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Pre-WAFCON Test: Super Falcons Won’t Pull Punches against Cameroon – Madugu

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago25 mins

Head Coach Justine Madugu says the Super Falcons will entertain no hold-backs when they take on Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses in two friendly matches at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo on Saturday and at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta on Tuesday. “Our objectives for these two matches include improving our game philosophy and tactical approach. We want to observe and assess the players in line with our philosophy. We are determined to improve the team’s coordination, team spirit and mentality towards winning the Women AFCON. “Yes, these are friendly matches but we must approach things with the right mentality, with the attitude that we want to win, and with the mindset that we are already at the championship. It will not be right for us to treat the games with kid’s gloves and earn results that will have an untoward psychological effect on the team going to Morocco.” Madugu insists that the players understand the nature and size of the rivalry between Nigeria and Cameroon on the field of play, and will approach the games with the seriousness they deserve. “We must ensure a positive mentality and keep to the gameplan. It is important for us to use the games to underscore our preparedness for the Women AFCON.” The Falcons and the Lionesses are no strangers to one another. Most recently, the Falcons won a penultimate qualifying fixture for last year’s Olympics 1-0 on aggregate, courtesy of Esther Okoronkwo’s barnstorming effort at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja in the return leg. The win sent the nine-time champions to the final qualifying round, where they faced South Africa’s Banyana Banyana. That fixture was also settled by the odd goal – Rasheedat Ajibade’s penalty kick in Abuja. That feat qualified the Falcons for their first appearance at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in 16 years. When Cameroon hosted the Women Africa Cup of Nations nine years ago, the Falcons were there to deny them glory in the final, with Desire Oparanozie scoring a late goal to crown Nigeria for the eighth time. Madugu has invited an interesting blend of the old and the new, home girls and those plying their trade abroad, with captain Ajibade, multiple award-winning goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Osinachi Ohale, midfielder Christy Ucheibe and forwards Toni Payne and Francisca Ordega the old and wise heads that the younger ones can learn so much from. The Super Falcons will be up against Tunisia, Algeria and Botswana in group B of the 13th Women AFCON in Morocco. SUPER FALCONS FOR LIONESSES’ CHALLENGE: Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Linda Jiwuaku (Bayelsa Queens); Morufa Ademola (Edo Queens) Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Rofiat Imuran (London City Lionesses, England); Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Edo Queens); Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens) Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Josephine Mathias (Nasarawa Amazons); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Amarachi Odoma (Edo Queens) Forwards: Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies Club, Saudi Arabia); Olamide Bolaji (Remo Stars Ladies); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Emem Essien (Edo Queens)

CAF Unveils ‘New Look’ CAF Champions League Trophy

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago15 mins

The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) has unveiled the new TotalEnergies CAF Champions League trophy together with partners TotalEnergies, marking a bold new chapter in the legacy of Africa’s premier club competition. The unveiling took place at TotalEnergies’ South African Headquarters in Johannesburg and was attended by some of African football legends including Lucas Radebe, Teko Modise and Siphiwe Tshabalala as well as several African football leaders. One of the two Finalists, Mamelodi Sundowns and Pyramids will make history when they lift the new trophy. CAF’s official unveiling of the striking new trophy design is far more than a mere replacement; it represents a powerful evolution of CAF’s commitment to modernisation and innovation. As part of CAF’s broader strategy to rebrand and elevate its Competitions, the new design was conceived to amplify the visual impact of African football’s most coveted prize. “In line with the vision of the CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, we are rebranding and repositioning African football with a special focus on interclub competitions at the moment. This TotalEnergies CAF Champions League trophy reveal reflects our goals and bold steps toward an exciting African club football environment. With this, we aim to elevate the stature of African club competitions to global prominence, strengthen our commercial appeal, and inspire a new generation of footballing talent,” CAF General Secretary Véron Mosengo-Omba said. “TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa is honoured and privileged to be a part of this historic moment in our country. This goes beyond revealing the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League trophy, it is about celebrating a powerful momentum that brings people together in Africa — a continent where TotalEnergies has long been a dedicated and trusted energy partner. TotalEnergies partnership with CAF reflects our deep-rooted commitment to supporting the growth of a sport that embodies the values we hold dear—diversity, unity, and cohesion. We take pride in what this trophy represents and we are delighted that the ceremony is taking place in South Africa, a reflection of the unbreakable spirit that defines African football,” Mr Aluko said. Thursday’s unveiling builds on the growing excitement across the continent ahead Saturday’s much-anticipated 2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final, first leg, between South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns and Pyramids FC of Egypt in Pretoria. The return leg for the prestigious title will be on 1 June in Cairo. The new Trophy draws inspiration from the fierce competition and rich cultural heritage of the continent, the trophy features sleek silver and gold lines, symbolising unity, rivalry, and the competitive balance that defines the tournament. At its peak, the golden sphere – embellished with African symbolism – represents the ultimate prize: victory. The interplay of contrasting silver and gold elements celebrates both the triumph of champions and the honour of worthy opponents, reinforcing the spirit of respect, ambition, and excellence that underscores African football. The redesign mirrors the successful evolution of African football, positioning the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League trophy as a visual icon that reflects the prestige and passion of African club football.

