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.
Champions League: Arsenal Return With A Bang, Madrid Win; Man United Lose
Arsenal made a triumphant return to the Champions League, securing a resounding 4-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven at the Emirates Stadium in their first campaign in six years. The Gunners displayed an electrifying first-half performance, storming to a 3-0 lead on a rainy night in north London. Bukayo Saka opened the scoring after eight minutes, capitalizing on a rebound when PSV goalkeeper Walter Benitez could only parry Martin Odegaard’s shot into the path of the England winger. Saka played a crucial role again, setting up Leandro Trossard’s goal to double Arsenal’s lead 12 minutes later after Gabriel Jesus broke clear. Jesus continued his impressive performance, adding Arsenal’s third seven minutes before half-time with a powerful rising shot that left Benitez with no chance. In the second half, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made several changes with an eye on Sunday’s derby against in-form Tottenham, but his team maintained complete control. Odegaard sealed the victory with a powerful 20-yard strike, making it 4-0 with 20 minutes remaining. In another Champions League match, Manchester United faced a tough challenge against Bayern Munich, with Harry Kane playing a pivotal role in his new team’s 4-3 victory. Kane contributed an assist and scored from the penalty spot, bringing his goal tally this season to five in all competitions. United’s Rasmus Hojland scored his first goal for the club early in the second half, giving them a glimmer of hope at 2-1. However, an error by goalkeeper Andre Onana allowed Leroy Sane’s shot to slip under him in the 28th minute, giving Bayern a 1-0 lead. Four minutes later, Serge Gnabry scored a precise low shot to make it 2-0. United made an effort to mount a comeback, but injuries and a lack of options from the bench hampered their ability to compete. Casemiro managed to score a second goal for United, providing a glimmer of hope, but Mathys Tel’s late strike for Bayern sealed the 4-2 victory. In another Champions League match of the night, Jude Bellingham secured a late 1-0 victory for Real Madrid with an injury-time tap-in against Union Berlin at the Santiago Bernabeu. This marked Bellingham’s sixth goal in six matches since joining Real Madrid this summer. Federico Valverde’s 94th-minute shot deflected into Bellingham’s path, allowing him to tap into an empty net. Union Berlin, making their Champions League debut, were unable to respond in the final minute, as Real Madrid claimed the late win.
AFCON Qualifier: Osimhen Nets Hat-trick As Eagles Maul Sao Tome 6-0
Ballon d’Or nominee, Victor Osimhen netted a hat-trick that took his tally to 10 in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, and also ensured Nigeria finished as group winners in the race to Cote d’Ivoire. Having drubbed their opponents 10-0 in both teams’ first encounter in the Moroccan city of Agadir in June 2022, the Eagles, who had already qualified for the finals no matter the scoreline, were in no danger on the lush turf of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. They expectedly started on the front foot, in front of a capacity crowd of 30,000 spectators, but Semi Ajayi’s firm header off a corner kick by Kelechi Iheanacho in the second minute was punched away by goalkeeper Ronaldo Silva. Silva was by far the busiest of the two goalies on the night, and had to be alert and active four minutes later as England-based forward Taiwo Awoniyi turned and struck a fierce one inside the box. He would however, have no answer when Osimhen, with seven goals in five previous qualifying matches, rose above the defence to head in from close range off a corner kick by Ademola Lookman. Awoniyi’s header missed narrowly three minutes later, but the visiting goal-tender again had to pick the ball from his net in the 27th minute when Lookman received a pass from on-field captain Wilfred Ndidi and sashayed past two defenders before tucking it past the goalie for Nigeria’s second of the evening. Seven minutes into the second half, Awoniyi had the crowd on his feet when he chested a flick by Iheanacho and blasted past Silva from close range. Everything was on a roll and Osimhen scored his ninth goal of the qualifying campaign in the 70th minute, when he won and converted a penalty kick with Silva sent the wrong way. With 10 minutes left, the goal king did his Ballon d’Or nomination no harm with a third goal after a flowing move that had substitute Samuel Chukwueze and Awoniyi contributing. There was still time for Chukwueze to score a sixth, with five minutes left, after he was picked out by fellow substitute Victor Boniface on the left side of the visitors’ defence. Osimhen deservedly won MTN’s Most Valuable Player of the Match award and pocketed the sum of N1 million naira, while Lookman was selected the Man of the Match and picked up a cheque for N1 million from Nigerian Breweries PLC. Next up for the Super Eagles is a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho’s Crocodiles also in Uyo on 17 November.
