2026 WAFCON Race: Ihezuo, Okoronkwo Earn Falcons Win Over Bénin’s Amazons

Forwards Chinwendu Ihezuo aand Esther Okoronkwo scored first-half goals to give reigning African champions, Nigeria’s Super Falcons a 2-0 win over their Bénin Republic counterparts in the first leg of their 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture, first leg in Lome, Togo. ‎ ‎   The Super Falcons started strongly with Rasheedat Ajibade’s 6th minute lob over the Amazons’ goalkeeper Ogoun which was denied by the woodwork, while Folashade Ijamilusi’s strike two minutes later was parried away by Ogoun. ‎ ‎The Beninise couldn’t hold on tight to their low block game plan as Deborah Abiodun weaved open a congested midfield with a pass to Chiwendu Ihezuo who excellently put the ball beyond the reach of the Beninise goalkeeper to give Nigeria the lead in the 23rd minute. ‎   ‎With the Super Falcons enjoying long spells of possession, dominating every department of the game, the Amazons had their first sight of Nigerian goal in the 36th minute when Moumouni connected to a pass on the byline and managed to get past Osinachi Ohale to strike at goal, only to be denied by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. ‎ ‎   Deborah Abiodun was, once more, in her elements as she picked out Esther Okoronkwo with a defence-splitting pass, with the latter slotting home to double the lead for Nigeria before the stroke of halftime. The Super Falcons were lucky not to concede in the closing stages of the first half, as Moumouni’s shot against the run of play struck the frame of the post to end the half 2-0 in favour of Nigeria. ‎ ‎   The second half proved tough for both teams following tactical adjustments and a number of substitutions. However, Nigeria soaked the pressure better, containing the pace of the Amazon wingers who stepped up with high intensity in their search for goals. ‎ ‎An in-swinger in the 90th minute unsettled the Nigerian defence, leaving Sadikou with a chance to head into the net but her effort was denied by Nnadozie.‎   ‎The scoreline gives Nigeria the advantage ahead of the return leg billed for the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta on Tuesday. ‎

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2026 WAFCON Race: Super Falcons Seek Comfortable Win over Bénin’s Amazons

The 25,000 -capacity Stade de Kégué in the Togolese capital, Lomè is venue for Friday’s 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations final qualifying fixture, first leg match between 10-time champions Nigeria and their Bèninoise counterparts, known as Amazons, with the Cup holders seeking a comfortable win that will render the return leg in Nigeria on Tuesday a mere formality.   Head Coach Justine Madugu has a total of 19 players available for the encounter, and has promised his squad will go all out for the goals that will earn it the ticket to a defence of the title won in Morocco this summer. The Kingdom of Morocco will also host next year’s houseparty, where all semi-finalists will collect automatic qualification tickets to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil.   “We have a team that will go out there and make us proud. Yes, we would have loved to have Jennifer (Echegini) but we do not and we can only pray for her to recover quickly.   “On Friday, we will go out and play our game and seek the goals that will put us in a good stead ahead of the return leg.”   With Echegini out, Madugu is likely to opt for US-based impresario Deborah Abiodun to start, alongside captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Christy Ucheibe in the middle, with Chiamaka Nnadozie (one of the best goalkeepers in the world) marshalling a defence-line of Michelle Alozie, Tosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale and Ashley Plumptre.   In the fore, Madugu has Esther Okoronkwo (doubtless one of Nigeria’s impact players at this year’s Women AFCON), the pushful Chinwendu Ihezuo, six-time Africa Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, new-face Joy Omewa and China-based Folashade Ijamilusi, who was also a delight as Nigeria won a tenth AFCON title in Morocco this summer.   Gambian official Ngum Fatou will be the referee of the encounter that begins at 3pm Togo time (4pm Nigeria time).   SUPER FALCONS TO FACE AMAZONS:   Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels)   Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia); Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Abia Angels)   Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint Germain, France); Taiwo Afolabi (Rivers Angels); Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)   Forwards: Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjorrin FC, Denmark); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens)  

