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Flamingos Resume Camping Ahead 2025 U17 Women’s World Cup

Fola Badmus2 weeks ago2 weeks ago03 mins

Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has invited a total of 30 players to the camp of Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos, as the team kickstarts preparations for this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals, taking place in Morocco. Invited are four goalkeepers, nine defenders, nine midfielders and nine strikers. 2022 FIFA World Cup bronze medallists, Nigeria overpowered South Africa and Algeria in the qualifying series to pick a ticket to the first-ever 24-team FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals, which will be played across four venues in two cities in Morocco, 17th October – 8th November. Venues earmarked for the finals (the first of five straight final tournaments to be hosted by Morocco) are the Prince Héritier Moulay el-Hassan Sports Complex, Prince Moulay Abdellah Sport Complex, Al Barid Stadium and Mohamed VI Football Academy. The invited players are expected to arrive camp in Abuja on Sunday, 7th September. ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS Goalkeepers: Elizabeth Boniface (Abia Angels); Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers); Abigail Nmecha (Team Abia); Sylva Echefu (Bayelsa Queens) Defenders: Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels); Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo); Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers); Ufuoma Lucky (Royal Queens, Warri); Choice Ovwighovwiroro (New Generation, Abuja); Maryjane Ikeche (Ahudiyannem Queens); Blessed Isigbo (Remo Stars Ladies); Grace Ufot (Fortress Ladies) Midfielders: Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy); Fatimah Shuaib (Confluence Queens); Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy); Taiwo Lukman (Confluence Queens); Esther Lasisi (N-Youth, Abuja); Precious Nkwocha (Imo Strikers); Gift Anekan (New Generation, Abuja); Ayomide Abubakar (Onimarg FC) Forwards: Kaosara Olanrewaju (Aisha Yusuf Academy, Lagos); Kindness Ifeanyi (Bayelsa Queens); Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy); Shavih Istifanus (Youth Arise Academy); Tabitha Terlumu (Braavos, Edo); Destiny Itodore (Delta Queens); Chisom Nwachukwu (Rivers Angels); Nofisat Tijani (Youthful Talent 99)

World Cup Qualifier: Eagles Insist Focus Is On Amavubi Before Bafana

Fola Badmus2 weeks ago2 weeks ago03 mins

The Super Eagles are not making the mistake of thinking too much about the showdown with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, but are rather focused on their clash with Rwanda’s Amavubi in Uyo on Saturday, according to team captain William Ekong. “You take one step at a time. We have Rwanda to play on Saturday, and there are three points there. After that is concluded, then we begin to think of South Africa. There are three points also in there when we play in Bloemfontein, but that is a few days after Rwanda. Rwanda comes first,” Ekong said on Thursday. Nigeria has not had a campaign to shout about, especially in the first four matches of which she won none, but Ekong says the squad has committed to taking all points in the remaining games, believing that will be good enough to send Nigeria to the 48-nation finals in North America next summer. “We will do our very best to go all out and win the remaining four matches. Hopefully, that will be good enough to take us there.” The encounter with Rwanda, who lost the Matchday 5 that brought both teams at loggerheads in Kigali in March, is a Matchday 7 fixture, while the confrontation with South Africa is a Matchday 8 encounter. During the 1998 FIFA World Cup finals in France, the Super Eagles were focused on a potential Match-of-the-Tournament clash with Brazil in the quarter-finals, and failed to focus on their Round of 16 tie with Denmark. Following a 4-1 thumping of Nigeria in the game, Denmark’s ace winger Brian Laudrup said at the post-match conference: “Nigeria should learn to count one before four.” Nigeria’s camp attained full capacity on Wednesday evening, with the arrivals of midfielders Raphael Onyedika and Christantus Uche, and forwards Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze and Tolu Arokodare.

