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Tag: Super Falcons

  • 2023 FIFA WWC: Onome Ebi speaks on game boycott against Canada

    2023 FIFA WWC: Onome Ebi speaks on game boycott against Canada

    Super Falcons captain, Onome Ebi has denied reports flying around that the team is planning to boycott their opening game against Canada at the upcoming 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup scheduled to be co-hosted by Australia and New zealand.

    There were speculations on social media stating that the Super Falcons were planning to boycott the encounter against the current Olympic champions over bonus dispute with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

    According to the 40-year-old Ebi, She and her players didnt have such media, saying she didn’t know where such reports came out from.

    Ebi, who will be making her sixth appearance at the World Cup, claimed that the report is false and misleading.

    The Super Falcons will face Canada, Australia and Republic of Ireland in Group B at the World Cup.

    The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will begin on the 20th of July in Australia and New Zealand.

     

  • Nigeria’s Oshoala nominated for 2023 Ballon d’Or award

    Nigeria’s Oshoala nominated for 2023 Ballon d’Or award

    Super Falcons and Barcelona forward, Asisat Oshoala has been shortlisted for the 2023 Ballon d’Or award.

    Her nomination was announced on Friday via France Football’s social media pages.

    The Nigerian forward was nominated for the Socrates award category of the Ballon d’Or.

    The Socrates award identifies the best solidarity actions carried out by committee champions.

    She is one of five individuals nominated for the award created last year and named after the late Brazil football legend Socrates.

    Vinicius (Brazil/ Real Madrid), Antonio Rudiger (Germany/Real Madrid), Marcus Rashford (England/Manchester United), Alex Morgan (USA/San Diego Wave) are the other nominees.

    The reigning African women’s Player of the Year was also a nominee for the Ballon d’Or in 2022.

    Oshoala is presently in camp with the rest of her teammates in Australia in preparation for the FIFA Women’s world Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

  • FIFA Women’s World Cup: Super Falcons land in Australia for acclimatization, two players missing

    FIFA Women’s World Cup: Super Falcons land in Australia for acclimatization, two players missing

    The Super Falcons camp is bubbling but with the absence of two players, Francisca Ordega and Halimatu Ayinde who are yet to report to camp.

    The Super Falcons have already begun camping in Australia ahead of the start of the tournament holding in  Australia and New Zealand.

    In a Tweet on the Super Falcons handle, 21 players are already in camp for with the pair still being expected.

    “Camp Updates!

    “21 players are currently in Gold Coast, Australia ??, for our training preparations for the @FIFAWWC.

    “Still expected are Halimatu Ayinde and Francisca Ordega.”

    Players and officials of the Falcons arrive Australia on Tuesday, July 4.

    The nine-time African champions are in Group B with Australia, Canada and Republic of Ireland.

  • AFCON Qualifiers: Super Falcons to know opponents on Thursday

    AFCON Qualifiers: Super Falcons to know opponents on Thursday

    Nigeria’s Super Falcons and other teams in Africa will know their opponents in the qualifiers for the 2024 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations on Thursday.

    The draw ceremony which will hold in Rabat, Morocco and it will be live on CAF digital platforms and CAF TV partners from 5pm.

    The 2024 Women’s AFCON finals will be hosted by Cote d’Ivoire.

    The Super Falcons are nine-time champions of the competition.

    Randy Waldrum’s side finished fourth at the last edition hosted by Morocco.

    The West Africans are currently in Melbourne Australia preparing for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

    What this means is that Cote d’Ivoire will host both men and Women AFCON in 2024.

  • FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: President’s wife challenges Falcons to dazzle the world

    FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: President’s wife challenges Falcons to dazzle the world

    The wife of President and Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic, Distinguished Senator (Mrs) Oluremi Tinubu CON has charged the Senior Women National Team of Nigeria to pull efforts, talents and skills together and dominate at the 9th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals starting in Australia and New Zealand in 18 days’ time.

    Distinguished Senator Tinubu threw this challenge to the nine-time African champions at a Send-Forth dinner held for them at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja on Saturday, less than 24 hours before the team was due to depart Nigeria’s shores for a 15-day training camp in Down Under before the global spectacle.

    “You are the shining star and pride of Africa. I charge you to go all out and do your very best to dominate other teams, and become the pride of the entire world,” she said in a speech read on her behalf by Dr. Betta Edu, APC National Women Leader.

    “I am proud to note that our Super Falcons have remained in that mix of the very best globally in the world of football. They have featured in every single edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals since the competition started in 1991, and our country is also one of only seven countries worldwide to have done so.

    “While our Falcons made it to the quarter-finals at the 1999 finals in the United States of America, and reached the second round at the last championship in France, our expectations as a nation and as a people is for a much better performance at what is certainly the biggest and best championship yet, in Australia and New Zealand starting from 20 July.”