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Nigeria Keep World Cup Dream Alive After Thrashing Benin 4–0

Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are still alive after a commanding 4–0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday evening. The result moved the Super Eagles to second place in Group C, ensuring they finish as one of the four best runners-up in the CAF qualifiers, earning a spot in the upcoming inter-confederation playoff tournament. How the Inter-Confederation Playoffs Work The FIFA playoff tournament will determine the final two places at the 2026 World Cup. It will feature six teams: The four lowest-ranked teams will face off in two semi-final matches.The two highest-ranked teams will receive a bye to the finals of the bracket.The winners of those two bracket finals will qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Nigeria’s Path to Qualification Before the match, Nigeria sat third in Group C with 14 points, one behind South Africa and three behind Benin.But the Super Eagles produced a spectacular response, demolishing Benin 4–0 to climb to second with 17 points, level with the leaders but behind on goal difference. Meanwhile, South Africa sealed top spot in the group after defeating Rwanda 3–0, booking their first World Cup appearance since 2010. Nigeria’s second-place finish and strong goal difference now send them into the intercontinental playoff, keeping their World Cup dream alive. African Teams Qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup (So Far) Two more spots will be confirmed later today, as the winners of Groups B and F are yet to be decided.Additionally, one more African team — possibly Nigeria — could still secure a place via the inter-confederation playoffs.

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NFF Concludes Second Module of CAF B-License Course

The Nigeria Football Federation will on Saturday complete another module of the multiple-module CAF B-License Course which first module was implemented in April this year. Approved by the Confederation of African Football, the first module took place 7th – 12th April, while the second module commenced on Monday, 6th October. NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen said the third module will hold 20th – 24th October, with the fourth and final module scheduled for November. NFF General Secretary and CAF instructor, Dr Mohammed Sanusi; Eguavoen (himself a CAF Instructor); NFF’s Head of Coaching Education and CAF Instructor, Dr Terry Eguaoje; CAF Instructor, Coach Henry Abiodun and; NFF’s Head of Technical and CAF Instructor, Coach Abdulrafiu Yusuf, have been the resource persons for the course, for which there are a total of 25 participants. Mr. Mohammed Adebayo Ameenu, special assistant to the NFF General Secretary and Dr Paul Onyeudo have been invited to speak on Laws of the Game and Football Injuries & Prevention and Nutrition respectively.

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NWFL Announces New Kickoff Date, Venue for 2025 Nationwide

The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) has officially announced the new kickoff date, venue, and fixtures for the 2025 NWFL Nationwide. The championship is now scheduled to take place from October 10 to 17, 2025, at the Bwari Township Stadium in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory. In a statement released on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi confirmed that the competition will feature ten teams divided into two groups of five. She described the tournament as a critical platform for emerging clubs seeking to advance through the league structure. “The Nationwide competition remains a vital platform for clubs across the country to showcase their potential and progress through the league system. We are committed to ensuring it is competitive, transparent, and successful,” Shabi said. The schedule will begin with the arrival of teams and a pre-match technical meeting on October 10, followed by the start of matches on October 11. Fixtures will continue on October 13, 14, 16, and 17, with October 12 and 15 designated as rest days. Stressing the tournament’s importance for women’s football development in Nigeria, Shabi added, “At the end of the tournament, the two best teams from each group will be promoted to the NWFL Championship, which is a huge motivation for all the participating clubs.” She concluded, “We wish all the clubs the very best of luck and look forward to an exciting week of women’s football in the Federal Capital Territory.” The groups include Osklean FC (Rivers State), Rangers Women FC (Enugu State), Plateau Queens FC (Plateau State), DreamStars Ladies FC (Lagos State), and C2E Sports Academy (Abia State) in Group A. Group B consists of Sporting Angels FC (Rivers State), Alexander Queens FC (Enugu State), Rosaria Victrix FC (Imo State), NAF Queens FC (Abuja), and Solo Wonders FC (Akwa Ibom State).

