Morocco 2024: Madugu Invites Ajibade, Oshoala, 19 Other Falcons For Cape Verde
Coach Justin Madugu has called 21 players to the Super Falcons’ camp ahead of next week’s 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations final qualifying round, first leg clash with the Senior Women National Team of Cape Verde. The nine-time African champions will host the Cape Verdians at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Thursday, 30th November, before both teams trade tackles in a return leg in Praia on Tuesday, 5th December. To be eligible for this final round, the Super Falcons accomplished a commanding 5-1 aggregate win over their counterparts from Ethiopia, with the first leg in Addis Ababa ending 1-1 before a 4-0 lashing of the ‘Lucy’ in Abuja. All invited players have been advised to report to the team’s camp in Abuja between 25th and 27th November. The Falcons have never failed to reach the Women Africa Cup of Nations since the competition was launched as the African Women Championship in Nigeria in 1998, and have swept nine out of 12 titles that have been contested so far. ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS: Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia); Christiana Obia (Edo Queens) Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca FC, Mexico); Glory Edet (FCF TP Mazembe, DR Congo); Rihanat Kasali (Bayelsa Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Stade de Reims, France); Akudo Ogbonna (Remo Stars Ladies); Rofiat Imuran (Stade de Reims, France) Midfielders: Christy Ucheibe (SC Benfica, Portugal); Esther Onyenezide (FC Robo Queens); Peace Efih (Sporting Club de Braga, Portugal); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid FC, Spain); Deborah Abiodun (University of Pittsburgh, USA); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain); Jennifer Echegini (Florida State University, USA) Forwards: Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Asisat Oshoala (FC Barcelona Feminine, Spain); Esther Okoronkwo (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain).
Colombia 2024: Falconets Brush Aside Tanzania, Reach Final Round
Goals by Janet Akekoromowei and Comfort Folorunsho against Tanzania at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja on Sunday gave Nigeria a 2-1 win and progress to the final round of qualifiers for the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals. After a gloomy afternoon for Nigerian ball fans following the Super Eagles’ disappointing 1-1 draw with the Warriors of Zimbabwe in neutral Rwanda in the race to 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, the Falconets gave the fans something to smile about as they edged their Tanzanian counterparts 3-2 on aggregate to reach the final round, where they will take on Burundi’s U20 girls. The 2022 World Cup quarter-finalists, who have never been absent from the global finals, swarmed on the visitors from the first blast of the whistle, but poor marksmanship on the part of former U17 team striker Opeyemi Ajakaye robbed them of an early goal. Akekoromowei eventually put Nigeria in front after 16 minutes, when she rifled home from the edge of the box after an intelligent pass from Taiwo Afolabi. Five minutes later, the East Africans were at parity, when goalkeeper Shukura Bakare dropped the ball from an innocuous-looking free-kick 35 yards out and Jamila Mnunduka bundled the ball over the line. Nigeria would have been ahead in the 25th minute, but defender Shukurat Oladipo’s well-struck free-kick from 40 yards was parried away by goalkeeper Zulfa Ally Makau. Ajakaye failed to make hay with another opportunity in the 33rd minute. On the hour mark, defender Comfort Folorunsho broke the spell of 1-1draws for Nigeria’s national teams in recent weeks, when she leapt highest to head home from Afolabi’s cross after a couple of touches from a corner kick. The Falconets will now take on Burundi in the final round of qualifiers, to determine one of Africa’s flagbearers at next year’s global championship to be hosted by Colombia.
2026 World Cup Race: Again, Eagles Settle For Draw Against Zimbabwe
The Super Eagles, again, had to settle for a 1-1 draw on Day 2 of the FIFA World Cup qualifying African series after a tame performance failed to lift them above the Warriors of Zimbabwe in neutral Rwandan ground on Sunday. Walter Musona put the Warriors in front after 26 minutes with a 35-yard free-kick that eluded goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and sailed into the net. The Eagles did not play with the stronger mentality and determination they espoused after the 1-1 draw with Lesotho in Uyo on Thursday, as the Warriors, who played their own game against Rwanda a day earlier and better-rested, showed more hunger and desire for the three points. Moses Simon’s stout shielding of the ball and good decision in the box allowed Kelechi Iheanacho to slam past the goalkeeper for Nigeria’s equalizer after 67 minutes in Butare. The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers resume in June 2024 with Nigeria hosting South Africa, current leaders of Group C, before travelling to an away game against Benin Republic.
