TheNewsGuru

Tag: Super Falcons

  • WAFCON: Dikko charges Super Falcons to go for gold

    WAFCON: Dikko charges Super Falcons to go for gold

    The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC),  Shehu Dikko, has urged the Nigeria Super Falcons to go for gold in their final match against Morocco in the ongoing 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

    Dikko gave the charge  on Friday in Abuja at  the ongoing 2025 African Karate Championship at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

    Super Falcons defeated South Africa 2-1 to seal a place in the final against host Morocco.

    “They can go far in this championship; they have done it before, and they can do it again,”he said.

    NAN reports that Super Falcons, who have won nine titles out of the 12 editions of the tournament, will take on host nation Morocco in Saturday’s final at the Stade Olympique in Rabat.

    On  the African Karate Championship, the NSC chairman said he was impressed with the standard of the championship.

    “I congratulate these cadet karate athletes for winning five medals for the country in day one of the competition.

    ” We have various federations hosting African championships, and this is showing that we are on the right track.

    “The main concern is to see the drastic development of our sports,” he said.

    Nigeria finished second in  day one of the  competition with one gold, two silver, and two bronze medals.

    Egypt topped the medal table with eight gold, one silver, and three bronze medals.

    Senegal, Morocco, and Niger are  tied on third position with one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal each.

    NAN reports that a total of 31 countries are participating in the  Championship which started on Monday and is expected to end on Sunday.

  • BIG MORALE BOOSTER: Football academy chairman, Oramah promises Super Falcons N500k each per goal scored today

    BIG MORALE BOOSTER: Football academy chairman, Oramah promises Super Falcons N500k each per goal scored today

    As the Super Falcons meet host country Morocco of the WAFCON final today, a football academy chairman, Dr Pat Ifeanyi Oramah has promised the Nigerian team members, N500,000 per goal scored.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports this was contained in a statement issued late Friday by the football administrator to boost the morale of the Nigerian national female team.

    In a bold show of patriotism and solidarity for women’s sports, Dr. Oramah has pledged the sum of ₦500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) to the Super Falcons for every goal scored in the final match if the team emerges victorious.Speaking from the Club’s headquarters in Abuja, Dr. Oramah commended the Super Falcons for their passion, discipline, and the national pride they have inspired throughout the tournament.“These women have shown grit, unity, and an unyielding spirit of patriotism.

    “They are not just playing football; they are writing history and lifting the hearts of millions. At Oramah Football Club & Academy, we are proud to stand with them as they aim for continental glory,” he said.

    He emphasized that this pledge reflects Oramah FC & Academy’s commitment to promoting excellence, rewarding performance, and supporting the development of sports—especially women’s football—in Nigeria.

    The Chairman reiterated his commitment to the growth of Nigerian football, especially the advancement of women’s participation and recognition in the sport. Through Oramah Football Club & Academy, he continues to invest in the development of young talents and the promotion of sports as a vehicle for national transformation.

    The academy stands united with millions of Nigerians in rooting for the Super Falcons as they head into the final showdown, with high hopes for a triumphant finish.#SuperFalcons#OramahSupportsChampions#VictoryForNigeriaFor media enquiries, contact:Media Relations DeskOramah Football Club & AcademyEmail: info@oramahfc.comPhone: +234 [Phone Number]Website: www.oramahfc.com

  • Morocco set up WAFCON final against Nigeria’s Super Falcons

    Morocco set up WAFCON final against Nigeria’s Super Falcons

    Hosts Morocco defeated Ghana on Tuesday to set up the final clash of the 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) against the Super Falcons of Nigeria.

    At Rabat’s Stade Olympique, Morocco faced a formidable challenge from Ghana. After going behind to Stella Nyamekye’s 26th-minute header, the host side found parity through Sakina Ouzraoui midway through the second half.

