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Mission X: Super Falcons Are Favourites as 13th Women AFCON Begins in Morocco

Fola Badmus06 mins

Nine-time champions Nigeria loom larger than any other participant as the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations finals begin in the Kingdom of Morocco on Saturday. Winners of the inaugural edition that their country hosted in 1998, the Super Falcons also took home the diadem in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018, and look forward to the thirteenth edition with confidence but without being sardonic. Home-boy Coach Justine Madugu has taken the option of the good-old-wine-and-fresh-fruits-from-the-vineyard selection approach, and is satisfied that he has a team that can hold its own right from the first match against Tunisia on Sunday. “We are very focused on our realisable and achievable target of Mission X. The girls are ready and are showing real hunger for victory and team spirit is high. We are looking forward to our first match on Sunday against Tunisia,” Madugu told thenff.com after the Falcons strolled past West African rivals Ghana in their last pre-tournament friendly on Sunday. Victory over Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses in Abeokuta and a scoreless draw with Portugal in earlier friendlies have buoyed the spirit and gait of the Super Falcons. Nigeria’s squad drips with talent, experience and purpose, with Africa’s best for the second year running, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie the rock that most teams will find too difficult to crack. Defender Osinachi Ohale has decades of experience and provides the spine for a rearguard that includes hardworking and efficient young ones like Ashleigh Plumptre, Tosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie, Sikiratu Isah, Miracle Usani and Shukurat Oladipo. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade has traversed the gamut of the Nigeria women teams, and her sterling contributions make it appear like she has always been there. “For us, effort is everything. We’ll demonstrate what we’re capable of and continue to build on our existing strengths. We have an incredible group of talented players. We’re all excited to be here. We know it won’t be easy but we’re committed to showing up as our best selves,” Ajibade said during a webinar organized by CAF last week. That pool of ‘talented players’ also include fellow midfielders Deborah Abiodun and Jennifer Echegini, as well as the bustling Toni Payne and hard-as-nails Halimatu Ayinde and Christy Ucheibe. Questions by some pundits over the inclusion of Francisca Ordega were quashed by her delightful outing against Portugal in a friendly in Lisbon on 23rd June, as she created excellent opportunities for fellow attackers and rocked the crossbar from 27 yards. Her experience, smarts and energy, and those of Asisat Oshoala, will be worthwhile to spur the likes of Rinsola Babajide, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo, Ifeoma Onumonu and Folashade Ijamilusi to mow down the opposition. The Super Falcons will also be hugely motivated by a $1million winner’s prize – the biggest-ever in the history of the competition. The CAF also announced on Thursday that the runners-up will earn $500,000, with the third-placed and fourth-placed teams going home with $350,000 and $300,000 each. SUPER FALCONS FOR 13TH WAFCON FINALS: Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons) 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); Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Edo Queens) Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (just finished contract with Atletico Madrid, Spain); Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosenburg, Sweden); Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal) Forwards: Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies Club, Saudi Arabia); Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA); Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Chioma Okafor (University of Connecticut, USA)

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23rd African Fencing Championships Fallout: Akinyosoye Emerges as Nigeria’s Highest-Ranked Fencer

Fola Badmus04 mins

Following a standout performance at the 23rd African Fencing Championships, Oluwafolayemi Akinyosoye has emerged as Nigeria’s highest-ranked fencer globally. The latest rankings released by the International Fencing Federation (FIE) earlier this week place Akinyosoye at 65th in the men’s senior sabre category. Akinyosoye, a quarterfinalist in the individual men’s sabre event, stunned spectators by defeating top seed and Olympic silver medallist Fares Farjani of Tunisia in a tense preliminary round bout, edging him 5-4 at Charterhouse Lagos. The 20-year-old UK-based athlete, who previously represented England at cadet and junior levels, has now overtaken Inkosi Brou as Nigeria’s top-ranked fencer. Despite being displaced in the senior rankings, Brou remains Nigeria’s highest-ranked junior fencer, holding the 23rd position globally. The US-based athlete, and grandson of former NAFDAC DG Prof. Dora Akunyili, continues to be a key figure in Nigeria’s fencing development. In the senior men’s epee category, Mahadi Idongesit leads the Nigerian contingent at 206th, followed by Wisdom Okanlawon (209), Mahathir Idongesit (212), and Adegbola Babade (215). For senior men’s foil, Oritsematosan Egbesemirone is ranked 116th, with Olumuyiwa Ige (502) and Alex Aninyei (504) also making the list. Among the women, 13-year-old Peluola Akinbamiro is Nigeria’s sole representative in the senior women’s foil rankings, placed at 441st. In senior women’s epee, Adebodunrin Thomas leads at 186th, followed by Sara Idongesit (190) and Somtochukwu Eribenne (530). Team rankings also saw a boost. The Nigerian women’s epee team, which finished fifth at the African Championships, is now ranked 36th globally. In the senior men’s team rankings, Nigeria holds 43rd in epee and 28th in foil. President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, described the rankings as a reflection of the country’s growing potential in the sport. “Hosting the African Championships was not just about welcoming international athletes; it was about empowering our fencers to improve their global standing,” Samuel said. “These rankings open doors for our athletes to participate in more international tournaments and enhance their chances of qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.” He added, “We are excited about this development and hope it will attract the support needed from both the private and public sectors, especially following the success of the 23rd African Championships.”

