TheNewsGuru

Tag: Paris 2024

  • Paris 2024 Olympics: Waldrum picks Ajibade, Nnadozie, Oshoala, 15 others

    Paris 2024 Olympics: Waldrum picks Ajibade, Nnadozie, Oshoala, 15 others

    Head Coach Randy Waldrum has picked captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Osinachi Ohale, forward Asisat Oshoala and 14 other players in his final list of Nigeria’s Super Falcons for this year’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in France.

     

     

     

    There are also defenders Oluwatosin Demehin and Michelle Alozie, midfielders Deborah Abiodun, Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe and Toni Payne, and forwards Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Uchenna Kanu.

     

     

     

    Squad members who are currently on holidays in Nigeria will join home-based players and team officials aboard an Air France flight from Abuja to Sevilla, Spain on Thursday night, with the rest of the playing body and technical team also arriving in Sevilla on Friday for a two-week training camp.

     

     

     

    The team is scheduled to depart Sevilla for France on Thursday, 18th July.

     

     

     

    Nine-time African champions Nigeria, who are making their first appearance at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament for the first time since 2008 in China, will tackle Brazil, Spain and Japan, in that order, at this year’s tournament.

     

     

     

    To qualify for the 12-team tournament, the Falcons edged South Africa’s Banyana Banyana 1-0, with a strike from the penalty spot in Abuja by Ajibade separating Africa’s top two teams over two legs in the month of April.

      isheir first game, against Brazil, comes up at the Stade Bordeaux on 25th July, before confrontations with Spain (28th July) and Japan (31st July). The matches against Spain and Japan will hold at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes, where the Super Eagles famously defeated tournament favourites Spain 3-2 in a memorable game at the 1998 FIFA World Cup finals.

     

     

     

    SUPER FALCONS FOR PARIS 2024 OLYMPICS:

     

     

     

    Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia)

     

     

     

    Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Oluwatosin Demehin (Stade de Reims, France); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Nicole Payne (Portland Thorns FC, USA); Chidinma Okeke (Mynavi Sendai Ladies, Japan)

     

     

     

    Midfielders: Deborah Abiodun (University of Pittsburgh, USA); Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosengard, Sweden); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Jennifer Echegini (Juventus Ladies, Italy); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain)

     

     

     

    Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid FC, Spain); Esther Okoronkwo (Changchun FC, China); Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA); Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA); Chiwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Chinonyerem Macleans (Locomotiv Moscow, Russia)

     

    Alternate Players: Jumoke Alani (Nasarawa Amazons); Ifeoma Onumonu (Utah Royals, USA); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Morufa Ademola (Rivers Angels)

  • Paris 2024: Nigeria Olympians Association Commends Sports Minister and Solicits for Synergy

    Paris 2024: Nigeria Olympians Association Commends Sports Minister and Solicits for Synergy

    On Wednesday, April 24th, 2024, the Executive Board of the Nigerian Olympians Association visited the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, to commend his vision and achievements in the field of sports development since he assumed office.
    During the visit, Olumide Ayodeji OLY, the President of the Association, expressed their desire to not only support the Minister’s vision but also contribute to the growth of sports in Nigeria through mentoring of athletes. He highlighted the Olympians’ contributions to the country and urged the Minister to look into their welfare in line with his vision for sports development.
    Emmanuel Babayaro, a legendary member of the Nigerian football team that won a gold medal during the 1996 Atlanta Olympic games, described the Minister as a leader with a human face and assured him of the Nigerian Olympians Association’s support in consolidating his achievements so far. He also emphasized the Olympians’ willingness to offer their support and experience as mentors to help grow sports in Nigeria.Christy Opara
    Thompson, Olufemi Ebenezer were members of the NOA delegation, they outlined the individual contributions of members of the NOA to sports development to include building of infrastructure for athletes use  in communities to enhance sports development.
    Senator John Owan Enoh in his response expressed his gratitude for the visit and pledged to provide a platform for the Olympians to engage with athletes to achieve desired outcomes. He assured the Association that the Ministry will work out modalities to include them as part of the contingent for the Olympic Games on a sport-to-sport basis. Additionally, he promised to do things differently to achieve the desired results under his leadership.
    “There’s so much the ministry is willing to do , including working with the right people to register desired results.” He said.
  • Paris 2024: Nigeria overdue for gold medals after Atlanta 1996 heroics – Sports Minister

    Paris 2024: Nigeria overdue for gold medals after Atlanta 1996 heroics – Sports Minister

    Nigeria’s Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh has said the nation is overdue for gold medals at the Olympic Games after Atlanta 1996 heroics.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Senator Enoh made this known in a statement released on Friday by Diana-Mary Nsan, Special Assistant, Media to the Minister of Sports.