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.”
FWWC: Spain mauls Switzerland 5-1 to berth quarterfinals
An Aitana Bonmati-inspired Spain took Switzerland to the cleaners 5-1 on Saturday to secure a spot in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-finals for the first time. This was the second time Spain hit five goals at Australia and New Zealand 2023, having defeated Zambia 5-0 in the group stage. The team’s midfield maestro and Player of the Match, Bonmati scored twice, with Alba Redondo, Laia Codina, and Jennifer Hermoso also on target in a dominant display. Spain hit the front early on when Bonmati superbly cut the ball back onto her left foot before slotting home with a clever finish. Switzerland soon equalised, though in a bizarre fashion. Spain defender Codina misplaced a pass back to goalkeeper Cata Coll, with the ball rolling into the net to the amazement of the Eden Park crowd. Jorge Vilda’s side responded defiantly to that shock blow and were back ahead. This was when Redondo – starting her first game of the tournament – expertly placed an opportunistic header beyond Swiss stopper, Gaelle Thalmann. Spain was relentless at this point and forged 3-1 ahead through the brilliant Bonmati. If her first goal was good, then this one was exceptional. With one stunning turn inside the penalty box, she dribbled three Swiss defenders and their goalkeeper, then calmly finished to double her team’s advantage. Spain put the result beyond doubt just before half-time when Codina atoned for her own goal by prodding in from close range following a goal-mouth scramble. The second half was a more competitive affair, with Switzerland substitute Meriame Terchoun’s snapshot forcing a smart save from Coll. Spain were to have the last word though, with Hermoso completing the scoring with a clinical strike. Spain will face the winner of Sunday’s tie between the Netherlands and South Africa in the quarter-final. Jorge Vilda, Spain’s coach told newsmen after the match that his team approached the game well and were very offensive which was key to their victory. “What I liked the most about the team was our competitiveness – how we went into the duels and how we won the duels. “We showed what we can do, even without being at our best level. We made history [by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time]. “We proved we are a team of 23 players and we are very happy,” he said. Ramona Bachmann, Switzerland forward expressed disappointment over the team’s defeat, admitting however that they lost to a better side. “Today it was just difficult. You could see that Spain was a class better. “In the first 20-25 minutes we had a few good attacks, but we weren’t clever playing them through to the end. “We wanted to be dangerous on the counter-attack, which worked out a few times in the first half, but not so much in the second,” she said.
2023 FIFA WWC: Nigeria advances to last-16 despite Ireland stalemate
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have secured a spot in the knockout phase of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the third time, despite playing out a goalless draw against the Republic of Ireland on Monday. Ireland, in their maiden appearance in the tournament, managed to claim their first-ever Women’s World Cup point. Before the final group game, Ireland’s fate was already sealed with narrow defeats to Australia and Canada, with the even contest against the Super Falcons showcasing their determination to make history in the prestigious tournament. Nigeria will be joined in the last 16 by Australia, who sent Olympic champions Canada packing with an emphatic 4-0 victory. The co-hosts’ dominant performance saw them progress at the expense of Canada. In the match between Ireland and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium, Ireland displayed early dominance, with Captain Katie McCabe having the first notable effort of the game that narrowly missed the target. Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala had a golden opportunity to score when Louise Quinn’s mistake gifted her the ball, but her shot narrowly curled away from the far post. One of the standout moments of the game occurred just after the interval when Ireland goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan made a spectacular save. Uchenna Kanu’s header was brilliantly parried onto the bar by Brosnan, who quickly reacted to keep her side in the game. Despite both teams’ efforts on goal, neither could find the elusive winning goal, resulting in a goalless draw. Nigeria progressed as the second-placed team in Group B, securing their spot in the knockout stage and could face England in the next round. In a historic moment, Super Falcons’ defender Onome Ebi became the first African footballer, male or female, to participate in six World Cups. Her achievement stands as a testament to her remarkable contribution to the sport. As the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup unfolds, the competition intensifies, and teams strive to make their mark on the global stage. The tournament has continued to captivate fans worldwide with thrilling matches and exceptional displays of talent from women footballers from diverse nations.
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.