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Ex-Nigerian President Buhari Discharged From UK Hospital

Fola Badmus02 mins

Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has been discharged from a London hospital after spending days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to an undisclosed ailment. The news, first reported by Empowered Newswire, has sparked widespread concern and renewed public attention on the health status of Nigeria’s former leader. Sources close to the former president confirmed that Buhari fell ill while in London for a routine medical check-up. According to reports, the condition was serious enough to warrant his admission into intensive care unit. He has since been discharged and is now recuperating in London under close medical supervision. There is no official word yet on when he will return to Nigeria, but sources say he is expected back home once he fully recovers. Although details of the illness remain undisclosed, the development has fueled discussions across Nigeria, particularly as Buhari had previously spent extended periods abroad during his presidency for medical reasons. Buhari’s absence was particularly noted during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), held in Lagos on May 28, 2025. His failure to attend the high-profile event raised eyebrows, especially given his status as a former Head of State who played a role in regional diplomacy. In a letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Buhari explained that his inability to attend was due to ongoing medical appointments in the United Kingdom.

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World Fencing Federation Promises More Tournaments for Nigeria

Fola Badmus04 mins

The International Fencing Federation (FIE) has lauded the Nigerian Fencing Federation for its outstanding organization of the 23rd African Fencing Championships, held at Charterhouse Lagos from June 25 to 29. The FIE also announced its intention to consider Nigeria as a host for future international fencing tournaments. During her first official visit to Africa, FIE Secretary General Gulnora Saidova praised the high standards of the facilities and the warm hospitality extended throughout the event. She noted that the impressive atmosphere and organizational excellence have positioned Nigeria as a strong candidate for hosting more global fencing competitions. “This is my first time in Nigeria, and I was truly impressed by the quality of the facilities and the professionalism of the organizers,” said Saidova. “It has given us confidence that Nigeria is capable of hosting more international competitions. The Deputy Governor’s commitment to supporting fencing in a country with such potential was particularly encouraging.” Saidova was part of a high-level FIE delegation that paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor, where she expressed optimism about the future of fencing in Nigeria. She emphasized that the enthusiasm shown by the Lagos State Government is a promising sign of institutional support for the sport. “The facilities here show that Nigeria can host even larger tournaments in the future. Based on my experience over the past few days, I am confident that the FIE will seriously consider Nigeria for major fencing events,” she added. Saidova also stressed the importance of government involvement in the sport’s development: “Nigeria is on the right path, but sustained government backing is crucial. Without it, the sport cannot thrive. There must be a genuine commitment to developing fencing, and this is vital for its success.” During the visit, she formally requested that fencing be recognized as a priority sport in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State. She highlighted the sport’s potential to contribute to youth development and the broader progress of the state. “Fencing is an Olympic sport, and it presents a tremendous opportunity for Nigeria to enhance its presence at future Olympic Games. I kindly urge the government to grant formal recognition to fencing as a priority sport in Lagos State.” Saidova concluded by calling for government support in hosting an international fencing competition in Nigeria. She noted that the FIE aims to position Nigeria as a continental leader in the development of fencing, which could bring substantial economic benefits and promote long-term sustainability.

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Mission X: Madugu Assures Super Falcons Will Continue to Improve After Win Over Ghana

Fola Badmus03 mins

Head Coach Justine Madugu insisted on Monday that Nigeria’s Super Falcons must continue to improve in several areas, despite an emphatic 3-1 win over Ghana’s Black Queens in a friendly in Casablanca on Sunday evening. Goals by Mexico-based Chinwendu Ihezuo, Asisat Oshoala and captain Rasheedat Ajibade affirmed the Falcons’ supremacy over the Queens, at a closed-door game played at the Ziaida Palace Benslimane field. “The match gave us the opportunity of having the full squad together to really assess our strength as a team, and build on team cohesion, coordination and on various combinations. “It will always be work in progress, but we are very focused on our realisable and achievable target of Mission X. The girls are ready and are showing real hunger for victory and team spirit is high. We are looking forward to our first match on Sunday against Tunisia.” The victory over Ghana’s Black Queens extended Madugu’s stellar record with the Super Falcons. He was in charge when the Falcons easily surged past Ethiopia in the qualifying race for the 2024 Olympics, and also led the team to crush Cape Verde to secure qualification for the 13th Women AFCON, which kicks off on Saturday. Last year, Madugu led the Falcons to rout Algeria’s senior girls in two friendly matches in Ikenne and Lagos, and restricted France to an odd-goal victory in another friendly match in France in November. This year, Madugu has led the Super Falcons to a 2-0 win over Cameroon in a friendly game in Cameroon, and on Monday last week, picked a team that fought hard against Portugal in a 0-0 draw in Lisbon. “We will continue to work on our weak areas, and I believe that by the time of our first match, we will be ready,” Madugu added.