Celtic Signs Free Agent Iheanacho On One-Year Deal

Fola Badmus2 weeks ago2 weeks ago02 mins

Celtic have confirmed the signing of free agent Kelechi Iheanacho on a one-year deal. The Hoops were scrambling for a striker as the summer transfer window closed on Monday night, with Adam Idah sealing a move to Swansea City. Fans shared their frustration at a lack of incomings at Parkhead, with Tunisian winger Sebastian Tounekti the only recruit through the door on the final day. Iheanacho, who played under Brendan Rodgers at Leicester City, negotiated his release from Sevilla on Monday and became a free agent. Celtic confirmed the 28-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the option of a further year. Rodgers told the club’s website: “I know Kelechi so well and what he can bring to the team. He is such a talented player, with great ability, athleticism and work-rate. “I am sure he will love being at Celtic and I believe our fans will love what he brings. “He has great experience and he is right in his peak years so he can be a great signing for us. I am sure he will make a big contribution to the team.”

NFF to Partner Vivacity Group on Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Youth Employment

Fola Badmus2 weeks ago2 weeks ago02 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation has agreed to partner with a non-governmental organization, Vivacity Group, on the latter’s Future of Work Initiative (NigeriaWorks 2030), which is aimed at driving innovation, entrepreneurship and youth employment across services and care economy, agriculture and agribusiness, creative and cultural industries, and technology and digital economy. Speaking on her visit to the NFF Secretariat on Tuesday, Founder and CEO of Vivacity Group, Oluwakemi Ann-Melody Areola remarked that the vision and dedication of NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON) has continued to elevate Nigerian football on the global stage. “Through your stewardship, the NFF has not only strengthened Nigeria’s international image but also nurtured homegrown talent and expanded opportunities for young people across the nation. The unifying power of football, championed by your leadership, continues to drive national pride, foster social cohesion, and inspire youth engagement, while simultaneously opening pathways for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. “The Future of Work Initiative (NigeriaWorks 2030) aims to equip Nigeria’s workforce across youth, professionals, and entrepreneurs with the skills, opportunities and global competitiveness required to thrive in the 21st-century economy.” Responding, Gusau lauded the initiative, reiterating that his administration will continue to encourage meaningful and positive moves and endeavours that seek to enhance opportunities for the youth, engage professionals and groups productively and foster social cohesion while creating value. NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi (MON) also recommended critical path measures that the group can adopt to spring it swiftly towards attaining its goals and objectives.

World Cup Qualifier: Fans to Pay N3,000 & N1,000 to Watch Eagles, Amavubi Clash

Fola Badmus2 weeks ago2 weeks ago03 mins

Football fans will pay the sum of N3,000 and N1,000 respectively to watch Saturday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Tickets for the VIP section will go for N3,000 and the popular seats will sell for N1,000 at designated centres within the Uyo metropolis from Friday morning. NFF’s Director of Marketing and Sponsorship, Alizor Chuks, said on Wednesday: “It is important to let the general public know that the NFF Security Committee has declared total war on all ticket manipulators this time. Ticket fakers and racketeers will be dealt with. “All tickets will be scanned at the gates. All intending spectators are advised to buy their tickets from accredited ticket sellers. Fake ticket sellers or holders will be arrested and prosecuted.” Ahead of Saturday’s match, the Amavubi contingent landed at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo at 5.28pm on Tuesday. The delegation was led by the newly-elected President of the Federation Rwandaise de Football Association (FERWAFA), Fabrice Shema Agoga. The contingent was well-received by a team from the local organizing committee, and is staying at the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo. They are scheduled to train at the practice pitch of the Nest of Champions by 4pm on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Nigerian camp at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot-Ekpene has been further enlarged with the arrivals of Africa Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, and new Panathinaikos of Greece forward Cyriel Dessers. Both arrived in Uyo on Wednesday morning. The remaining five players, viz Victor Osimhen, Christantus Uche, Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze and Raphael Onyedika were being expected on Wednesday evening.