    The Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar advised the girls to work as a team in order to achieve greater results, while President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau noted that the Super Falcons have won their last three matches and possess the winning mentality to be a strong force for any opposition in Australia and New Zealand.

    “Our belief in the Super Falcons and what they are capable of achieving informed the NFF’s decision to spare no cost in adequately preparing the team for the finals, with tournaments and matches in Japan, Mexico and Turkey, and a 15-camping already planned in Australia before the tournament begins.”

    The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu expressed confidence that the Falcons will go all the way to the Championship Final, and pledged to attend the quarter-final and semi-final matches if the girls get to the latter stages.

    NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi urged the Falcons to observe the integrity of the sport and prioritize good character on and off the field of play at the finals.

    Team captain Onome Ebi, on behalf of the players, said: “We are not just going to be part of the competition, but going to break records and surpass our previous outing which was Round of 16.”

    The occasion was also attended by a representative of the Accountant General of the Federation, NFF partners and sponsors, members of the diplomatic corps, business moguls, NFF management and staff, members of the Supporters Club and other football stakeholders.

    On Friday, the Australian High Commission in Nigeria had treated the Super Falcons to a celebration dinner hosted by the Ag. High Commissioner, Ms Leanne Johnston in Abuja, and which was also attended by the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, NFF Management team and football stakeholders and enthusiasts.

  • Remi Tinubu to host Super Falcons ahead of FIFA WWC

    Remi Tinubu to host Super Falcons ahead of FIFA WWC

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, alongside top government functionaries, will attend the send forth dinner of the Super Falcons ahead of the team’s departure for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

    The FIFA Women World Cup is scheduled to take place over a period of one month, starting from July 20 to Aug. 20.

    In a statement by Ademola Olajire, Head of Communications of the NFF on Thursday, noted that the dinner, organised by the country’s football body will hold on Saturday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

    “We are expecting the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Ismaila Abubakar as well as other top sports officials.

    “A good number of the team as well as technical and administrative officials are expected alongside the rank and file of the NFF led by the President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau and the General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi.

    “The event at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel will also attract corporate chieftains, members of the diplomatic corps and a range of football stakeholders.

    “On Sunday, the nine-time African champions will depart the shores of Nigeria for a 15-day camping programme in Australia, before they enter into camp for the tournament beginning from July 20 to Aug. 20,” Olajire noted. 

    Nigeria’s first match of the finals is against Canada, at Melbourne’s Rectangular Stadium, on  July 21 before clashes Australia and Republic of Ireland on July 27 and July 31 respectively, at the Lang Park in Brisbane.

    NAN reports that Australia and New Zealand 2023 will be the biggest-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in history, as it welcomes 32 teams – same number as featured in the men’s finals in Qatar last year.

    It is also the first to be hosted by two countries, and the first-ever FIFA senior competition to be hosted by two countries in two different confederations: Australia in the Asian confederation while New Zealand in Oceania.

    Nigeria’s captain Onome Ebi will be one of the oldest players at the tournament, at 40, alongside Brazil’s Marta and Canada’s Christine Sinclair. 

    The three women will be featuring in their sixth FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament.

    According to the NFF, 24 hours before the Send-Forth at the Transcorp Hilton, the Australian High Commission, will host the Falcons to a dinner, courtesy of the Ag. High Commissioner, Her Excellency Leanne Johnston.

    NAN reports that the Super Falcons are in the Group ‘B’ alongside Australia, Canada and Republic of Ireland.

    Nigeria has previously played the Canadian and Australian women’s national teams at the FIFA World Cup.

    The Canadians have been unable to defeat Nigeria at the World Cup, drawing 3-3 in 1995 and losing 1-0 in 2011.

    Nigeria’s meeting with Australia at the FIFA World Cup in 2015 ended in a 2-0 victory in favour of the Australians.

     

  • FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: NFF to hold Send-Forth for Super Falcons on Saturday

    FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: NFF to hold Send-Forth for Super Falcons on Saturday

    The Nigeria Football Federation will on Saturday organize a Send-Forth dinner for the World Cup-bound Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons, ahead of the team’s departure from the country to participate in the 9th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals taking place in Australia and New Zealand, 20 July – 20 August this year.

     

    Her Excellency, Wife of the President, Senator (Mrs) Oluremi Tinubu will lead a choice cast of eminent political chieftains and top government functionaries, which will include the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar and his counterpart in the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

     

    A good number of the playing body, as well as technical and administrative officials, are expected alongside the hierarchy and rank and file of the NFF, led by the President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau and the General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.

     

    The event at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja will also attract corporate chieftains, members of the diplomatic corps and a range of football stakeholders.

     

    On Sunday, the nine-time African champions will depart the shores of Nigeria for a 15-day camping programme in Australia, before they enter into camp for the tournament proper, with their base at Brisbane – which is also venue for two of their matches in the group phase.