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Kwara United, Rivers Angels Win 2025 President Federation Cup

Fola Badmus04 mins

Cup holders Rivers Angels made it 10th title accomplished as they edged Nasarawa Amazons on penalties, while Kwara United won their first-ever national trophy at the grand finale of this year’s President Federation Cup in Lagos on Saturday. The women’s final showcased a compelling match-up between the reigning champions, Rivers Angels and arch-rivals Nasarawa Amazons. Amazons began aggressively and notched the first goal in the 8th minute through former junior international Shola Shobowale. The Jewels of Rivers responded by increasing their offensive efforts so as to restore parity. However, in the 20th minute, Shobowale netted her second goal of the match, extending the Amazons’ lead to 2-0 at half time. Despite the apparent control maintained by the Amazons in the second period, Rivers Angels mounted a significant comeback effort. In the 57th minute, former Nigeria U17 team captain Taiwo Ajibade, scored to reduce the deficit. Shortly after, the Jewels found parity through a well-taken goal. In the ensuing penalty shootout, the Angles prevailed 4-2 to successfully defend their crown and collect the trophy for the 10th time. Goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, who won the best goalkeeper award, converted her team’s final kick for victory. In the men’s final, Kwara United stood firm against ‘giant-killers’ Abakaliki FC from Ebonyi State and eventually prevailed 4-3 after penalty shootout following a scoreless situation after regulation time. The Afonja Warriors came close to scoring in the 31st minute, advancing from midfield and executing strong play that brought them close to the Rice Boys’ goal. However, their attempt struck the woodwork, keeping the scoreline at 0-0 as both teams looked for the breakthrough. In the second half, Kwara United pushed hard to break the deadlock, with Wasiu Alalade nodding a goal in the 57th minute, which was ruled offside by Referee Joseph Ogabor. In the penalty shootout, Kwara United were triumphant in a 4-3 win. AWARDS WOMEN’S COMPETITION Winner: Rivers Angels (N25million) Runner-Up: Nasarawa Amazons (N10million) MVP: Shola Shobowale (Nasarawa Amazons FC) Top Scorer: Abasi Ofon Uwa (Ibom Angels FC) Best Goalkeeper: Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels FC) MEN’S COMPETITION Winner: Kwara United FC (N50million) Runner-Up: Abakaliki FC (N20million) MVP: Victor Okoye (Kwara United FC) Top Scorer: Mercelle Akinocho (Beyond Limits FC) Best Goalkeeper: Suraj Aiyeleso (Kwara United FC)

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President Federation Cup: Four Governors, Gbajabiamila, Entertainment Icons to Grace Finale

Fola Badmus03 mins

Nigeria’s National Cup final on Saturday in Lagos will bring together the crème de la crème of the nation’s political, football and entertainment industries, with four States chief executives already confirmed to be in attendance. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos will arrive the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in company with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas. Chief of Staff to the President of the Federal Republic, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Mr. Seyi Tinubu, SSA to Mr. President on Grassroots Sports Development, Mr. Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye, and a number of music and movie stars will also grace the grand finale. Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, President of NFF and President of WAFU B, will lead members of the NFF Executive Committee and Management, while Alhaji Abubakar Lawal will lead the GTI team. Prominent members of the Lagos State cabinet and the Lagos State Sports Commission and Lagos State Football Association are also expected. One-time President of WAFU, Chief Jonathan Ogufere and Nigeria’s oldest practising football writer, Pa Segun Adenuga have confirmed their attendance. The Lagos State Football Association has concluded plans to honour Pa Biliaminu Thanni, the oldest living-winner of the Nigeria National Cup. The Mobolaji Johnson Arena hosted the very first edition of Nigeria’s Cup final, in its first incarnation as King George V Stadium, in 1945. It was the sole venue until it was re-christened as Lagos City Stadium in 1963. It continued to host until 1972, when the final between Bendel Insurance of Benin and Mighty Jets of Jos had to be replayed following a 2-2 draw, thanks to the heroics of Sam Garba Okoye. The replay was taken to the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan. This year’s grand finale will see Cup holders Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt take on Nasarawa Amazons of Lafia in the women’s final that begins at 1pm, while the men’s final, between Abakaliki FC and Kwara United, will commence at 4pm.

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