Author: Tumininu Yussuf
Super Falcons defender, Ashleigh Plumptre has shared her excitement after making a competitive return in Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over Tunisia in their Group B opener at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. The Ittihad Ladies centre-back, who was instrumental in maintaining a clean sheet and creating key chances from the left side of defence, described the win as an ideal start to the campaign. “Three Goals and a Clean Sheet” – Plumptre Reflecting on the match, Plumptre admitted there were nerves heading into the team’s first tournament game but was full of praise for the performance…
Fresh from a 3‑0 opening‑day victory against Tunisia, Super Falcons interim head coach, Justin Madugu insists Nigeria’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign is still “a work in progress,” promising there is far more to come from his side. Nigeria sit atop Group B after goals from Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide, and Chinwendu Ihezuo secured their first WAFCON opening win since 2016. Yet Madugu was quick to temper the celebrations when speaking to during the post‑match press conference. “Not Flattered by the Scoreline” – Coach Madugu “Now, with regards to the game, we are not flattered by the scoreline. (0:06) We know what we set…
Nigeria’s Super Falcons made a statement of intent at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco on Sunday night, defeating Tunisia 3-0 in their Group B opener at Stade Larbi Zaouli. This is the first time they’ve won their opening game at the tournament since 2016. The victory was powered by early and late goals from Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide, and substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo, handing interim head coach Justin Madugu his first competitive win in charge of the nine-time champions. Bay FC forward, Asisat Oshoala put Nigeria in front after just four minutes. Rinsola Babajide, winning her first WAFCON cap,…
As Nigeria’s Super Falcons gear up to face Tunisia in their opening match of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), head coach Justin Madugu has dismissed suggestions of an easy group, insisting every team deserves full respect. Nigeria begin their campaign for a record-extending 10th WAFCON title—dubbed Mission X—on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Nigerian time at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. Madugu: “We Respect All Our Opponents” Speaking during the official pre-match press conference on Saturday, Madugu said: “Well, everybody is entitled to his opinion. For me—or for us, rather, as a team—we have respect for all…
Nigeria’s Super Falcons is set to launch their quest for a record‑extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday when they face Tunisia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca (17:00 WAT). The Group B fixture is the first step in what the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has branded “Mission X.” At the campaign’s launch in June, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi declared: “We are committed to fully supporting the Super Falcons’ campaign for a 10th continental title.” ”That is why we are launching the Mission X campaign to sensitize football‑loving Nigerians at home and in the diaspora … to come out and support the team.” ”The…
The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicked off on Saturday with hosts Morocco fighting back twice to earn a 2‑2 draw against Zambia in the opening Group A match at the Olympic Stadium. Zambia struck inside the first minute through Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda, but Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak salvaged a point with a 30‑yard shot three minutes from time. Earlier, Ibtissam Jraïdi converted a 12th‑minute penalty after a VAR check, cancelling out Banda’s opener, before Bay FC striker Racheal Kundananji restored Zambia’s lead in the 27th minute. Recording a 69 per cent possession, Morocco recorded three shots on target to Zambia’s six. The Copper…
Former Super Falcons captain, Desire Oparanozie has voiced her confidence in Nigeria’s chances, boldly stating that none of their Group B opponents stand a chance against the reigning African giants. Following Nigeria’s limited preparation leading up to the tournament, Oparanozie believes the Super Falcons’ talent, experience, and history will be enough to steamroll through the early stages and go all the way to clinch an unprecedented 10th continental crown. “None of These Teams Should Pose a Threat to Us” – Oparanozie Oparanozie, who captained Nigeria at previous WAFCON and FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments, spoke frankly about expectations for the…
Former Arsenal midfielder, Thomas Partey has been formally charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by the Metropolitan Police Service, according to a statement released on Thursday. The alleged offences reportedly took place between 2021 and 2022, and involve three different women. The 32-year-old Ghana international, who left Arsenal as a free agent earlier this week, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5 to face the charges. Charges Detailed In a statement, the Metropolitan Police clarified: “The offenses relate to two counts of rape of one woman, three counts of rape…
The final farewell to Liverpool forward, Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva will take place on Saturday, July 6, at 10 a.m. local time, in their hometown of Gondomar, Portugal, following their tragic deaths in a car crash near Zamora, Spain, on Thursday. The funeral mass will be held at the Matriz de Gondomar Church, a historic parish located about 33 kilometres from Porto, and is expected to draw a massive turnout of family, friends, football fans, and members of Portugal’s sports fraternity. A Town in Tears: Wake and Arrival of the Bodies A wake for the two brothers…
With just hours to go before the kickoff of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, former Super Falcons star Stella Mbachu has confidently declared that Nigeria will win every single game on their way to lifting the trophy once again. The tournament kicks off on Saturday, July 5, with Nigeria drawn in Group B alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana. But for Mbachu — a veteran of five WAFCON tournaments and three FIFA World Cups — there’s no fear, no hesitation, only belief. “I’m Assuring Nigerians…” – Stella Mbachu In a message directed at Nigerian supporters, the…
