2026 WAFCON: Super Falcons Edge Amazons, Qualify for Morocco 2026

Champions Nigeria qualified for next year’s Women Africa Cup of Nations after a 1-1 draw with Bénin Republic in the return leg of the final round of the qualification series in Abeokuta on Tuesday, which resulted in an aggregate 3-1 win for the 10-time winners.   The Amazons turned out to be credible fighters at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, as they approached the game with vigour, passion and vibrancy, with the pacy and nimble-footed Dossi Germaine Honfo and Yenido Romaine Gandonou the lead orchestrators.   However, the Super Falcons were calm, collected and confident, and the Amazons’ rearguard had to spiritedly clear their lines after Captain Rasheedat Ajibade freed Asisat Oshoala as the Falcons surged forward in the 8th minute.   Five minutes later, it was no surprise that they got on the scoresheet, when defender Ashley Plumptre nodded firmly into the net from a corner by Esther Okoronkwo.   In the 23rd minute, Oshoala’s firm header from another Okoronkwo corner missed narrowly, and in the 34th minute, Michelle Alozie’s header was a little above the sticks from Oshoala’s cross. There was still time for Okoronkwo to side-net from a free-kick with four minutes left in the first period.   The Amazons began to pour forward in the 56th minute, when Chiamaka Nnadozie saved from Gandonou, and then had to stretch full length to push away a shot from 25 yards by Yolande Gnammi two minutes later.   The game turned into a real contest on the hour, when Yasminath Djibril struck the ball high and above Nnadozie into the net from a free-kick on the left, for the equalizer.   Nigeria had opportunities to increase the tally, with Folashade Ijamilusi missing from close range after goalkeeper Sourakatou Alassane uncharacteristically dropped the ball, and Alassane saved from Ajibade in the 77th minute. Substitute Joy Omewa and Ijamilusi combined in the 90th minute, but Alassane was up to the task.   Qualification means Nigeria have the opportunity to not only defend their title in Morocco next year, but also aim for an 11th title in 14 championships, as well as a ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil.

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Governor Abiodun Dangles ₦50M At Super Falcons

By BUNMI OGUNYALE   Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to sports development and youth empowerment as he announced a ₦50 million support package for the Super Falcons.   The Governor made the announcement while playing host to the national women’s football team at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, ahead of their WAFCON 2026 qualifier against the Amazons of Benin Republic.   He described the gesture as a recognition of the team’s inspiring performances and a motivation to spur them toward greater victories.   Abiodun noted that his administration remains steadfast in transforming the sports landscape of Ogun State. From the modernization of the MKO Abiola International Stadium to plans for a world-class sports hub in Abeokuta, he said the government is investing in infrastructure and opportunities that will nurture champions and position Ogun as the true Gateway to Excellence.   “We were delighted to receive the Super Falcons of Nigeria in our office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, ahead of their second-leg Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 qualifier against the Amazons of Benin Republic. In recognition of their inspiring performances and to further motivate them for the task ahead, we announced a support package of ₦50 million to the team.   “Their return to the MKO Abiola International Stadium is a validation that we are doing something right in Ogun State. Beyond hosting matches, we are transforming the stadium environment with plans for a world-class sports hub—complete with a five-star hotel, cinema, shopping complex, and other facilities that will make Abeokuta a true sports and tourism destination.   “We commended the Falcons for their historic tenth WAFCON title in Morocco, a victory that lifted the spirit of our nation. What they represent goes far beyond football—they embody leadership, teamwork, and discipline. Through their example, millions of young women are learning that excellence knows no gender, and that with hard work and unity, they too can break barriers and achieve greatness.   “On behalf of the government and the good people of Ogun State, we assured the Super Falcons of our unwavering support. We believe that through their success, they will continue to inspire the next generation of leaders, athletes, and achievers. Ogun State stands firmly with them as they continue to make Nigeria proud,” the Governor assured.

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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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2026 WAFCON Qualifier: Ajibade, Okoronkwo Expected as Injury Knocks Out Echegini

Head Coach Justine Madugu remains upbeat about Nigeria’s chances against Bénin Republic in their 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture, despite midfielder Jennifer Echegini being knocked out of the two games after suffering a hamstring injury in her club, Paris Saint Germain of France’s game on Monday night.   Echegini, who scored Nigeria’s winning goal in this year’s Women AFCON Final match against hosts Morocco in Rabat, will now miss Friday’s first leg of the final qualifying fixture at the Stade de Kégué in the Togolese capital, as well as the return at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex on Tuesday.   Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who also plays for PSG in France, is scheduled to arrive in Lomé on Tuesday night, alongside the Mexico-based duo of defender Osinachi Ohale and forward Chinwendu Ihezuo, USA-based duo of defender Michelle Alozie and midfielder Deborah Abiodun, Canada-based forward Esther Okoronkwo and Italy-based defender Shukurat Oladipo.   The camp swelled from nine players to 11 on Monday night with the arrivals of Portugal-based midfielder Christy Ucheibe and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Saudi Arabia-based defender Ashley Plumptre jetted into Lomé on Tuesday afternoon.  