    In the statement, Enoh disclosed that the Ministry is committed to seeing Team Nigeria achieve remarkable success at the upcoming 2024 Olympics in Paris.

    Drawing inspiration from past achievements and a vision for the future, the Minister emphasised Nigeria will be aiming for gold in Paris, in like fashion as the nation’s heroics at the 1996 Olympic Games.

    “Like every area of human endeavour, we expect to build upon what we did at the last Olympics. After Atlanta 1996, the time has come for Nigeria to win at the very least, a gold medal at the Olympics,” remarked the Minister.

    To fulfil this ambition, the Ministry has established a ministerial podium performance committee dedicated to strategic planning and execution.

    “This committee is diligently assessing various sports where Nigeria holds a competitive advantage.

    “Collaborating closely with the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) and different sports federations, the Ministry is orchestrating comprehensive training programs and coordinating the opening of training camps both locally and internationally,” the statement reads.

    The Minister also underscored the collective effort of all stakeholders involved, emphasising the synergy between the Ministry, NOC, and the federations.

    “Given all we are doing within the Ministry, the NOC and the different federations, we are working very hard to ensure we are competitive enough and represent Nigeria well enough in Paris,” the Minister added.

    The statement reads further: “As preparations intensify, Nigeria is poised to showcase its athletic prowess on the global stage and make its mark at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

    “Through meticulous planning, robust training regimes, and determination, Team Nigeria aims to leave an indelible legacy of sporting excellence.

    “While some athletes and sports have qualified for the Games, some others are still undergoing the qualification process”.

    TNG reports the Olympic Games will take place in the French capital city of Paris, between July 26 and AUgust 11, 2024.

  • Olympics: Paris 2024’s opening ceremony threatened by unrest

    Olympics: Paris 2024’s opening ceremony threatened by unrest

    The opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics might not take place along the Seine River if the security situation in Europe worsens.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports French President, Emmanuel Macron said this in an interview with broadcasters BFMTV on Monday.

    “We can do it and we will do it,’’ Macron stressed, but he added that plans B and C are being prepared.

    The French president indicated that, in the event of a threat, the opening ceremony will be limited to the Trocadéro, or even the Stade de France stadium as a precaution.

    The opening ceremony would take place on July 26 and for the first time outdoors.

    Around 160 boats will take the athletes on a six-kilometre route across the Seine along the most beautiful sights in Paris, from the Pont d’Austerlitz to the Trocadéro.

    Some 326,000 spectators are expected to attend the ceremony.

    Recently, potential terrorist threats forced authorities to increase security around sports events.

    Last week, France and Spain ramped up their security plans ahead of the Champions League quarter-finals matches due to reported threats from jihadists.

    In March, the Munich police increased their presence around the Allianz Arena, where Bayern Munich was hosting the Bundesliga match against Borussia Dortmund after a user on X, formerly twitter,  posted a picture with a target placed on spectators around the stadium.

  • Paris 2024: Again, Nigerian officials snubbed as FIFA list 12 African referees for football event

    Paris 2024: Again, Nigerian officials snubbed as FIFA list 12 African referees for football event

    The match officials for the football events of the 2024 Olympic Games have been released by the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA).

    FIFA listed 12 match officials from Africa with Nigerian officials failing to make the list once again.

    The African referees for the tournament include Beida Dahane from Mauritania, Ismail Mahmood Ali from Sudan and Karboubi Bouchra from Morocco.

    Meanwhile, assistant referees from Africa include Ahmed Liban Abdoulrazack from Djibouti, Chikotesha Diana from Zambia, Jermouni Fatiha from Morocco, Noupue Elvis from Cameroon, Santos Jerson Emiliano Dos from Angola and Yiembe Stephen from Kenya.

    In the video match officials category, Ashour Mahmoud from Egypt and Benbraham Lahlou from Algeria will were selected.

