Nigeria forward Ifeoma Onumonu extended her scoring run to five consecutive matches, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Montpellier from suffering a 4-2 defeat at Dijon in Saturday’s French women’s top-flight clash.
Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, the President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), has revealed bold plans to boost the development of women’s football in Nigeria.
Former Super Falcons assistant coach, Mansur Abdullahi, has called on the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to place more trust in indigenous coaches to lead the women’s national team.
Bankole Olowookere, head coach of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s football team, has boldly declared that his squad is fully prepared to take on the competition at the upcoming WAFU B tournament.
Speaking candidly about the team’s preparations, Olowookere explained the significance of thorough and early training and a strong sense of unity among players.
“The goal is clear: we are aiming for nothing less than victory. Everybody should attempt to go to a tournament with a mindset of winning,” Olowookere stated.
“There is no room for anything less. Even when you look at the World Cup, we treat every competition the same way – it’s all about competing to win.”
Olowookere’s optimism comes despite some challenges in the lead-up to the tournament, particularly with player injuries. However, he assured that the team is addressing these issues, ensuring players are in top condition.
“We are preparing well, and while injuries have been a concern, we are managing them effectively. The team is looking good,” he added.
The coach also spoke about integrating new players into the squad. With several fresh faces joining the team, Olowookere believes they would shine and contribute positively.
“We have some new girls, and we’re hopeful they will step up and showcase their talent. They are part of this dream – to represent their country and leave their mark on the football world.”
Looking back at the past experience at the World Cup, Olowookere remains determined to build on what the team has learned.
“What we lost at the World Cup, we will make up for here. It’s about fighting, competing, and showing we mean business. We are going to compete with others and fight for the trophy,” he said.
“We can’t just start training five days before the tournament. It’s a continuous process. The majority of the players that went to the World Cup with us are here, and we are building on that experience.”
With the tournament just around the corner, the coach’s message is clear: Nigeria’s U-17 team is not just participating in the WAFU B tournament—they are going to win.
“We are prepared. We are fighting for the trophy, and we will show that we mean it,” Olowookere concluded. “This is our time.”
Barcelona alumni and Nigerian international Asisat Oshoala has made history as one of the eleven nominees for the inaugural FIFA Marta Award, which will be presented at The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 in January 2025.
Super Falcons international and Edo Queens striker, Folashade Ijamilusi, is staying focused on her goals despite a recent setback.
Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has named a 25-player squad for Nigeria’s U17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, ahead of the 2024 WAFU B U17 Girls’ Cup, scheduled to take place in Ghana from December 12 to 26.
The Flamingos, fresh off a strong performance at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, where they reached the quarter-finals and won the FIFA Fair Play Trophy, are gearing up to make their mark in the regional competition.
Olowookere’s squad draws heavily from players who impressed during the World Cup campaign, including standout midfielder Shakirat Moshood, who netted four goals in the tournament.
Also included are key figures such as goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma and defenders Taiwo Adegoke, Jumai Adebayo, and Prisca Nwachukwu.
The Flamingos have been placed in Group B of the competition, alongside the U17 girls of Cote d’Ivoire and Niger Republic, while Group A consists of hosts Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Benin Republic.
All invited players are expected to report to the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, to begin preparations.
Here is the full list of the 25 players called up for WAFU B camp:
Goalkeepers:
- Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens)
- Elizabeth Boniface (Sunshine Queens)
- Sylvia Echefu (Bayelsa Queens)
- Chiamaka Enebeli (RoyalTom FC)
Defenders
- Rokibat Azeez (New Generation Academy)
- Taiwo Adegoke (Remo Stars Ladies)
- Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels)
- Ayomide Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies)
- Prisca Nwachukwu (Heartland Queens)
- Ololade Isiaka (Abia Angels)
- Oluwatoyin Olowookere (Ekiti Queens)
- Oghenemairo Obruthe (Lagos City)
Midfielders
- Saida Adebiyi (Confluence Queens)
- Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens)
- Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy)
- Farida Abdulwahab (Nasarawa Amazons)
- Fatimoh Solaty (Dannaz Ladies)
Forwards
- Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers)
- Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels)
- Mary Nkpa (Abia Angels)
- Blessing Ifitezue (Rivers Angels)
- Aisha Animashaun (Naija Ratels)
- Mary Mamudu (Edo Queens)
- Precious Oscar (Bayelsa Queens)
- Janet Akekoromowei (Nasarawa Amazons)
Emmanuel Osahon, the proprietor of Robo Queens, has voiced his concerns over the state of women’s football in Nigeria, especially in light of the progress made by other African nations like Egypt.
President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, has lauded the Super Falcons for their strong performance following their 2-1 loss to France in an international friendly match.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons may have suffered a 2-1 defeat to France in an international friendly on Saturday night at Stade Raymond Kopa, but the match was one for the history books.