemi Ajakaye (FC Robo Queens); Adaobi Okoh (Remo Queens); Chioma Olise (Edo Queens); Chisom China (Bayelsa Queens); Lydia Joshua (Heartland Queens); Delight Isaac (Dannz Ladies); Jenat Akekoromowei (Asisat Academy); Yina Adoo (Nasarawa Amazons).

MLS: Messi inspires Inter Miami to Leagues Cup triumph

In a thrilling culmination of the League’s Cup, Inter Miami emerged victorious by triumphing over Nashville SC in a captivating final. The match, which concluded with a 1-1 draw, was eventually settled through a marathon penalty shootout that ended 10-9 in favour of Inter Miami. Adding to the intensity of the occasion was the continuation of Lionel Messi’s impressive winning streak since his arrival at the MLS side. The Argentine maestro’s impact was felt once again as he propelled his team to a seventh consecutive victory. Messi’s influence manifested early in the game, as he masterfully opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. His sensational strike, a fierce shot from a considerable distance, eluded multiple defenders and found its home in the top left corner of the net. This marked his 10th goal in the inaugural tournament. Nashville’s Fafa Picault countered for the home team in the 57th minute, equalizing the score and setting the stage for an exhilarating second half during which both teams came agonizingly close to seizing the lead in a rollercoaster-like fashion. In the climactic shootout, it was Nashville’s goalkeeper, Elliot Panicco, who missed the decisive penalty, paving the way for Inter Miami’s triumph. This victory held special significance as it secured Inter Miami, an MLS franchise established in 2020, their very first trophy. The jubilant scenes that followed were truly captivating, as Messi’s elated teammates hoisted him into the air in celebration. Meanwhile, Miami’s co-owner, David Beckham, could be seen exultantly raising his fists in a display of triumph. Reflecting on the momentous victory, Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender expressed his immense pride: “Contributing to our inaugural win in a final is an immense honor. This team’s dedication and hard work, day in and day out, culminated in this incredible outcome. The resilience and belief displayed are truly remarkable.” Callender’s standout performance earned him the title of man-of-the-match, having saved two crucial penalties during the shootout and confidently converted his own penalty. The transformation within Inter Miami’s gameplay has been palpable since Messi’s arrival, despite the team having a challenging season in the MLS. The infusion of Messi’s talents sparked an offensive surge, resulting in the squad netting an impressive 22 goals over their last seven matches. For Messi, this triumph marked his 44th trophy—an unparalleled achievement. The seven-time Ballon d’Or recipient was rightfully bestowed with the title of player of the tournament, which brings together teams from both MLS and Liga MX. Miami’s head coach, Gerardo “Tata” Martino, reflected on the closely contested game: “It was a closely matched encounter where either team could have clinched victory. The tie seemed just, and the eventual penalty shootout required composure, exceptional goalkeeping, and ultimately led to our victory.”

Arsenal beat Man City to win 2023 Community Shield

In a thrilling encounter, Arsenal secured a psychological boost to the new football season that begins next week, by defeating Manchester City on penalties to claim the 2023 Community Shield. After a relatively uneventful 70 minutes in the season opener, Cole Palmer seemed to have sealed the victory for City with a sensational strike. However, Leandro Trossard equalized in the 101st minute, sending the game to a dramatic penalty shootout. Substitute Kevin de Bruyne’s strike hit the crossbar, followed by Rodri’s saved effort, paving the way for Fabio Vieira to score the decisive penalty, clinching the silverware for Arsenal. The win provided a morale boost for Arsenal, who had led the Premier League for 248 days last season before falling short in the title race as City secured a Treble, including the Champions League and FA Cup. Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, had expressed the desire to avenge last season’s defeats against City, and his side displayed impressive determination throughout the match. The Gunners’ summer signings, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber, all made their competitive debuts, further strengthening the team’s core. While Community Shield victories do not necessarily guarantee Premier League success, Arsenal reveled in the positive result after a disappointing end to the previous season. Guardiola praised Arsenal’s summer transfers, acknowledging their strengthened squad. Despite City’s three major trophies in the last season, including the Premier League, they faced defeat in their third consecutive Community Shield appearance. Nonetheless, City remains focused on their primary goal of defending the Premier League title. Mateo Kovacic, one of City’s notable summer signings, displayed a strong performance in midfield. Although Golden Boot winner Erling Haaland had an off day in front of goal, City remains confident in their abilities to deliver a remarkable campaign. Overall, Arsenal’s Community Shield victory serves as an encouraging start to the season, instilling confidence and optimism for the challenges ahead. City, despite their Community Shield losses, is determined to maintain their dominance and continue their pursuit of more silverware in the upcoming Premier League campaign.

AFCON 2023 Qualifier: Full house as Eagles eye early ticket against Leone Stars

All invited players are now in the camp of the Super Eagles in Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos as countdown begins for Sunday’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying showdown with the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone in Monrovia. Table-toppers Nigeria, on nine points, will slug it out with the Leone Stars, four points behind and in third place, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Paynesville, Monrovia. The 22,000 -capacity arena will witness fireworks from 5pm Nigeria time (4pm Liberia time) as the Super Eagles seek to reach the finals of the 34th Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for Cote d’Ivoire early next year, with a game to spare. For the last edition of Africa’s flagship football championship, the Super Eagles qualified for the finals with a game to spare after Paul Onuachu headed in with few minutes left against Benin Republic’s Guepards in Porto Novo. Three-time champions Nigeria will fire from all cylinders at the Paynesville, conscious that second-placed Guinea Bissau, two points behind, are likely to inflict defeat on group whipping boys Sao Tome and Principe in the other match of the pool. In the last weeks of 2020, the Leone Stars famously came from 4-1 down to draw 4-4 with the Super Eagles at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City in another Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match (Cameroon 2021), and few days later, held the Eagles to a barren draw at the Siaka Stevens Stadium in Freetown. When both teams clashed on Day 1 of the ongoing series at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja a year ago, the Leone Stars drew the first blood before goals by Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen put Nigeria in the driving seat. The Eagles flew to Agadir, Morocco some days later to inflict a 10-0 defeat on Sao Tome and Principe, in the event setting a new international win-record. The Confederation of African Football has appointed Sudanese official Mahmood Ali Ismail as the referee for Sunday’s encounter, with his compatriot Mohammed Abdallah Ibrahim as assistant referee 1. Liban Abdourazak Ahmed from Djibouti will serve as assistant referee 2, with Mohamed Diraneh Guedi, also from Djibouti, in the role of fourth official. Gambian Bakary Jammeh will be the commissioner while Kokou Djaoupe from Togo will serve as referee assessor.