    Additionally, Nabadda Shamirah from Uganda will provide support as part of the match officials.

  • Paris 2024: Ajibade scores solitary goal as Super Falcons pip Bayana Bayana in Abuja

    Paris 2024: Ajibade scores solitary goal as Super Falcons pip Bayana Bayana in Abuja

    Nigeria’s Super Falcons could only manage a 1-0 win against the Bayana Bayana of South Africa in the Paris 2024 Olympic qualifiers.

    The two countries are fighting for the 2024 Paris Olympics games ticket.

    Rasheedat Ajibade converted an 18th minute Penalty to gift the Super Falcons the lead but her goal proved to be the decider of the thrilling encounter.

    After Ajibade’s penalty goal, all efforts to score in the match proved abortive as both goal keeper made dashing saves on the two ends.

    The result meant that Super Falcons will be traveling to South Africa with a slim win for the reverse fixture holding next week.

    The overall winner of the two legged encounter would grab a slot to be one of Africa’s representatives at the 2024 Olympics games slated to hold in Paris, France.

  • Olympics Qualifiers: Falcons’ captain optimistic of win against Bayana Bayana

    Olympics Qualifiers: Falcons’ captain optimistic of win against Bayana Bayana

    Rasheedat Ajibade, Super Falcons Captain, is optimistic of victory against South Africa’s Bayana Bayana in the first leg final round qualifying fixture of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

    Ajibade ssid that with the winner of the tie guaranteed a spot at the Olympics, a tough game would be expected on Friday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that both team missed out in the  2020 Games in Tokyo, Japan.

     

    The captain, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after the team’s training session, however added that she believes in the strength and mentality of the team.

     

    “Yes, we have dominated women’s football in the continent for a while now but we are not dwelling on past glory but what we can do now.

     

    “Picking the Olympic tickets is what really matters to us now.

     

    “The mindset in camp is positive, although there is a little bit of stress but we are coping,  and are going to manage everything well professionally.

     

    “One word I will  say to my team is let’s do it, let’s go all out to secure victory for the country. I am optimistic of a win on Friday,” she said.

     

    A total of 19 players are in camp as at Wednesday morning, with the team still expecting US based Asisat Oshoala and Chinwendu Ihezuo of Mexico.

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    The General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi has implored Nigerians based in the Federal capital, Abuja and environs, and indeed from neighbouring States, to troop out in large numbers to the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Friday to support the Super Falcons in their Women’s Olympic Football Tournament African final qualifying, first leg game against South Africa.

    The NFF is calling on Nigerians from all over the Federal Capital Territory and the neighbouring States, and indeed from all over Nigeria, to come out in their tens of thousands to cheer the Super Falcons to victory in the match against South Africa.

     

    “This is a big match by all standards. We are specially appealing to our people to come en masse and support the Super Falcons. It is important for us to get a big win here in order to be in good stead before flying to South Africa. A handsome win here will bolster our ladies with the confidence and mentality to overcome in Pretoria,” Sanusi said.

     

    Nigeria has not participated in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament since 2008, when the Falcons lost all three matches in the group phase in China.

     

    Captain Rasheedat Ajibade said on Wednesday that the objective of Africa’s leading women’s team, the Falcons, remains the same right from the beginning of the qualifiers.

     

    “From the time we played Ethiopia, we have been committed to seeing these qualification series through. Our objective has always been to win a slot to the Olympics. Most of us are yet to play in the Olympics and it is a big issue with us. We want to be there in Paris.

     

    “There are a couple of issues the Super Falcons have to sort out with Banyana Banyana, really. However, that is not the motivation this time. The motivation is qualifying for the Olympics.”

     

    Nigeria emerged Africa’s top team at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand eight months ago, unbeaten in regulation time before exiting at the Round of 16 courtesy of penalty shootout defeat by England.

     

    As at lunchtime on Wednesday, captain Ajibade and 20 other players were in the Super Falcons’ camp, and the team had a first training session at the MKO Abiola Stadium on Wednesday morning.

     

    The Banyana Banyana delegation arrived in Nigeria on Sunday.

