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Tag: Super Falcons

  • 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.

  • Paris 2024: Super Falcons set to clash with South African ladies for Olympic slot today

    Paris 2024: Super Falcons set to clash with South African ladies for Olympic slot today

    Spectators who will troop into the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Friday are guaranteed a game for the vintage memory as nine-time African champions Nigeria and reigning champions South Africa clash in a highly explosive and no-holds-barred encounter with the Olympics ticket at stake.

    Both countries, with stellar talents in the women’s game, are arguably among the best in the world at the moment, and a terrific advertising of the best of women’s football is at hand as from 5pm Nigeria time.

    The Super Falcons were Africa’s best team at last year’s FIFA World Cup, but the Banyana Banyana were not far behind as they also made it to the Round of 16 in Down Under.

    To underscore their seriousness about giving the Super Falcons a good fight for the ticket, the delegation of Banyana Banyana to the encounter arrived in Abuja on Sunday, and have been training for the big match since that day.

    On Monday, the South African High Commission started active mobilization of South Africans living in Nigeria to come and support the reigning African champions.

    On Wednesday, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi called on residents of Abuja and environs, and even in the neighbouring States, to storm the MKO Abiola Stadium in their thousands to cheer the Falcons to victory.

    The above means that a sizable crowd is guaranteed inside Nigeria’s largest football temple on Friday evening.

    Coach Randy Waldrum is most likely to stick to his tested-and-trusted World Cup rearguard, including goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and defenders Michelle Alozie and Osinachi Ohale. In the absence of the injured Oluwatosin Demehin and Ashleigh Plumptre, Alozie could move to left back to give returnee Chidinma Okeke the space on the right, with youngster Shukurat Oladipo likely to pair Osinachi in the centre.

    Hard-as-nails Halimatu Ayinde and Christy Ucheibe will spearhead the midfield, with Captain Rasheedat Ajibade and the slippery Deborah Abiodun providing the guile and flamboyance. Uchenna Kanu, Esther Okoronkwo, Jennifer Echegini, Rinsola Babajide, Gift Monday, Asisat Oshoala and the returnee Chiwendu Ihezuo are all options in the attack.

    For sure, Coach Desire Ellis also has dependable weapons in her armoury, not least of them the nimble-footed Thembo Kgatlana, as well as Jermain Seoposenwe, both based in Mexico. There’s also the crafty Hildah Magaia, as well as midfielders Linda Motlhalo, Jane Refiloe and Nomvula Kgoale.

    “We want our people to come to the stadium and support us. The Super Falcons do not fear any team. With their support, we will play with total confidence and overcome,” said goalkeeper Nnadozie.

    The return leg will take place at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Tuesday evening.

  • 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.

  • Untitled post 496639

    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: Operation Bang Banyana in full swing as Ajibade, others fly into Abuja

    Paris 2024: Operation Bang Banyana in full swing as Ajibade, others fly into Abuja

    Captain and chief motivator Rasheedat Ajibade will be among the early birds as the camp of Nigeria’s Super Falcons opens on Sunday for the African final qualifying fixture for this year’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament against the Banyana Banyana of South Africa.

    The two teams, arguably the best women football squads on the African continent, are at each other’s jugular for one of the two tickets from Africa for Paris 2024 Olympics women’s football, with the first leg taking place at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Friday. The return is scheduled for the Loftus Versfeld arena in Pretoria five days later.

    Ajibade, whose savvy, skill and sapience helped the Falcons to the Round of 16 at last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Down Under, will be joined in the roost by home-based goalkeeper Linda Jiwuaku and defender Jumoke Alani (drafted in following injury to Saudi Arabia-based Ashleigh Plumptre) as early birds.

    Young defender Shukurat Oladipo, veteran goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi, Japan-based Chidinma Okeke and Spain-based forward Gift Monday are expected in camp early on Monday. The rest of the squad will be in by Tuesday, though USA-based African queen Asisat Oshoala is not expected until Thursday.

    South Africa’s delegation, including 24 players, will land in Abuja on Monday evening.

    The Super Falcons are extra-motivated for this fixture, having not beaten the Banyana in regulation time for many years now, and having watched as the South Africans carted away the Women Africa Cup of Nations trophy in Morocco last year after the Banyana edged them 2-1 in a group phase match.

    Nine-time African champions Nigeria still call the shots at that level though, with nine of 12 titles contested so far, and with a squad brimming with youth and experience, and the bounce of having been Africa’s best performer at the last World Cup finals – unbeaten in regulation time until their exit via penalty shootout defeat to England.

    In 2018 when they won their ninth title, the Banyana were the victims after a penalty shootout at the Accra Sports Stadium.

    Both legs of the fixture are of the potentially-explosive quality.

