Mission X: Super Falcons Qualify for 2024 WAFCON Quarter Finals

Nigeria’s campaign for a 10th continental title at the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations plodded frontally on Thursday after the Super Falcons bagged all three points against their counterparts from Botswana to reach the competition’s quarter finals. Mexico-based Chinwendu Ihezuo, scorer of the third goal in the 3-0 rout of Tunisia on Sunday, stretched her left leg adroitly to connect from a great pass by Esther Okoronkwo and give Nigeria the day from a largely-scrappy encounter in Casablanca. Refilwe Tholakele indicated early on that it was not going to be an all-Nigeria evening, as her fierce shot from a bold move from the Southern Africans rattled goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who had to make a second save as the ball spilled. Botswana threw women in numbers behind the ball as they opted for damage limitation, and nearly came out in flying colours as captain Rasheed Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Toni Payne and Rinsola Babajide could find no thoroughfare to the goal-line. Midway into the first stanza, attack-minded defender Ashley Plumptre surged forward again but missed a good chance from Ajibade’s pass. Eleven minutes later, Payne skyrocketed when clear on goal from another cross from the right. The scrappy nature was the same in the second half, with the opposition stifling play with numbers in midfield and defence. Substitute Ihezuo headed over the bar in the 48th minute and the energetic Plumptre saw her tricky shot heaved over the sticks by goalkeeper Maitumelo Bosija in the 64th minute. Substitute Jennifer Echegini came close with a snapshot in the 71st minute, and then called upon the agility of South Africa-based Bosija with an angled shot in the 82nd minute. The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper was finally beaten with a minute left in regulation time, when Okoronkwo foxed the Botswana rearguard before a well-placed pass that Ihezuo converted for all three points. The Super Falcons will take on Algeria in their last match of group B on Sunday evening, at the same Larbi Zaouli Stadium.

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Breaking: Super Eagles Slip on FIFA Ranking

Former African Champions, Nigeria’s Super Eagles has slipped one spot to the 44th position in this month’s Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) ranking. The Nigerian side lost her grip on the 43rd spot despite retaining the Unity Cup title in London, United Kingdom few month ago. The Eric Chelle lads, however, held on firmly to the fifth best ranked country in Africa, they currently trail Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and Algeria. Nigeria will attempt to improve her placement on the World ranking when they host the Amavubis of Rwanda and also travel to face off with Bayana Bayana of South Africa in the next round of matches of the World Cup qualifiers in September. They are currently fourth on the log behind South Africa, Rwanda and Benin. The next edition of the FIFA Men’s World Ranking will be published on 18 September.

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Nigerian Army Eliminate 24 Boko Haram Insurgents, Recover Weapons