Premier League: Arsenal Beat Burnley 3-1 To Level Leaders Man City
Arsenal outclassed Burnley 3-1 on Saturday to move second in the Premier League table and hand the visitors a sixth straight defeat in all competitions. Goals from Leandro Trossard, William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko gave Arsenal victory but their afternoon ended on a sour note when Fabio Vieira was sent off for a reckless challenge. Arsenal climbed to 29 points in the standings, level with leaders Manchester City and one point above north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who lost 2-1 at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the early kickoff. “Really happy with the result, especially the performance. How dominant we were against a team that is very difficult to dominate. “The amount of situations that we generated I think we fully deserved to win the game,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told reporters. Burnley’s crisis deepened as they sit 19th with four points following their 10th defeat in 12 games. Vincent Kompany named an unchanged Burnley side for the first time this season and they did well to keep Arsenal at bay even as Arteta’s team dominated possession and piled on the pressure in search of a breakthrough. The London side scored on the stroke of halftime when Bukayo Saka headed the ball across the six-yard box and Trossard leapt into the air to head home Arsenal’s 1,000th goal at Emirates Stadium. However, celebrations were muted as the Belgian clattered into the post and winced in pain as he held his arm before returning to the pitch after treatment. Burnley levelled against the run of play in the second half when a blocked shot fell to Josh Brownhill and the skipper’s effort took a deflection to beat the helpless David Raya in Arsenal’s goal. The scores were level for barely two minutes, however, as Arsenal won a corner and Trossard’s dangerous delivery found Saliba, who nodded home from a yard out. Zinchenko made it 3-1 with an improvised volley after Burnley failed to clear a corner. “Take nothing away, we played a fantastic side. The way Mikel has the team working is outstanding. “For putting in the performance we did, we’re relying on other factors like luck or individual moments but on the two set plays that wasn’t the case,” Kompany said. Vieira saw red for a high boot when he caught Brownhill on the knee but Arteta had no issues with the decision after criticising the officials following his team’s 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United. “Tough place to go. We defended very well for the majority of the game. The timing of the first goal kills us. “When we go level second half, you don’t want to concede straight away after. They are stupid goals for us,” Brownhill said. In other games, struggling Manchester United beat Lutton FC 1-0 at Old Trafford while Wolves stun Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in a thrilling encounter.
Nigeria Women’s Football League Shifts Season Opener
The Nigeria Women’s Football League has announced a shift in the date for the highly anticipated 2023/24 NWFL Premiership season opener between Ekiti Queens and Delta Queens in Ado- Ekiti. Originally scheduled for Wednesday, November 15, the opening day of the season event will now take place a day earlier on Tuesday, November 14. The season opener which also doubles as the Star Match of the opening Matchday One fixtures of the NWFL Premiership season will be played at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado Ekiti. The President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau will be in attendance at the season opener to show support and encouragement for the continued growth of women’s football. He has expressed keen interest in the league’s development and is impressed with the strides made in the repositioning of the Women’s League a short span of time, by the current board of the NWFL, led by Ms. Nkechi Obi. The decision to move the date ensures that key stakeholders, fans, and the football community at large can join in this celebration of women’s football excellence. All other Week One fixtures in the Nigeria Women’s Football League Premiership will take place as scheduled. The NWFL looks forward to a thrilling #NWFL24 season and appreciates the ongoing support from fans and partners. NWFL Premiership WEEK ONE FIXTURES Ekiti Queens vs Delta Queens Naija Ratels vs Nasarawa Amazons Confluence Queens vs Dannaz Ladies Abia Angels vs Adamawa Queens Heartland Queens vs Royal Queens Remo Stars Ladies vs Rivers Angels Sunshine Queens vs Bayelsa Queens Edo Queens vs Robo Queens
2026 World Cup: Peseiro Calls Simon, Iheanacho, 21 Others For Crocodiles, Warriors
Head Coach Jose Santos Peseiro has invited goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Olaoluwa Aina, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka, and forwards Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho and Taiwo Awoniyi among a list of 23 players for this month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe. There are also goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Olorunleke Ojo, defenders Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielder Raphael Onyedika and forwards Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface and Terem Moffi. Defender Jamilu Collins makes a return after a long lay-off due to injury, and there is a first-ever call for Bayer Leverkusen of Germany forward Nathan Tella. Spain-based striker Sadiq Umar also makes a return after a long absence. The Super Eagles kick-start their race to the huge houseparty in the United States of America, Mexico and Canada in 2026 with a session against the Crocodiles of Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo next week Thursday, and then fly to Rwanda for a clash with the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Huye Stadium in Butare on Sunday, 19th November. The 20,000-capacity Huye Stadium, located in the city of Butare which is 135 kilometres south of the Rwandan capital, Kigali, has an artificial turf. Zimbabwe has adopted Rwanda as home for the qualifiers as no stadium in the southern African nation has been deemed fit to host the FIFA World Cup qualifying games. ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS: Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC); Maduka Okoye (Udinese Calcio, Italy) Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Jamilu Collins (Cardiff FC, Wales) Midfielders: Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England) Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
Paris 2024: Super Falcons ease past Ethiopia to set up clash with Cameroon’s Lionesses