    Nigeria will bank on the bravery of goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, a rearguard expected to include World Cup stars Osinachi Ohale and Michelle Alozie (and perhaps returnee Chidinma Okeke and newbie Oladipo), a midfield of no-nonsense duo of Halimatu Ayinde and Christy Ucheibe (spiced with the nifty Ajibade and the slicky Deborah Abiodun) and a fore-line of Esther Okoronkwo and Uchenna Kanu (with Gift Monday, Omorinsola Babajide and returnee Chiwendu Ihezuo also available).

    FALCONS FOR OPERATION BANG BANYANA:

     

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

    Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Jumoke Alani (Edo Queens); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); 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); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid FC, Spain); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain)

    Forwards: Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Esther Okoronkwo (Changchun FC, China); Ifeoma Onumonu (SLC Utah, USA); Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA); Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Chiwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico)

  • Paris 2024 Qualifiers: South Africa unleashes 24 players on Super Falcons

    Paris 2024 Qualifiers: South Africa unleashes 24 players on Super Falcons

    The coach of Banyana Banyana of South Africa, Desiree Ellis, has unveiled a 24-player squad for the 2024 Olympic Games qualifier against Super Falcons of Nigeria.

    The South African gaffer released the squad on Saturday morning ahead of the team’s final training session before the trip to Abuja.

    The  tactician included three goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders and six strikers in the squad.

    Prolific striker, Thembi Kgatlana, Linda Motlhalo, Refiloe Jane, Jermaine Seoposenwe and Hildah Magaia are some of the key players, who are included in the roster.

    The African champions will travel to Abuja for the final qualifying round contest on Easter Monday.

    The match between both African footballing nations will take place  at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, next Friday.

    The second leg will take place  on Tuesday, April 9 in Pretoria

    See Full List

    Goalkeepers
    Kaylin Swart
    Katlego Moletsane
    Regirl Ngobeni

    squad.

    Defenders

    Karabo Dhlamini

    Fikile Magama
    Tiisetso Makhubela
    Lonathemba Mhlongo
    Bambanani Mbane
    Noko Matlou
    Lebohang Ramalepe
    Bongeka Gamede

    Midfielders
    Linda Motlhalo
    Refiloe Jane
    Sibulele Holweni
    Sinoxolo Cesane
    Nowvula Kgoale
    Nonhlanhla Mthandi
    Amogelang Motau

  • Paris 2024: Waldrum invites Ajibade, Oshoala, Nnadozie, 19 others for Banyana

    Paris 2024: Waldrum invites Ajibade, Oshoala, Nnadozie, 19 others for Banyana

    Coach Randy Waldrum has extended invitations to captain Rasheedat Ajibade, US-based Africa queen Asisat Oshoala and high-riding goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie among a group of 22 players for the two-legged Paris Olympics final qualifying fixture against South Africa next month.

    Saudi Arabia-based defender Ashley Plumptre and veteran rearguard Osinachi Ohale are also called, as well as youthful midfielder Deborah Abiodun, and forwards Esther Okoronkwo and Uchenna Kanu.

    There are recalls for 2019 World Cup star Chidinma Okeke and veteran forward Chiwendu Ihezuo, and a first invitation for U20 defender Shukurat Oladipo.

    The Super Falcons are at home for the first leg scheduled for Friday, 5th April at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja before flying to Pretoria for the return at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday, 9th April. The winner over two legs will earn one of Africa’s two tickets to this year’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, with Zambia and Morocco to clash for the other ticket on the same dates.

    Waldrum has also kept faith with regulars like wing-back Michelle Alozie, midfield lynchpins Christy Ucheibe and Halimatu Ayinde, and forward Gift Monday.

    ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:

     

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

    Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); 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); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid FC, Spain); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain)

    Forwards: Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Esther Okoronkwo (Changchun FC, China); Ifeoma Onumonu (SLC Utah, USA); Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA); Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Chiwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico)

  • Paris 2024: CAF accedes to NFF’s request for late kick-off for Falcons, Banyana match

    Paris 2024: CAF accedes to NFF’s request for late kick-off for Falcons, Banyana match

    The Confederation of African Football has acceded to a request by the Nigeria Football Federation to move next month’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament final qualifying fixture, first leg encounter between Nigeria and South Africa by one hour.

    “Concerned by the hot climatic condition in the country at the moment, we wrote to CAF to move the kick-off from 4pm to 5pm, in the interest of the players, and they have acceded to our request for the match to commence at 5pm, at the MKO Abiola National Stadium,” Ruth David, NFF’s Director of Competitions, told thenff.com.

    The game, which is the opening leg of the fixture that will determine which of the two teams will be one of Africa’s two flagbearers at this year’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in France, was initially scheduled to start at 4pm on Friday, 5th April.

    Also, the South African Football Association has now chosen the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria for the return leg on Tuesday, 9th April. The encounter will commence at 7.30pm South Africa time (6.30pm Nigeria time).

  • 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.