In continuation of the series of coordinated offensive operations across the North East Theatre of operations, troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), bolstered by close air support from the Air Component and collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force and hunters, have carried out successful kinetic operations against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in theatre between 4 – 9 July 2025, eliminating several terrorists. In one of the ambushes conducted at Platari on 4 July 2025, the gallant troops, while lying in wait, made contact with JAS/ISWAP terrorists mounted on bicycles moving from the Sambisa Forest axis to the Timbuktu Triangle. The terrorists were immediately subdued with heavy fire, leading to the neutralization of 3 terrorists. Similarly, following intelligence on movements of the insurgents around Komala general area, troops sprang another ambush on the terrorists, neutralizing another fighter. On exploitation of the general area, troops recovered motorcycles and spare parts, knapsack sprayers, pesticides, and terrorists’ food items. Relatedly, troops conducted a night ambush on the same day at terrorists’ hideouts around the Kawuri general area in Konduga Local Government. During the deliberate operations, the resilient troops came into contact with the insurgents. Consequently, 2 terrorists conveying logistics were immediately eliminated, while others fled with gunshot wounds. Troops also recovered packets of salt, food seasoning, detergents, and other sundry items. In the same vein, troops on 5 July 2025, intercepted terrorists attempting to access the Madarari Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Konduga Local Government Area. The troops swiftly engaged the insurgents, killing one terrorists, while others escaped with traces of gunshot wounds. Troops subsequently recovered several rounds of ammunition during the exploitation of the area. In another development, troops conducted a fighting patrol to terrorists’ enclaves at Leno Kura. Resultantly, the troops came into contact with the insurgents and engaged them with simultaneous gunfire from different directions. Accordingly, 3 terrorists met their Waterloo, while troops continued exploitation of the area. Furthermore, on 6 July 2025, troops carried out a night ambush at a suspected terrorists’ crossing point along the roads Ngoshe – Gava, Ngoshe – Ashigashiya, as well as Amuda – Gava areas.Troops made contact, and an insurgent was neutralized while others fled. On 7 July 2025 also, troops sprang another ambush following an intelligence report close to Sabsawa village. During the operation, troops made contact with terrorists’ logistics suppliers and successfully neutralized 2 insurgents. On exploitation of the area, the gallant troops recovered bicycles, sacks of slippers, several torchlights, batteries, detergents, salt, and rubber shoes, amongst other sundry items. On 8 July 2025, troops in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force, under close air support provided by the Air Component of OPHK, conducted clearance operations at Bula Marwa, a known ISWAP/JAS enclave. In the course of the operation, the troops eliminated an insurgent and recovered a gun, terrorists’ uniforms, while their life-supporting structures were totally destroyed. Additionally, troops in a joint operation with hunters and the Civilian Joint Task Force, conducted fighting patrol at terrorists’ hideouts at Pambula village in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State. During the patrol, contact was made with JAS/ISWAP terrorists, who were immediately engaged with a high volume of fire, forcing the terrorists to disperse in disarray. The troops neutralized a terrorist, recovering four motorcycles and his weapon. The determined troops continued exploiting the general area to rid it of any terrorists activities.

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ADC Accuses Tinubu Administration of Politicising Buhari Tribute

ADC Appoints Taekwondo Grandmaster, 36 Others as States Chairmen

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has appointed a Nigerian Taekwondo grandmaster, George Ashiru and 36 others as States Chairmen ahead of the 2027 General Elections. Ashiru, according to press statement on Wednesday, will serve as the Party’s Chairman in Lagos State. The seven-time Nigerian Taekwondo champion in the light and welter weight categories and won a silver medal at the 4th All Africa Games in Kenya in 1987 was born to a royal household in the southwestern part of Nigeria. Others appointees are as follows; Hanatu Garaba (Plateau), Musa S. Shuaib (Nasarawa), Adekolu O. Moses (Ekiti), Patrick Obianyo (Anambra), Hon. Haruna Hassan (Bauchi), Otunba Pat. Olufemi (Ogun) Celestine Orbunda (Benue), Mohammed Bolori (Borno), Comrade John Ogar (Cross River), Austine Okotie (Delta), Jennifer Adibie N (Ebonyi), Kennedy Odion (Edo), Iyke Nwoka (Abia), Stella Chukwula (Enugu), Mallam Danladi Yau (Gombe), Duke Gabriel Dick (Akwa Ibom), Alh. Sanni Mohammed (Jigawa), Ahmed Tijani M (Kaduna), Ungogo Musa (Kano), Alh. Usman Musa (Katsina) Hajia Hawa Mohammed (Kebbi). Also on the list are; John Adeli Udale (Kogi), Adebayo Akadi (Kwara), Chief Mrs Ganiyu Sidirika (Ondo), Auta Mohammed (Niger), Yohanna Shehu K (Adamawa), Chief Emmanuel Amushe (Imo), Charles Idowu (Osun), Alh. Yinka Adona (Oyo), Yusuf Tijani (FCT) Ode Lawrence E (Rivers), Hon. Umar Farouk (Sokoto), Adamu Hassan (Taraba), Alh. Kalli Umar (Yobe) and Alh. Kabiru Garba (Zamfara). Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State chapter has notified all persons who obtained membership cards last week without the stamp and imprimatur of the state chairman to present them at the State Secretariat of the Party at No. 84 Udotung Ubo Street, Uyo, for stamping and signature of the State chairman, and entry of their names in the Party’s membership register.