A brace by captain Rasheedat Ajibade and one each by Uchenna Kanu and Asisat Oshoala saw the Super Falcons reach the third round of the African qualifiers for next year’s Women Olympic Football Tournament on a 5-1 aggregate win over Ethiopia. The nine-time African champions will next meet the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in the race. A rather tepid first half saw Oshoala bungle a couple of opportunities and Uchenna Kanu miss from six yards. Kalsa Aregash also saw her shot saved by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and from a 20-yard free-kick, captain Loza Abera tried to slot above Nnadozie without success. Just before referee Edoh Kindidje from Togo blew for recess, Oluwatosin Demehin sent a long ball forward and Kanu, who scored Nigeria’s first goal at the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in the summer, easily beat two defenders by watching the bounce of the ball, and then raced to slot past goalkeeper Tarikua Bergena for Nigeria’s first goal. Five minutes into the second period, and just about the time she netted Nigeria’s equalizer in Addis Ababa six days earlier, captain Ajibade stepped up to flash into the net for Nigeria’s second goal, a cross from Oshoala as the Barcelona Feminine forward darted past two defenders on the right. In the 68th minute, Oshoala turned scorer, heaving herself up to meet Kanu’s measured pull-out from the left with a close-range header that left Bergena totally helpless. The visitors, now overwhelmed, sought to limit the damage, but it was not to be as Ajibade, lithe and sparse and dangerous as ever, sneaked in to bundle the ball past Bergena four minutes later after another cross from Oshoala. Spain-based Ajibade nearly got her hat-trick on the dot of time, when she flashed a shot from 27 yards that went narrowly away. Victory means the Super Falcons will now meet the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon, who overturned a 2-0 defeat in Kampala to defeat Uganda 3-0 after extra time in Yaounde on Tuesday night.
NFF Working Diligently To Ensure National Teams Attain Greater Heights – Gusau
President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau on Tuesday disclosed that the football-governing body is working assiduously to ensure that all the National Teams perform much better in their competitions in the next one year, than they have done in the past year. He made this pledge while reviewing the activities of the NFF and the teams in one year of his Board in office, and also articulating expectations for the next one year. While highlighting the achievements of the past year, which included a first-ever podium finish at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, quarter-final performance of the Flying Eagles at the FIFA U20 World Cup, qualification of the Super Eagles to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and best-ever outing by the Super Falcons at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Gusau asseverated that the Board and Secretariat have worked in tandem to remove toxicity from the system and enable a more conducive environment for the game in the country. “One of our priorities on coming into office was to ensure that the football environment was cleansed of so much toxicity that had threatened the health of the game and made some persons feel unwelcome in the system. We have tried our best to give everyone a sense of belonging with a policy of inclusiveness. “Off the pitch, we are proud of the work of the Interim Management Committee that we constituted to organize the last NPFL League Season, which was commended by all stakeholders, and we also feel fulfilled about the constitution of the Boards of the NNL, NWFL and NLO with vibrant, knowledgeable and competent individuals who are capable of taking the leagues to the next level. Elections into the State FAs have also been largely peaceful and successful.” Gusau said his board will work assiduously and diligently with the secretariat and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development to see the Super Eagles off to a great start in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series and to win the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire early next year. “We also want to see the Super Falcons reclaim their African title and return to the Women Olympic Football Tournament. Our expectations include making good progress in our plan for hostel accommodation and some playing pitches for the National Teams, through the FIFA Forward 3.0 program, and also see that the U17 and U20 Women National Teams achieve their best-ever outings at their different World Cups next year. “We are working already with the new NPFL Board to grow the NPFL into the product that all administrators and stakeholders desire, and also with the boards of the other Leagues to improve the state of our domestic football. To achieve all these, we need money, so we are also looking to work even harder to grow our revenue base through aggressive marketing drive.” The NFF boss said his team will also not allow any FIFA window for friendly matches to go unutilized. “As you can see, we have arranged two matches for the Super Eagles in this month’s window, against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique. Mozambique is in southern Africa where three of our opponents in the World Cup qualifiers, namely Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa also are. Playing Mozambique is a good opportunity for the team to have a sneak preview of what to expect against these three teams.” Also at the parley were NFF Executive Committee Members H. E. Ali Silas Agara and Mr. George Aluo; NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi; Chairman of Anambra State FA, Chikelue Iloenyosi; NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire; Director of Competitions, Ruth David and; Head of Member Associations, Ali Abubakar Muhammad. Abdulrahaman takes over from Adesanya as COO, Nigeria National League Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has deployed Dr. Ayo Hameed Abdulrahaman to the Nigeria National League as the chief operating officer, to take over from Mr. Emmanuel Adesanya who has retired from the Federal Civil Service after attaining the age of 60 years. Abdulrahaman, who holds a doctorate degree in physical and health education, has robust sphere and institutional experience in football organization and administration. He is a deputy director in the Federal Civil Service. Before his deployment, Dr. Abdulrahaman worked as deputy director in the NFF Competitions Department. He had also worked for many years previously as chief operating officer of the NNL, and also in the same capacity in the Nigeria Women Football League.