Ademola Lookman in Atalanta Champions League Squad After Failed Inter move

Fola Badmus2 weeks ago2 weeks ago02 mins

Atalanta have named their official squad for this season’s UEFA Champions League, with Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman in La Dea’s list despite a summer of speculation linking the player away from the club. Inter were close to signing Lookman and made a real push to sign the Nigerian attacker but refused to meet Atalanta’s demands for the player, even after he effectively went on strike and removed all mention of the club from his social media profiles. The Nerazzurri were not the only club who wanted to sign Lookman this summer, with reports speculating interest from Turkey and a feeble loan bid from German side Bayern Munich late in the window. So as La Dea look to repair relations with Lookman, they name him in their squad for Europe’s top competition. There is only one notable absence from the squad: injured Dutch left wing-back Mitchel Bakker. Defenders: Ahanor, Bellanova, Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac, Kossounou, Scalvini, Zappacosta; Midfielders: Bernasconi, Brescianini, De Roon, Ederson, Musah, Pasalic, Samardzic, Zalewski; Attackers: De Ketelaere, Krstovic, Lookman, Maldini, Scamacca, Sulemana.

Wolves Sign Tolu Arokodare on Deadline Day

Fola Badmus2 weeks ago2 weeks ago02 mins

Wolves have signed Nigeria international Tolu Arokodare from Genk on a four-year deal, with an option for a further year. Arokodare, 24, arrives after winning the Belgian Pro League Golden Boot last season. He scored 21 league goals and 23 in all competitions. The 6-foot-6 forward began in Nigeria, then moved to Latvia with Valmiera in 2019. He scored 22 goals in 34 games there at just 18. He spent time on loan at FC Köln in the Bundesliga, then two seasons with Amiens in France, where he hit 21 goals. Genk signed him in January 2023. They went close to the Belgian title that spring, missing out on the final day. In his first full season with Genk, he made 52 appearances, including seven in Europe, and scored 15. Last season was his standout year as Genk challenged again. He finished with 23 goals in all competitions and seven assists. His 21 league goals tied for most in the division, and he claimed the Golden Boot on away goals. On the international stage, Arokodare helped Nigeria qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations in his first two caps in March. He now has four caps and scored his first Super Eagles goal against Russia in June. He started this season with five games for Genk and a goal versus Standard Liège. Now he heads to the Premier League and Molineux for the first time.

Asisat Oshoala Joins Saudi Club On Two-Year Deal

Fola Badmus2 weeks ago2 weeks ago03 mins

Super Falcons and 2024 WAFCON winning striker, Asisat Oshoala has completed a move to Al Hilal, signing a two-year contract with the Saudi Women’s Premier League side, leaving Bay FC After one-and-a-half season. The deal was finalized Monday morning after the 30-year-old successfully completed her medical in Riyadh, ahead of the Saudi league’s summer transfer window deadline. Oshoala’s switch marks another major acquisition for Al Hilal, who finished sixth in the 2024-25 campaign as the competition expanded from eight to 10 teams. Oshoala joins fellow Super Falcons teammates Ashleigh Plumptre and Francisca Ordega in Saudi Arabia as the ambitious Saudi Women’s Premier League continues to attract international talent. The six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year leaves Bay FC after joining the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) expansion club ahead of their debut season in 2024. She scored seven regular-season goals and added one assist in her first campaign, helping Bay FC finish seventh and qualify for the playoffs before bowing out in the quarterfinals to Washington Spirit. This season, Oshoala’s role diminished, with just five starts in 12 matches and no goals or assists before her departure. She was listed as an “excused absence” for Monday’s game against Angel City, signaling her imminent move. Looking at Asisat Oshoala’s résumé prior to signing with Bay FC, her tenure with Barcelona was successful. THis is because the Nigerian international owns to her name, 107 goals in 149 appearances across five seasons. However, the two-time Ballon d’Or nominee was as productive for Bay, despite scoring the team’s first-ever goal. Oshoala earned 23 starts in 25 games for Bay FC’s last season, scoring seven goals. This year, she’s seen less of the pitch, making five starts across 12 matches without a goal.