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Nigeria Dominates 2025 CAF Awards Nominations As Ajibade, Nnadozie And Super Falcons Take Spotlight

Nigeria has once again stamped its authority in African women’s football, securing multiple nominations at the 2025 CAF Awards. Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade, star goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and several Nigerian teams and coaches were all named among this year’s top contenders, following a remarkable season of achievements on the continent. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) released the nominees on Friday, with Nigeria dominating nearly every major women’s category. Ajibade, who captained Nigeria to their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco, was nominated for African Player of the Year alongside her teammate Esther Okoronkwo. Ajibade also earned the Player of the Tournament award at WAFCON after three Woman of the Match performances, one goal, and two assists. Okoronkwo, representing AFC Toronto in Canada, stood out with two goals and four assists, including a match-winning performance in the final, which earned her the Woman of the Match award. In the Goalkeeper of the Year category, Chiamaka Nnadozie of Brighton & Hove Albion is aiming for her third straight win after claiming the award in the last two editions. The Super Falcons themselves were nominated for National Team of the Year after reclaiming the continental crown under head coach Justine Madugu, who was also shortlisted for Coach of the Year. Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, earned a place in the same team category after going unbeaten in their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. Their coach, Bankole Olowookere, was also recognized for guiding one of Africa’s most promising youth squads. Flamingos captain Shakirat Moshood made the final list for CAF Young Player of the Year, reflecting the country’s depth of emerging talent. Rounding off Nigeria’s impressive list of nominees, Bayelsa Queens, winners of the 2025 Nigerian Women’s Football League, were shortlisted for Club of the Year. They’ll compete against African heavyweights like Mamelodi Sundowns, ASFAR, TP Mazembe, and Gaborone United. With nominations across nearly all categories, Nigeria’s presence at the 2025 CAF Awards reaffirms its reputation as the heartbeat of women’s football on the continent.

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Cross River Governor Bassey Otu Honours Super Falcons’ Miracle Usani With N50m, Land, and Sports Ambassador Role

Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has honoured Yakurr-born Miracle Usani, a key defender in the Super Falcons squad that won the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with N50 million, a plot of land in Calabar, and the title of the state’s Sports Ambassador. The announcement was made on Wednesday during a reception at the Government House in Calabar, where Governor Otu lauded Usani for her outstanding performance on the continental stage and her role in promoting women’s football. “We are delighted to celebrate you today. Your dedication and spirit are remarkable. You have shown that women can excel just as much as men, and even beyond. You are now a symbol of pride for Cross River, Nigeria, and Africa,” the governor said. Reflecting on his own experience as a youth athlete, Otu praised the resilience of sportsmen and women and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s sports system to nurture future champions. “Our sports infrastructure faces challenges, but stories like yours inspire confidence in the future. Sports is no longer just a pastime but a serious avenue for economic and social development. Your success should motivate young people across the state,” he added. Presenting the rewards, the governor said, “We have set aside N50 million and a plot of land in Calabar for you. You are now on our VVIP protocol list, and as Sports Ambassador, you will represent Cross River at official events.” Usani, who also plays for Edo Queens F.C. and represented Nigeria at the 2022 FIFA Women’s World Cup, thanked the governor for the recognition and recounted her challenging journey to football success. “My journey was not easy. Growing up, people said girls who play football become masculine and won’t get married. There was no female team in Uke, so I played with boys. But I stayed determined. Today, I’m proud to represent Nigeria and Cross River at the highest level,” she said, dedicating her achievement to God, her parents, and the people of Cross River State. Governor Otu urged continued support for young athletes, promising sustained investment in talent development to ensure the emergence of “many more Miracles” from the state.

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Asisat Oshoala Becomes CAF Ambassador

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially welcomed Asisat Lamina Oshoala into its cadre of Ambassadors, celebrating her outstanding contributions to African women’s football. The announcement marks another milestone for the Nigerian forward, whose influence both on and off the pitch has been unmatched across the continent. Oshoala, born October 9, 1994, in Ikorodu, Lagos, has built a decorated career with clubs including Barcelona and Bay FC. The former FC Robo Queens player steps into this new ambassadorial role with so much achievement bagged over her enviable career. Her record-breaking, consistent, and inspirational resume speaks volumes. She has won the CAF Women’s Player of the Year a record six times (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023), more than any other African female player. In the 2022-23 season for FC Barcelona Femení, she was the top scorer in Spain, netting 20+ league goals and 27 in all competitions as the club secured the league title and UEFA Women’s Champions League. In her time with Barcelona, she amassed 117 goals in 163 official matches across all competitions, helping the club to win multiple domestic titles, Spanish cups, super cups, and Champions League honours. For Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Oshoala has played over 60 matches, scoring close to 37 international goals. She has featured in multiple Women’s AFCON tournaments and Women’s World Cups — she is the first African player to score in three different Women’s World Cup tournaments. As a CAF Ambassador, Oshoala will no doubt leverage her platform to uplift women’s football across Africa. She will continue encouraging young girls, advocating for growth in women’s competitions, and continue to embody excellence at every level.

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