    With no further goals across regular and extra time, the match was decided via penalties. Morocco’s goalkeeper Khadija Er‑Rmichi made a crucial save, and her side triumphed 4–2 in the shootout, booking their spot in the final.

    Earlier, in Casablanca, Nigeria were locked in a high-stakes battle with defending champions South Africa. Rasheedat Ajibade gave Nigeria the advantage just before halftime with a composed penalty. South Africa responded through Linda Motlhalo’s second-half spot-kick.

    As the game seemed destined for extra time, defender Michelle Alozie delivered a stunning stoppage-time winner. Her speculative long-range ball deceived South Africa’s goalkeeper and sealed a dramatic 2–1 victory for the Super Falcons.

    The win ensured that Nigeria will be playing in their 10th WAFCON final on Saturday as they continue their quest to win their 10th title with the mantra “Mission X”, while Morocco aim to claim their first-ever WAFCON title on home soil.

    WAFCON final: Finish strong – Mrs Tinubu charges Super Falcons

    Meanwhile, First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has charged the Super Falcons to finish well in their Mission X by lifting the WAFCON 2024 trophy.

    Mrs Tinubu gave the charge while congratulating the Super Falcons for their 2-1 semi final win over South Africa.

    The First Lady, in a congratulatory message issued on Tuesday in Abuja, described the win as one that has encouraged her and Nigerians to be hopeful that the team would bring the trophy home.

    “I commend you, our incredible Super Falcons for your victory over South Africa in the semi-finals of the WAFCON Championship.

    “You have once again shown the world the strength, courage, and brilliance of Nigerian women.

    “Your passion, discipline, and unity on the field are a shining example to young girls everywhere that nothing good is beyond reach.

    “This win is more than just a ticket to the finals of the Championship, but a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we believe in ourselves and stand together.

    “I look forward to you lifting the Cup by the grace of God. May you finish strong,” she said.

  • BREAKING: Super Falcons through to WAFCON final

    BREAKING: Super Falcons through to WAFCON final

    The Super Falcons of Nigeria have qualified for the final of the Women African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) holding in Morocco.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Super Falcons qualified for the WAFCON final after defeating the Bayana Bayana of South Africa on Tuesday.

    The Nigerian national female football team defeated their South African counterparts by 2 goals to 1.

    Rasheedat Ajibade opened the scoring in the first half with a penalty kick at 44 minutes.

    Following the break, Linda Mothlalo converted from the spot to bring Banyana Bayana level at 59 minutes.

    Then, in dramatic injury time, Michelle Alozie delivered the knockout punch.

    Alozie sent a long ball forward in the 90+4 minute of play and it ended up in the back of the net.

  • Asisat Oshoala allegedly quits Super Falcons

    Asisat Oshoala allegedly quits Super Falcons

    Asisat Oshoala,  a Nigerian football legend and six-time African Player of the Year, has announced her retirement from the national team, the Super Falcons.

    TheNewsGuru reports that her announcement is coming ahead of Tuesday’s semi-final clash between Nigeria and South Africa at the ongoing 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca, Morocco.

    Oshoala, who played for Barcelona Femeni, announced her decision to quit the Super Falcons on Facebook on Monday night.

    According to the ThisDay, the Arsenal Women striker said her decision was a necessary step to allow emerging talents the opportunity to shine on the global stage.

    “At 30, with six African Women’s Best Player awards, I will bow out to start a new chapter after WAFCON 2024/25,” she wrote on Facebook.

    “Thank you for your unwavering support. I’m forever grateful for the love and sacrifices shared with me throughout this journey.”

    Oshoala has won a record six CAF Women’s Player of the Year titles (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2023), making her the most decorated player in the history of African women’s football.

  • WAFCON: Super Falcons reach semi-finals in grand style

    WAFCON: Super Falcons reach semi-finals in grand style

    Super Falcons of Nigeria cruise to the semifinals of the 2024 WAFCON with dominant 5-0 victory over Zambia in Casablanca on Friday.

