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Tag: Super Falcons

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

Fola Badmus03 mins

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

Fola Badmus04 mins

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

Fola Badmus02 mins

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

Wale busari04 mins

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

Wale busari04 mins

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

Fola Badmus03 mins

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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Super Falcons Forward Ifeoma Onumonu Announces Retirement After Glittering Career

Wale busari04 mins

Super Falcons forward Ifeoma Onumonu has officially retired from football, ending a career that spanned more than ten years across the United States, France, and Nigeria. The 31-year-old announced her decision in a heartfelt Instagram post on Saturday, describing her retirement as the “natural conclusion” of a journey that began when she was just eight years old. “It is with a heart full of gratitude that I bid farewell to my playing career on the pitch,” Onumonu wrote. She recalled her first football experiences with a youth side called Magic in the U.S., saying she simply loved running and scoring goals without caring about winning or losing. That passion eventually grew into a professional career filled with memorable achievements. Onumonu lifted the NWSL championship trophy in the U.S., represented Nigeria at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympics, and was part of the Super Falcons squad that secured their record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco earlier this year. Born in California to a Nigerian father, Onumonu played collegiate football with the California Golden Bears before starting her professional career with the Boston Breakers in the NWSL. She went on to feature for Portland Thorns, Reign FC, Utah Royals, and NJ/NY Gotham FC, before moving to France to play for Montpellier HSC. She switched allegiance to Nigeria in 2021 and made her debut for the Super Falcons the same year. She went on to feature in major tournaments, including the 2023 Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics, earning a reputation for her intelligent movement, composure, and work rate. Onumonu made it clear that retirement would not end her connection with football. “This is not a goodbye to football, but a new beginning. I am excited to explore opportunities off the pitch, using the skills and lessons learned from my time on it,” she wrote. She also expressed deep appreciation to those who supported her throughout her career. “Thank you to all the staff, teammates, coaches, doctors, fans, and my incredible friends and family for your unwavering support. Although my time as a player has come to an end, my love and devotion for this game will never waver.”  

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2026 WAFCON: Super Falcons to Go Hard on She-Cheetahs, as Lionesses Face Tough Task

Fola Badmus05 mins

The race for tickets to next year’s Women Africa Cup of Nations, also to be staged in Morocco just as the last two editions, will be concluded in October with Cup holders and 10-time winners Nigeria up against the She-Cheetahs of Benin Republic, and Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses up against a mountain. The Lionesses, runners-up in 2014 in Namibia and in 2016 when Cameroon hosted (both times beaten by Nigeria in the final), must negotiate a tricky fixture against Algeria’s Lady Fennecs in the final qualifying fixture set for 20th – 28th October. Algeria is noted as a rising power in women’s football in the continent, as the Lady Fennecs finished in second place behind eventual winners Nigeria in their group in Morocco in July this year. They defeated Botswana by a lone goal, and drew 0-0 with both Tunisia and Nigeria to reach the quarter-finals. They took Ghana’s Black Queens to the rubber in their quarter-final clash before eventually bowing out 2-4 after a penalty shootout. The Indomitable Lionesses also failed to qualify for this year’s finals staged in Morocco, and lost 0-2 to Nigeria in a friendly match played in Abeokuta weeks before the finals. Benin Republic will host the first leg against Justine Madugu’s Falcons, before Nigeria play host to the return leg. Both matches have to be concluded within the window of 20th – 28th October. To reach the final round of the qualification series, Benin Republic defeated Sierra Leone’s senior women’s team 5-2 on aggregate, winning 2-1 in Togo and 3-1 in Monrovia, as both teams had to play their home matches on away ground due to absence of any CAF-approved match venue in both countries. Senegal’s Lionesses, who reached the quarter-finals in Morocco last month before losing to South Africa on penalties after 0-0 in regulation and extra time, face a daunting task against Cote d’Ivoire senior girls in the final round. The winners of 11 final qualifying fixtures will join hosts Morocco in the final competition that has been scheduled for March 2026, and from where all four semi-finalists will pick tickets to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil. Two additional slots are available for Africa through a play-off tournament, as was the case before the 2023 finals in Australia and New Zealand. Just as was the case in Down Under, the final competition in Brazil (set for 24 June – 25 July 2027) will have 32 teams. However, world football-ruling body FIFA has increased the numbers of teams for the final competition to 48, starting with the 11th edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2031, to be co-hosted by Mexico and the United States of America. 2026 WOMEN AFCON FINAL ROUND FIXTURES Angola Vs Malawi DR Congo Vs South Africa Tanzania Vs Ethiopia Namibia Vs Zambia Burkina Faso Vs Togo Algeria Vs Cameroon Egypt Vs Ghana Kenya Vs Gambia Benin Republic Vs Nigeria Cape Verde Vs Mali Senegal Vs Cote d’Ivoire

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