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Mission X: Super Falcons Target Repeat Performance of 2022 Against Botswana

Group leaders Nigeria will fancy their chances of scooping the three points when they take on Botswana in Casablanca on Thursday, in their second match of the determined campaign to win a 10th Women Africa Cup of Nations title. The Super Falcons wasted little sweat in dispatching Tunisia’s senior girls 3-0 in their first match of the campaign, and will book an early slot in the quarter finals if they collect another three points against the Southern Africans at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, at a game starting by 8pm. Three years ago, in the 12th edition of the competition hosted by the same country, the Falcons scored a goal in each half (courtesy Ifeoma Onumonu and Christy Ucheibe) to to turn the hopes of the Botswanans to ashes at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan. The opposition will have a number of new birds to contend with on Thursday, with the likes of Esther Okoronkwo (Woman of the Match against Tunisia), Jennifer Echegini, Rinsola Babajide and Chinwendu Ihezuo likely to present a number of problems at the fore, alongside the well-known faces of Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala and Toni Payne. Head Coach Justine Madugu may take the option of starting with Christy Ucheibe, Halimatu Ayinde and Jennifer Echegini in the midfield, to provide ample ammunition for Ajibade, Payne and either of Oshoala and Ihezuo to do the damage. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie remains the rock between the posts, with Osinachi Ohale to provide guidance and wisdom for Tosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie and Ashley Plumptre at the rear. Botswana comes into the game still nursing their one-goal defeat to Algeria in the first round of matches – the same day the Falcons hit the Tunisians for three, with Asisat Oshoala, debutant Rinsola Babajide and Chinwendu Ihezuo the scorers. Oshoala’s early goal presaged a comfortable evening for the nine-time champions, and had they taken most of the chances they created, the North Africans would have returned to the dressing room with a basketful of goals. “As I said before the commencement of the tournament, we remain focused on our Mission X and we believe that victory over Botswana is a huge possibility. We are taking it one match at a time without taking any team for granted,” Madugu told thenff.com.

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WAFU B U20 Boys Tourney: Flying Eagles Seek to Extend Regional Domination

Nigeria’s U20 Boys, Flying Eagles have commenced training sessions in the Ghanaian capital, Accra ahead of the kick-off of this year’s WAFU B U20 Boys Tournament. Earlier scheduled to be an expanded tourney involving teams also from the 9-nation WAFU A, organizers have had to revert to the WAFU B-only arrangement, with the Ghanaian capital hosting the competition scheduled for 10th – 23rd July. Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu has picked captain Daniel Bameyi and 19 other players, with a scoop from the group that finished third at the Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt two months ago and thus qualified to represent Africa at the FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile later this year. Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt is a prominent figure from that mosaic, alongside defender Odinaka Okoro, and midfielders Bidemi Amole, Ezekiel Kpangu, Divine Oliseh and Tahir Maigana. A number of new birds have birthed, including Bayelsa United goalkeeper Clinton Andy, defenders Abba Sadiq and Marvelous Freedom, midfielder Abduljelil Kamaldeen, and forwards Imrana Muhammad and Qudus Olayiwola. Nigeria, winners of the last two editions of the WAFU B U20 Championships (hosted by Niger Republic and Togo respectively), will take on hosts Ghana in the opening match of Group A on Thursday, from 3pm on Thursday, 10th July. Venue is the Prampram Centre in Accra. The Flying Eagles will then clash with Benin Republic on Sunday, 13th July in a three-team Group A. Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic and Togo make up Group B, with the Ivorians and the Burkinabes clashing in the group’s first match on Thursday. 20 FLYING EAGLES IN GHANA FOR WAFU B U20 TOURNAMENT: Goalkeepers: Ifeanyi Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Clinton Andy (Bayelsa United) Defenders: Abba Khalid Sadiq (Niger Tornadoes); Odinaka Okoro (Sporting Lagos); Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United); Akinniran Oluwashile (Water FC); Ahmed Akinyele (Remo Stars); Marvelous Freedom (Ikorodu City) Midfielders: Divine Oliseh (Forster Academy); Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire FC); Tahir Maigana (Wireless FC); Ezekiel Kpangu (Inspire Academy); Rawa Mohammed (Beyond Limits); Matthew Kingsley (Kings FC); Abduljelil Kamaldeen (Kwara Football Academy); Shafiu Adamu Duguri (Wikki Tourists) Forwards: Abdullahi Muhammed (Kwara United); Godday Otalyul-Imbus (Calabar Rovers); Imrana Muhammad (Mavlon FC); Qudus Olayiwola (P Sport FC)