NFF President, Gusau, Becomes President of WAFU B

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago02 mins

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON) was on Monday installed as President of the West African Football Union (Zone B). Gusau’s instalment followed the resignation of the Mr. Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, the President of the Ghana Football Association, who left the WAFU B number one seat following his election into the Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football two months ago. WAFU B headquarters in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire reported that Gusau “enjoys strong support among the zone’s members to bring continuity and dynamism to WAFU Zone B.” Gusau has been President of the NFF since 30th September 2022, and was First Vice President of WAFU B before this fresh elevation. The instalment comes less than 24 hours after the Nigeria U20 boys, Flying Eagles, won the bronze medals at the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations finals in Egypt, with a ticket to the FIFA U20 World Cup finals to boot.

CAF, European Union Conclude Historic Partnership

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago01 mins

CAF and the European Union today concluded a historic partnership agreement that will see EU to sponsor the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 and 2027, the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2024 and the CAF African Schools Football Championship. The agreement was signed today by CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Mr Jozef Síkela in Cairo, Egypt. Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “Our Partnership reflects the mutual commitment of CAF and the European Union to the development and growth of African Football, schools and Youth Football and the expansion of the cultural, trade and investment relationships between our two continents. “I would like to express my gratitude to the President of the European Union Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Jozef Síkela and the EU for this exciting Partnership.”

Egypt 2025: Flying Eagles Set Up Quarterfinal Clash Against Senegal

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago02 mins

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will on Monday, May 12 slug it out with the defending champions Senegal in the quarter-final stage at the ongoing CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. Senegal sealed a tense 2-0 win over DR Congo to finish second in their group and set up a high-stakes clash with Nigeria in the last eight. Goals from Cheikh Thiam and Ibrahima Dieng ensured the Young Teranga Lions edged past DR Congo on goal difference, keeping their title defence alive. Nigeria, who finished second in Group B with five points after drawing 2-2 with Kenya in their final group match, now face one of the tournament’s most formidable teams. Senegal’s win, coupled with Ghana’s 1-0 victory over Central African Republic, confirmed the standings in Group C, with Ghana finishing top on seven points and Senegal second with four. The quarter-final meeting between Nigeria and Senegal promises to be one of the tournament’s standout fixtures. While the Flying Eagles boast a rich history with seven U20 AFCON titles, they now face a team with recent pedigree and strong momentum. Both sides come into the tie unbeaten in their last two matches. Nigeria showed resilience against Kenya, twice coming from behind, while Senegal proved clinical under pressure against a spirited DR Congo side.

Egypt 2025: Flying Eagles Reach Quarter-Finals

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago03 mins

Nigeria reached the quarter finals of the ongoing CAF U20 Championship in Egypt despite having to force Kenya’s Rising Stars to a 2-2 draw in the last match of group B on Wednesday. In the event, the Flying Eagles finished second on the table with five points, two behind group leaders Morocco who drilled Tunisia 3-1 in the other match of the pool and will remain in Cairo for the quarter finals, against the second-placed team in group A. Group A is made up of hosts Egypt, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Zambia and Tanzania. Seven-time champions Nigeria will now have to make the trip to Ismailia for their quarter-final game on Monday, against the second-placed team in group C. Group C is made up of title-holders Senegal, bitter-rivals Ghana, Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kenya’s Rising Stars made the game difficult for the Flying Eagles, as the wards of Aliyu Zubairu had to come from behind twice to salvage the encounter. Kevin Wangaya put the Rising Stars ahead after only five minutes, scoring from the penalty spot after a Nigerian defender stopped the ball with his hand in the box. Nigeria restored parity seven minutes later, after Kparobo Arierhi waltzed his way through the defence to place the ball firmly beyond the reach of the opposition goal-tender. The East Africans were back in front in the 68th minute, as the Flying Eagles’ rearguard ball-watched a freekick from the left and allowed William to blast the ball past goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt from Lawrence’s in-swinger. Five minutes later, Nigeria were level again, with captain Daniel Bameyi sending the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot after substitute Mendos Rickson was upended in the box. The Flying Eagles’ match on Monday will be the first quarter-final, starting at 3pm Egypt time (1pm Nigeria time) in Ismailia.