D’Tigress dominate Afrobasket, win 4th consecutive title
Nigeria’s D’Tigress emerged victorious on Saturday night, defeating Senegal 84-74 to secure their fourth consecutive Afrobasket Championship title in Kigali, Rwanda, cementing their position as the dominant force in African women’s basketball. Throughout the tournament, D’Tigress displayed an exceptional level of play, overpowering their opponents with a stellar lineup of talented players such as Amy Okonkwo, Murjanatu Musa, Sarah Ogoke, and Ifunaya Okoro. Among them, Okonkwo stood out, consistently unleashing her skills to keep Senegal on the defensive, earning her the well-deserved title of the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). The game was thoroughly dominated by D’Tigress, denying Senegal any opportunity to turn the tide, as reflected in the impressive scorecards of 19-10, 24-21, 26-19, and 22-17 in each of the four quarters. Notably, the victory also marked history with Rena Wakama, the Head Coach of D’Tigress, becoming the first indigenous female coach to lead a national team to an Afrobasket Championship triumph. At the post-match conference, Wakama expressed pride in her players’ determination, hard work, and passion, considering the short period they had to train together. The achievement was widely praised by sports enthusiasts and journalists alike. Queen Moseph, a sports journalist, commended the players for their remarkable display of talent and dedication, uplifting the spirits of basketball-loving Nigerians. The victory serves as a testament to the incredible prowess of Nigeria’s senior national team, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s basketball community. Sports commentator Kelechi Benard hailed the triumph as a significant milestone for Nigeria, especially given the limited preparation time the team had. He emphasized the importance of hard work and team coordination, factors that contributed to the team’s success and highlighted their potential to achieve even more in the future. Nigeria’s D’Tigress showcased their dominance in African women’s basketball, securing their fourth consecutive Afrobasket Championship title with an 84-74 victory over Senegal. The team’s performance, led by the exceptional Amy Okonkwo and under the guidance of Coach Rena Wakama, earned them widespread admiration and recognition for their professionalism and passion. This win stands as a testament to the team’s commitment and ability, inspiring basketball enthusiasts across the nation.
Afrobasket: D’Tigress crush Rwanda, reach 4th consecutive final
Nigeria’s Senior Women’s Basketball Team, D’Tigress on Thursday pummeled host country Rwanda, 79-48 to reach another final of the ongoing Afrobasket Women’s Championship. The team, who has been dominant in the competition since 2015, are yet to lose any match and are now gunning for their fourth successive title.They have now extended their unbeaten run to 23 games and will next face the winner between Senegal and Mali in the final on Saturday.Amy Okonkwo as usual, unleashed the necessary qualities as she recorded 23 points, 10 rebounds, two steals, and one block to help the team get past Rwanda who had a huge home support.D’Tigress were dominant all through the four quarters of the match recording, 22-6, 22-12, 17-14, and 13-21 to coast home a 79-48 victory.The last time Nigeria lost a game in the Women’s Afrobasket was in 2015 against Cameroon in the semi-finals.In a post-match news conference monitored, the Head Coach of Rwanda, Sheik Caar, admitted that Nigeria is a powerhouse in basketball and that they made three points look easy and they had a 45 percent average.“If you have a team making three points look easy and you only have just one player making points, how are you going to win a team like Nigeria?“We tried but Nigeria is better physically and mentally, indeed they deserve to win and we just have to prepare harder next time,” Caar said.Also speaking, Nigeria’s Head Coach, Rena Wakama, who had just two weeks to prepare the team, expressed happiness over the victory.“It’s a very good feeling I give kudos to the players who gave their best and have done very well to reach another final.“Indeed it’s a great achievement and we look forward to playing in the final and winning the championship trophy,” Wakama said.The D’Tigress’ scorecard in the competition is, 69-35 against Congo, 83-65 against Egypt, 59-52 against Mozambique, and now 79-48 against Rwanda.