     

    Nigeria’s first match of the finals is against Canada, at Melbourne’s Rectangular Stadium, on Friday, 21 July, before clashes with co-host nation Australia and Republic of Ireland on Thursday, 27 July and Monday, 31 July respectively, at the Lang Park in Brisbane.

     

    Australia and New Zealand 2023 will be the biggest-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in history, as it welcomes 32 teams – same number as featured in the men’s finals in Qatar last year. It is also the first to be hosted by two countries, and is the first-ever FIFA senior competition to be hosted by two countries in two different confederations: Australia is in the Asian confederation while New Zealand is in Oceania.

     

    Nigeria’ captain Onome Ebi will be one of the oldest players at the tournament, at 40, alongside Brazil’s Marta and Canada’s Christine Sinclair. The three women will be featuring in their sixth FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament.

     

    Twenty-four hours before the Send-Forth at the Transcorp Hilton, the Australian High Commission, courtesy of the Ag. High Commissioner, Her Excellency Leanne Johnston, will host the Falcons to a dinner at the High Commission in Abuja.

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  • FIFA WWC: Coach Randy Waldrum laments lack of support for Super Falcons

    FIFA WWC: Coach Randy Waldrum laments lack of support for Super Falcons

    Few weeks to the start of the 2023 FIFA women’s World Cup, the head coach of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Randy Waldrum, has said his team is not adequately prepared for next month’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.

    Waldrum decried the lack of support from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) while appearing on The Sounding Off Of Soccer podcast, hosted by John Krysinsky.

    He said: “I know we are not prepared the way we need to be. [I’ve] been very frustrated with the federation (NFF) and the lack of support.

    The tournament will be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand, and is scheduled to take place from 20 July to 20 August 2023.
  • See Super Falcons position in latest FIFA women world ranking

    See Super Falcons position in latest FIFA women world ranking

    Nigeria’s Women’s National Football team, the Super Falcons are now ranked 40th in the world, a remarkable improvement from their last ranking in May.

    According to the latest FIFA Women’s World ranking released on Thursday, Nigeria moved up two spots on the ranking from 42nd to 40th in the world.

    The Super Falcons also remain number one in Africa with 1554.94 ranking points, ahead of South Africa, (54th), Ghana (58th), Cote d’Ivoire (66th), Morocco (72nd), Tunisia (76) and Zambia (77th).

    Nigeria would be making its ninth appearance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be hosted by Australia and New Zealand, alongside South Africa, Zambia and Morocco from July 20 to Aug. 20.

    Defending champions U.S. with 2099.03 points remain on top of the ranking, while Germany (2061.56), Sweden (2049.71), England (2040.76) and France (2026.65) complete the top five women football teams in the world.

    This  is the final ranking before the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand in July.

  • Australia & New Zealand 2023: Waldrum picks Ebi, Asisat, Ajibade, 20 others for World Cup

    Australia & New Zealand 2023: Waldrum picks Ebi, Asisat, Ajibade, 20 others for World Cup

    Head Coach Randy Waldrum has listed European Cup winner Asisat Oshoala, dainty attacking midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade and history-making captain Onome Ebi in his list of 23 Super Falcons for this year’s FIFA World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand.

    There is also first choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, as well as defenders Osinachi Ohale and Oluwatosin Demehin, midfielders Halimatu Ayinde and Christy Ucheibe, and forwards Esther Okoronkwo and Desire Oparanozie.

    Nigeria will play Canada, co-host nation Australia and the Republic of Ireland in that order at the biggest-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in history, with 32 teams set to debut at the championship – same number as for the men’s finals in Qatar last year.

    Nine-time African champions Nigeria, who were within whistling distance of the semi-finals before losing to Brazil in extra time in the United States of America in 1999, will arrive in Australia on Tuesday, 4th July for a 15-day final camping programme before the finals begin on 20th July.

    SUPER FALCONS FOR BIGGEST-EVER FIFA WORLD CUP FINALS:

    Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Tochukwu Oluehi (Hakkarigucu Spor FC, Turkey); Yewande Balogun (AS Saint-Etienne, France)

    Defenders: Onome Ebi (Abia Angels); Osinachi Ohale (Deportivo Alaves, Spain); Glory Ogbonna (Besiktas JK, Turkey); Ashleigh Plumptre (Leicester City, England); Rofiat Imuran (Stade de Reims, France); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Oluwatosin Demehin (Stade de Reims, France)

    Midfielders: Halimatu Ayinde (Rosengard FC, Sweden); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Deborah Abiodun (Rivers Angels); Jennifer Echegini (Florida State University, USA)

    Forwards: Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, Kentucky, USA); Gift Monday (UDG Tenerife, Spain); Ifeoma Onumonu (NY/NJ Gotham FC, USA); Asisat Oshoala (Barcelona Femenine, Spain); Desire Oparanozie (Wuhan Chegu Jianghan, China); Francisca Ordega (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Esther Okoronkwo (AS Saint-Etienne, France)