    The Nigeria female team remain unbeaten and unbreached in the tournament so far, maintained their defensive record while producing their most clinical attacking display yet, dismantling the Copper Queens with ruthless efficiency at Stade Larbi Zaouli.

    Nigeria’s intent was clear from the first whistle, and they needed just two minutes to assert control. Centre-back Osinachi Ohale rose highest to head home Esther Okoronkwo’s pinpoint free-kick delivery, setting the tone for a night to forget for Zambia.

    The nine-time champions doubled their lead in the 33rd minute when Okoronkwo, again heavily involved, finished off a flowing move with a composed strike into the bottom corner. Zambia, who had shown grit and flair in the group stages, looked shell-shocked.

    Before the half-time whistle, Nigeria added a third. Chinwendu Ihezuo pounced on a loose ball in the box to slot in a left-footed finish and all but end the contest.

    Zambia, for all their attacking prowess led by captain Barbra Banda and Grace Chanda, failed to replicate the fluid football that had seen them finish second in Group A.

    Their attacks were often disjointed and met with a disciplined Nigerian backline anchored by Ashleigh Plumptre.

    After the break, Nigeria remained in control. Oluwatosin Demehin made it 4-0 in the 68th minute, nodding in from close range after another set-piece wreaked havoc in Zambia’s area.

    The fifth arrived in stoppage time, with substitute Folashade Ijamilusi applying the finishing touch following good work by Rasheedat Ajibade.

    Zambia’s frustration was summed up by Banda’s repeated offsides and speculative efforts, while Chanda’s long-range attempt in the 51st minute was comfortably blocked.

    With this emphatic victory, Nigeria maintain their push for a record-extending 10th WAFCON title. Zambia, who had hoped to build on their 2022 bronze finish, now exit the tournament having been outclassed by a side still to concede a single goal.

    Nigeria will now await their semi-final opponents with growing confidence and belief that their dominance on the continent remains intact.

  • WAFCON: Super Falcons through to quarter-finals, to play Zambia

    WAFCON: Super Falcons through to quarter-finals, to play Zambia

    Algeria’s Lady Fennecs successfully stifled the Super Falcons to earn a scoreless draw in their final group B match of the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco on Sunday.

    Nonetheless, the Super Falcons are through to the quarter-finals, even as the result ensured Algeria earned a spot in the tournament’s quarter-finals for the first time ever.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Super Falcons of Nigeria had already qualified since Thursday.

    Head Coach Justine Madugu made a number of changes to the squad that started in Thursday’s 1-0 defeat of Botswana.

    Defenders Shukurat Oladipo, Miracle Usani and Sikiratu Isah, midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Jennifer Echegini, and forward Francisca Ordega made the starting line-up.

    The intention was clear, which was to rest a lot of key players ahead of Friday’s potentially-explosive quarter-final encounter against Zambia’s Copper Queens.

    In Casablanca on Sunday, Algeria threw women behind the ball in numbers, and stifled the play of Super Falcons.

    However, Ordega was vibrant, as she was against Portugal in the friendly match in Lisbon last month.

    Her cross just before half time spilled to Ifeoma Onumonu, whose effort was blocked before it got to the Algerian goalkeeper Chloe N’gazi Boumrar.

    Later on, Echegini, Ordega and substitute Esther Okoronkwo made efforts, but it ended scoreless and ensured the Lady Fennecs’ progress to the last eight.

    Nigeria finished top in the group with seven points, followed by Algeria with five and Botswana and Tunisia with three points and one point, respectively.

  • Super Falcons goalie leaves Paris FC for Brighton

    Super Falcons goalie leaves Paris FC for Brighton

    Super Falcons and CAF Goalkeeper of the Year, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has joined Brighton and Hove Albion Women FC.

    The club announced on Friday that Nnadozie will join on July 1, once her contract with Paris FC ends.