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2025 FIFA U17 World Cup finals: Flamingos in Flaming Form Ahead of Departure to Morocco

The U17 Women National Team, Flamingos, are wrapping up their World Cup preparations in Abuja with a streak of impressive results that demonstrate their growing confidence and cohesion.   Since returning to camp, the girls have played eight friendly matches, winning all, scoring 26 goals and conceding none—a perfect record that has boosted morale ahead of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals taking place in Morocco.   Last week, the Flamingos turned on the style. They cruised to a 3-0 victory over Abuja All-Stars, with Praise Agba scoring on a loose ball, Olamide Olanrewaju converting from the penalty spot, and Zainab Raji adding a thundering third soon after the break. Goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu was heroic, pulling off multiple saves to keep her sheet clean. Earlier, they battled through a rain-disrupted friendly against Josiah Academy, winning 2–0 thanks to a Chisom Nwachukwu brace inside the opening 10 minutes before the heavens forced an early halt.   There were also emphatic wins over Nazareth Angels (5–0), with Queen Joseph scoring twice alongside goals from Praise Agba, Mariam Yahaya, and Chisom Nwachukwu, and a commanding 5–0 triumph over Horvel Prime, in which Queen Joseph grabbed a hat-trick in 35 minutes, supported by strikes from captain Shakirat Moshood and Azeezat Oduntan. In all their tune-up games, the Flamingos have demonstrated balance, depth, and hunger, from precise finishing in attack to defensive resilience.   The team is now fully focused on their World Cup campaign, where they have been placed in Group D against Canada, France, and Samoa.   The team is scheduled to depart Nigeria on 8th October, bringing their perfect run and growing belief to the international stage as they seek glory in Morocco (17th October – 8th November 2025).

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24th FIFA U20 World Cup: Flying Eagles Lose By The Odd Goal to Norway

The Flying Eagles were unlucky to lose 0-1 to Norway in their opening match of the 24th FIFA U20 World Cup finals on Monday despite dominating play and creating a hatful of chances, particularly in the second period. Norway went ahead after they were awarded a contested penalty in the 9th minute, but the Flying Eagles fought hard to redeem things, only to be denied penalty awards on two occasions in the second half. Kparobo Arierhi’s left-footed shot inside the box drifted just wide in the 47th minute, with the goalkeeper completely beaten, and in the 63rd minute, Tahir Maigana’s left-footed shot inside the box was stopped by the base of the upright. The two-time silver medallists launched onslaught after onslaught against the Europeans, but Norway had too many players behind the ball in the box and foiled dozens of attempts. In the 71st minute, the crowd rose to cheer the equalizer, but midfielder Nasiru Salihu’s rising shot from the right rose a little too high, beating the goalkeeper and the crossbar. Seven minutes from time, the tireless Tahir Maigana cocked the trigger from afar, only to see his effort miss the target narrowly. The Flying Eagles will take on Saudi Arabia in their second match of the competition on Thursday.

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Int’l Friendlies: Super Eagles to Play Venezuela & Colombia in USA

The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that the senior men national team, Super Eagles, will take on Venezuela and Colombia in the United States of America during the FIFA window for international friendly matches in the month of November 2025. NFF’s FIFA Match Agent, Jairo Pachon of Eurodata Sport, said the Super Eagles will be up against Venezuela on Friday, 14th November 2025 at the Shell Stadium in Houston, Texas, with kick-off billed for 8pm Texas time. On Tuesday, 18th November 2025, the three-time African champions will confront the Los Cafeteros of Colombia at the Citi Field Stadium in Flushing Meadows, borough of Queens, New York with kick-off billed for 8pm Eastern Time (1am Wednesday, 19th November in Nigeria). In their last sojourn in the United States of America, in the summer of 2022, the Super Eagles played against Mexico at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, losing narrowly 1-2, with Nigeria’s goal coming off a powerful header by Cyriel Dessers. It was the first match in charge for Portuguese Coach José Peseiro. The Eagles also took on Ecuador’s La Tricolor in New Jersey, losing by the odd goal.

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