     

    In Camp:

     

    Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Tochukwu Oluehi, Linda Jiwuaku

     

    Defenders: Jumoke Alani, Osinachi Ohale, Chidinma Okeke, Shukurat Oladipo, Michelle Alozie, Nicole Payne

     

    Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade, Toni Payne, Deborah Abiodun, Jennifer Echegini, Christy Ucheibe, Halimatu Ayinde

     

    Forwards: Uchenna Kanu, Gift Monday, Omorinsola Babajide, Ifeoma Onumonu, Esther Okoronkwo, Chiwendu Ihezuo

     

    PHOTO 1: Girls are ready – Uchenna Kanu and Halimatu Ayinde at training on Wednesday.

     

    PHOTO 2: Captain Ajibade leads from the front at Wednesday’s training session.  

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  • Paris 2024: Super Falcons to host Banyana Banyana in cracker on 5 April

    Paris 2024: Super Falcons to host Banyana Banyana in cracker on 5 April

    Africa’s top-ranked team, Nigeria will host reigning African champions South Africa in the first leg of their Women’s Olympic Football Tournament final qualifying fixture at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Friday, 5th April.

     

    The encounter at Nigeria capital’s magnificent facility will kick off at 4pm, with Algerian referee Ghada Mehat as referee. Mehat’s compatriots Asma Feriel Ouahab and Lamia Atman will be in the roles of assistant referee 1 and fourth official respectively, while Mariem Cheddad from Mauritania will serve as assistant referee 2.

     

    Senegalese Fadouma Dia, a former FIFA referee, will be referee assessor while Ghanaian Chrstine Ziga will serve as commissioner.

     

    For the return leg scheduled for South Africa (venue to be decided) on Tuesday, 9th April, the Confederation of African Football has appointed Tunisian official Dorsaf Ganouati as referee. She will be assisted by compatriots Houda Afine (assistant referee 1) and Emna Ajbouni (fourth official) with Egyptian Yara Atef Abdelfattah as assistant referee 2.

     

    Agar Mezing from Cameroon will be the referee assessor while Cindy Dludlu from eSwatini will be commissioner.

     

    The Super Falcons saw off the challenge of Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses in the penultimate round of the race, with a single goal over the two legs scored by Esther Okoronkwo at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, while Banyana Banyana trounced Tanzania 4-0 over two legs in Dar es Salaam and Nelspruit.

     

    The winner over two legs in early April will join15 other senior women teams from across the globe for the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament starting in Paris on 16th July. 

  • Paris 2024: How Super Falcons defeated indomitable Lions of Cameroon to reach final qualifying phase

    Paris 2024: How Super Falcons defeated indomitable Lions of Cameroon to reach final qualifying phase

    Nigeria reached the final round of the African qualifying series for this year’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament after Esther Okoronkwo’s 15th minute goal at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja separated Nigeria and Cameroon in a turgid 180-minute battle over two legs.

     

    After 105 minutes of scoreless action (90 minutes in Douala and 15 minutes in Abuja), the Henan FC of China forward took matters into her own hands. Latching onto the ball from a long thrust out of the defence, Okoronkwo outpaced her markers and got close to the byline before finding captain Rasheedat Ajibade, whose chip was parried by the brilliant goalkeeper Michaely Bihina, only onto the path of the onrushing Okonronkwo who finished with aplomb.

     

    Jennifer Echegini, whose disallowed goal in Douala on Friday was still subject of controversy among pundits, had blazed over the sticks in the 13th minute, before Okoronkwo’s excellent effort. In the 32nd minute, Cameroon came very close from a corner kick when Menene Meyong got her head to the ball, but goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie stopped its progress to the far corner.

     

    Ajibade and Okoronkwo had efforts blocked by Bihina, and Cameroon’s Mana Lamine blazed over the bar with two minutes left in the first period.

     

    In the second period, Bihina kept out all efforts by Ajibade, Echegini and substitutes Akudo Ogbonna and Asisat Oshoala. On the hour mark, Cameroon thought they had equalized when Marie Ngah Manga got her head to a cross by the energetic substitute Marie Enganemben, but Nnadozie stretched full length to parry the ball out of danger.

     

    The Lionesses finished with 10 men when the volatile Enganemben pushed Nnadozie during a bizarre rush by Cameroonian players to touch Nnadozie’s net.

     

    Victory sets up a mouth-watering final round fixture between nine-time champions of Africa, Nigeria and reigning African champions South Africa, which will be disputed in April.