    Women’s head coach, Dario Vidosic, said the Nigerian would bring confidence to their defensive line.

    “She’s a talented, commanding goalkeeper who will add consistency and stability to our defence.

    “She’s competed at the highest level, gaining experience in major tournaments, including the Champions League.

    “We believe she’ll bring depth and drive to an already ambitious squad as we build for next season,” Vidosic said.

    The 24-year-old joined Paris FC from Rivers Angels in January 2020.

    She made 118 appearances for the French side, including a standout display in the 2025 Coupe de France Féminine final.

    There, she saved two penalties against Paris Saint-Germain to help Paris FC lift the trophy.

    Between 2022 and 2025, Nnadozie featured 16 times in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

    In 2024, she became the first African to win UNFP Division 1 Féminine Goalkeeper of the Season.

    That same year, she also won the D1 Arkema Best Goalkeeper and the UNFP Goalkeeper of the Season awards.

    During her four seasons with Rivers Angels, she helped win the Nigeria Women’s Premier League in 2019.

    She also lifted the Nigeria Women’s Cup three times and was named IFFHS Africa’s Best Woman Goalkeeper in 2019.

    Internationally, she represented Nigeria at Under-17 and Under-20 level before debuting for the senior team in April 2018.

    Since then, she has earned 55 caps for the Super Falcons.

  • Super Falcons retain top spot in Africa, 36th global in FIFA rankings

    Super Falcons retain top spot in Africa, 36th global in FIFA rankings

    Nigeria’s Super Falcons have retained their top spot in Africa and now 36th globally in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings released on Thursday.

    The nine-time African champions have consistently held the 36th position since March 2024, maintaining the same ranking in June, August, and December.

    This first ranking of 2025 sees the Super Falcons holding steady, maintaining their 1622 points, and their position as Africa’s top team.

    Meanwhile, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title holders, South Africa are 54th globally, Morocco (60th), Zambia (64th), and Ghana trail behind at 65th.

    Globally, the U.S. remains the top-ranked team, followed by World Champions Spain, Germany, England, and Japan.

  • Ashleigh Plumptre becomes ambassador for anti child trafficking

    Ashleigh Plumptre becomes ambassador for anti child trafficking

    Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre, has been appointed an ambassador for Mission 89, a global research and advocacy organisation dedicated to combating child trafficking.

    Lerina Bright, Executive Director of Mission 89, said on Friday in a letter to convey the appointment that the move underscores the organisation’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding young athletes and upholding the integrity of football.

    Bright noted that their partnership with Plumptre came at a pivotal moment as the sports industry was confronted with escalating challenges in shielding young talent from exploitation.

    She also noted that the defensive maestro, who is renowned for her dedication to social justice, brings a compelling voice to Mission 89’s initiatives against exploitation in sports.

    “Her extensive experience at the highest levels of professional football, alongside her passionate advocacy for ethical practices, positions her as an exemplary representative for this vital cause.

    “Sports Trafficking is a critical issue that demands immediate attention and action from all stakeholders especially the government, advocates, leaders, professional athletes and policy makers,” Bright noted.

    On her part, Plumptre, who appreciated the appointment, noted that her experiences as a footballer would be pivotal in discharging her duties as an ambassador.

    “As a footballer, I have observed firsthand how aspirations can serve as both a source of hope and a potential vulnerability for young athletes.

    “My experiences in professional sports have taught me that talent alone is insufficient; protection, education and ethical pathways are vital components.

    “Mission 89 represents more than just an organisation to me; it signifies a platform for transforming the narrative surrounding youth in football.

    “We are not merely preventing trafficking; we are reclaiming the true spirit of the game — a spirit characterised by opportunity, dignity and hope.

    “Football has the potential to transform lives. However, it is imperative that we ensure this transformation is both positive and secure.

    “Joining Mission 89 enables me to contribute to the safeguarding of the dreams of young players who view football as their pathway to a better future,” Plumptre said.