Egypt 2025: Kenya on Firing Line as Flying Eagles Aspire to Celebrate 100th AFCON Match

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago05 mins

Kenya’s Rising Stars are right in the firing line as seven-time champions and two-time runners-up Nigeria are determined to celebrate their 100th match of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations with a win in downtown Cairo on Wednesday evening. The clash, one of the closing games of group B of the ongoing CAF U20 Championship and which is scheduled to kick off 4pm Nigeria time, is on different gradients for both teams, with the Kenyans in need of a handsome win to stand a chance of progressing to the quarter finals while the Flying Eagles only require a draw. Second-placed Nigeria, on four points, will reach the last eight of the competition if they secure a draw (which will take their haul to five, and spring them to the next round irrespective of the result in the clash between first-placed Morocco and third-placed Tunisia). A win for Morocco will take them to seven points, and keep three-pointer Tunisia in third place, while a draw earns Morocco a total of five points from their three matches and keeps Tunisia at four. A win for Tunisia will take the Junior Carthage Eagles to six points and drag the Lion Cubs to third place. With 19 teams involved in the tournament, and teams drawn into three pools, the top two teams in each group, alongside the best two third-placed teams, will progress to the quarter finals. Despite their promise, the Rising Stars have failed to light up Cairo, losing a five-goal thriller to Morocco on the opening day and failing to deliver in the 1-3 loss to Tunisia on Sunday. Getting a win against Nigeria will be huge for the Kenyans, who have struggled badly over the decades against Nigeria opposition on the field of play. Their first three encounters, between 1968 and 1991, were friendly matches, with Nigeria winning twice in Nairobi and the other match (also in Nairobi) ending in a 1-1 draw. In a 1986 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Nairobi in April 1985, goals by Fatai Amao and Rashidi Yekini, and a Hussein Khari own goal, gave Nigeria a 3-0 win. In the return leg in Lagos, Yekini and Dr Joe Masiga each scored a magnificent goal, but Dahiru Sadi and Yisa Sofoluwe added to Nigeria’s tally for a 3-1 win. Nigeria won 3-0 and 2-1 in 1988 and 1992 AFCON group phase matches respectively, and in a 1998 World Cup qualifying fixture, both teams drew 1-1 in Nairobi before Nigeria triumphed 3-0 in Lagos to qualify for France 1998. Nigeria won friendly matches in 2002, 2007 and 2011, and also beat the Kenyans home (3-0) and away (3-2) to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals. In 2013, a 1-1 draw in Calabar and 1-0 win in Nairobi in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers confirmed Nigeria’s undoubted superiority. In qualifying matches for the 1996 Olympic Games, both teams played a 1-1 draw in Nigeria, but the Dream Team victimised their hosts 3-0 in Mombasa. The Flying Eagles will be determined to underscore this superiority on Wednesday, in order to pop champagne in what will be their 100th match of the tournament and also stand a chance of finishing as group B winners.

‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu Can Never be Forgotten – Gusau

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago03 mins

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has declared that late former Green Eagles’ captain ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu is a man that can never be forgotten. Gusau spoke Friday afternoon in Enugu when a delegation from the NFF and FA Chairmen from the South East zone paid a condolence visit to Chukwu’s family. Gusau, who spoke through the NFF 1st Vice President, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, described Chukwu as a diligent and patriotic on-field leader who served the country with all his heart and mind, and every ounce of his energy. “The late Chukwu gave his all for the country. He served Nigeria with all his heart and he is a hero even in death. One thing is clear: Chukwu can never be forgotten given how well he served the country and his achievements both as a player and as a coach,” Gusau stated. The NFF President noted that the visit was not just a condolence visit but one the football-ruling body made in order to be intimated, first-hand, plans being put in place by the family ahead of Chukwu’s burial, and for the family and the soccer house to be on the same page. “We want to be on the same page with the family and know what plans they are putting in place. Chukwu is a hero and the NFF will participate fully in his burial,” Gusau assured. Chukwu’s son, Emeka, while responding on behalf of the family commended the NFF leadership for the visit even as he disclosed that the family will soon make public the programme of the final burial rites for the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team captain and Most Valuable Player. Also on the delegation were Member of the NFF Executive Committee and Chairman of the Nigeria National League Mr. George Aluo; Chairman of Enugu State Football Association Barrister Tony Ugwu; Imo State FA Chairman, Barrister Ifeanyi Dike and; Anambra State FA Chairman Mr. Chikelue Iloenyosi.