Author: Tumininu Yussuf
Interim head coach of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Justin Madugu, has commended his players for their hard-fought 2-1 semifinal victory over reigning champions South Africa. He hailed the team for showing mental strength and tactical discipline during difficult spells of the match in Casablanca, Morocco. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Madugu acknowledged the emotional and psychological impact of the serious injury suffered by Banyana Banyana star Gabriela Salgado, but insisted it did not change the outcome. He praised his side for staying focused despite losing control of the game at certain points. “They Kept Fighting When We Lost Control” —…
In a pulsating semifinal clash under the lights of the Larbi Zaouli stadium, star girl Michelle Alozie delivered a thunderous 94th-minute strike to send Nigeria’s Super Falcons into the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a 2-1 victory over defending champions South Africa. The Houston Dash striker’s long-range winner sparked wild celebrations as Nigeria took one step closer to a record-extending 12th WAFCON title, dethroning a Banyana Banyana side who were left heartbroken, not just by the defeat, but also by a serious injury to Gabriela Salgado in the dying minutes. Ajibade and Motlhalo Trade…
With emotions rising ahead of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-final, Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has made it clear that the team is keeping its eyes firmly on the prize and is undistracted by off-pitch challenges or previous heartbreaks. The captain believes and insists the Falcons are ready to write a new chapter. The Nigerian side will face defending champions Banyana Banyana of South Africa in a fiery rematch of the 2022 edition where Nigeria fell short. Rasheedat Ajibade – “This is our responsibility… ” Speaking ahead of the game, Rasheedat Ajibade lifted the lid on…
As anticipation builds for a titanic semi-final clash between South Africa’s Banyana Banyana and Nigeria’s Super Falcons at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), head coach Desiree Ellis has issued a rallying cry warning her team of the high-pressure stakes and urging them to focus on the present rather than past victories. Speaking during a pre-match press conference ahead of the much-anticipated encounter, Ellis made it clear that despite South Africa’s recent edge over Nigeria, including their last win at the 2022 WAFCON, this fixture represents a fresh battle. “You Don’t Look Back, You Look Forward” — Ellis…
As Nigeria’s Super Falcons prepare to face long-time rivals South Africa in the semifinals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) today, interim coach Justine Madugu shrugs off critics to focus on the team’s progress. Ahead of the clash in Casablanca, all eyes are not just on the pitch but also on the man at the helm of the Falcons’ tactical charge. Facing the immense expectations that come with coaching Nigeria’s most successful women’s football team, Madugu remains unshaken. Speaking to reporters from the team’s base in Casablanca, the coach addressed growing criticism and made it clear that neither…
Super Falcons defender, Ashleigh Plumptre, has said she’s satisfied with Nigeria’s resounding display on the team’s ability to adapt to different opponents while proving doubters wrong at the ongoing 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. Plumptre made these remarks in the wake of Nigeria’s 5-0 demolition of the Copper Queens of Zambia, a victory that re-established the Super Falcons as top contenders for the continental title. The victory followed two more tactical showings in the group stage and quarterfinals, with Nigeria yet to concede a single goal. “I think we have to remember as well, like the…
Head coach of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, Rena Wakama, has made it clear that her team is laser-focused on one mission: to win the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket and secure a historic fifth consecutive continental title. With the tournament tipping off this weekend in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the D’Tigress boss revealed that while her side is not yet at full throttle, the mindset and momentum are building fast. D’Tigress Opens Training in Abuja: Focused, Hungry, United At the team’s open training session in Abuja on Monday, 17 players took part, including a strong core of returning athletes who…
In what appears to be a rumor and unconfirmed report, shocking reports emerged on Monday morning suggesting that six-time African Women’s Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, has allegedly announced her retirement from international football. The timing is particularly startling, coming just one day before Nigeria’s Super Falcons face reigning champions South Africa in a high-stakes semifinal clash at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). According to multiple sources, the 30-year-old striker allegedly posted a message on her official Facebook page, announcing her decision to bow out of the international scene after the current WAFCON campaign. Asisat Oshoala,…
In the presence of 90,000 fans at the Wembley Stadium in London, Oleksandr Usyk ruthlessly dismantled Daniel Dubois in the fifth round to reclaim his place as the undisputed world heavyweight champion. The 38-year-old Ukrainian, who had already made history by conquering the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, became the first male fighter in the four-belt era to achieve undisputed status three times. Having previously stopped Dubois in the ninth round in 2023, Usyk produced an even more spectacular performance this time around. He floored the Brit twice with a perfectly timed right hand to the temple, and then finished the…
A revengeful Super Falcons of Nigeria delivered a fearsome reminder of their dominance in African women’s football on Sunday, thrashing Zambia 5-0 in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Goals from Osinachi Ohale, Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Blessing Demehin, and Folashade Ijamilusi ensured the Super Falcons booked a record-extending 13th semifinal appearance, a message to their critics and a warning to the rest of the continent. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Nigeria showcased their pedigree, outclassing a Zambian side that had allegedly come to the game to hunt led by Barbra Banda…