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Nigeria, Togo Set to Defend Titles at 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships in Lagos

Defending champions Nigeria and Togo are gearing up to retain their titles at the 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships, scheduled to take place from July 16 to 19 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. Nigeria, the region’s most decorated team, will defend its women’s team title, which it retained in Lomé last year. Meanwhile, Togo will aim to secure a second consecutive men’s team title, following a thrilling 3-2 victory over Nigeria in the 2024 final. This year’s championship will feature strong competition from across the region, with Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Niger Republic, and Sierra Leone joining the fray. In the singles events, Nigeria’s top-ranked player, Matthew Kuti, will defend his men’s singles title. Kuti made history last year in Lomé by defeating Côte d’Ivoire’s Oba Oba Kizito 4-1 to claim his first regional crown. A repeat victory would make him the first male player to win back-to-back singles titles in the tournament’s history. The women’s singles title is open for the taking following the absence of reigning champion Hope Udoaka of Nigeria, setting the stage for a new champion to emerge. The tournament also serves as a qualifier for the 2025 African Championships, to be held later this year in Rwanda. With the advantage of home support and the largest player contingent, Nigeria is also eyeing a return to the top in the men’s team event. Participation has reached a new high, with over 10 countries confirmed, surpassing previous editions that peaked at nine. Notably, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Niger Republic are returning to the competition after years of absence. “All eyes will be on Nigeria,” said Ferdinand Sonou, Vice President of ITTF Africa West Region and former President of the Benin Table Tennis Federation. “Nigeria has a proven track record of hosting international competitions, and teams always look forward to playing here. This tournament marks the beginning of a series of international events in Lagos, and I believe we’ll witness the emergence of new stars alongside the established ones.” Sonou also commended ITTF Africa President Wahid Enitan Oshodi for his continued support, noting that the increased number of participating teams reflects the growing strength of table tennis in the region. The 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships promise high-stakes action, intense rivalries, and a celebration of West African table tennis excellence.

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Mission X: Super Falcons Trounce Tunisia, Look Forward to Clash with Botswana

A fourth minute strike by six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala steered the Super Falcons to a comfortable 3-0 victory over their Tunisian counterparts as the nine-time champions got their challenge for a 10th continental title smoothly off the ground in Casablanca on Sunday. Rinsola Babajide, from the left side of the field, floated the ball from a free-kick, and as defender Ashley Plumptre missed contact, the USA-based Oshoala met the ball with a glancing header to force the ball past goalkeeper Soulaima Jabrani at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Morocco’s industrial and economic capital. Oshoala came close to doubling the advantage in the 16th minute, but defender Norhene Bettoumi was alert and diverted the ball as the forward was set to pull the trigger from Toni Payne’s cross. Deborah Abiodun’s left-footed shot in the 37th minute did not have enough power behind it, but two minutes into added time of the first period, Babajide packed enough power into her shot as she stormed past Chaima Alabbassi and blasted past Jabrani for Nigeria’s second of the evening. Just before the break, Ashleigh Plumptre thought she had got Nigeria’s third off a header from Babajide’s corner kick, but her effort was disallowed. In the second half, Plumptre, forever adventurous, rattled Jabrani with a sharp shot, and four minutes later, substitute Esther Okoronkwo’s sharp delivery begged for connection. Osinachi Ohale missed from close range as Nigeria chased the ball in a melee from a free-kick in the 62nd minute. At the other end, the veteran defender was fortunate not to be penalized after bringing down the lively Salma Zemzem in Nigeria’s vital area. True to character, Okoronkwo bustled and hustled, and came pretty close with nine minutes left when she turned a defender and saw the ball hit the upfront from her shot. Three minutes later, she was jumping for joy when her knockdown, from Plumptre’s cross, found fellow substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo in the right place to slot the ball past Jabrani for Nigeria’s third. In added time, Plumptre’s clever header almost got Jabrani befuddled, but there was still time for Zemzem to rattle goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie’s crossbar. Victory handed the Super Falcons three precious points and momentary leadership of group B, ahead of the clash between Algeria and Botswana.

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