TheNewsGuru

Tag: WAFCON

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Morocco 2024 receives major boost as CAF increases WAFCON prize money

    Morocco 2024 receives major boost as CAF increases WAFCON prize money

    In what is a major boost, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has increased the prize money for the winner of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports CAF increased the WAFCON prize money by 100% and the total prize money for the 2024 edition of WAFCON in Morocco by 45%.

    With the increase, the Super Falcons of Nigeria stand a chance of winning N1.5 billion if they achieve their mission of taking the trophy from the Banyana Banyana of South Africa, who are the defending champions.

    TNG reports the winner of WAFCON Morocco 2024 will take home USD 1,000,000.00 (approx. N1.5 billion) as prize money, while the runner up, third place and fourth place will take home USD 500,000.00, USD 350,000.00 and USD 300,000.00, respectively.

    According to CAF, quarter-finalists (4 teams) will take home USD 200,000.00 for each team, third of the group will take home USD 150,000.00 and fourth of the group (3 teams) will take home USD 125,000.00 for each team.

    Commenting, the President of CAF, Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “CAF is continuing with its commitment to the development and growth of Women’s Football in Africa.

    “The 100% increase in the Prize Money of the Winner of the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Morocco 2024 and the 45% total increase in the Prize Money of this Competition should contribute to the increase of the salaries of Women Football players, coaches and employees.

    “The quality and standard of Women’s Football in Africa is consistently improving and is world class.

    “We are excited about the substantial increase in the number of fans, broadcasting viewers and sponsors in the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Morocco 2024. This Competition is going to be enormously successful”.

    TNG reports that with the development, the total prize money for the 2024 edition of WAFCON in Morocco will be USD 3,475,000.00 (approx. N5.3 billion).

    Meanwhile, CAF had earlier unveiled a new WAFCON trophy for Morocco 2024.

  • CAF unveils new WAFCON trophy

    CAF unveils new WAFCON trophy

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled a new trophy for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Morocco 2024.

    The trophy was unveiled on Wednesday night at an event hosted by CAF and long-term partner, TotalEnergies, in Casablanca, Morocco.

    CAF in a statement said “the trophy is a powerful symbol of the rise and recognition of women’s football across the African continent.”

    According the football governing body, the new design represents more than a piece of silverware; it is a celebration of equality, unity and excellence.

    “We are drawing direct inspiration from the iconic Men’s TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations trophy.

    “The launch of the new trophy forms part of CAF leadership’s goal of developing and growing Women’s Football in Africa and making African Women’s Football amongst the best in the world.

    “The trophy’s striking design, features identical petals spiralling upward, each one representing a participating national team.

    “Together, they form the shape of a blooming flower, a timeless symbol of growth, empowerment, and beauty,” the statement said.

    The statement also expatiated further on the distinctive features of the trophy.

    “Emerging from the heart of this elegant floral form is a golden sphere, patterned subtly as a football.

    “Adorned with a shiny gold map of Africa, the sphere reflects the continent’s ambition, pride, and global impact in the women’s game.

    “Crafted in brilliant silver and matte gold, the body of the trophy is wrapped in a gold ring engraved with the CAF logo, affirming the confederation’s steadfast commitment to elevating the women’s game across all 54 member associations.

    “The base, a pristine white marble pedestal with elegant gold-accented stripes, bears the name of the competition in refined matte gold lettering, cementing the WAFCON legacy within the rich tapestry of African sport,” it added.

    CAF also noted that the new trophy would serve as a beacon of aspiration, inspiring millions of young girls across the continent to dream, to believe, and to achieve on the global stage.

  • Oshoala, Ajibade, Ordega to lead super Falcons squad for WAFCON

    Oshoala, Ajibade, Ordega to lead super Falcons squad for WAFCON

    Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu has selected Asisat Oshoala, captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Francisca Ordega, and 21 others to represent Nigeria at the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals to be staged from 5th to 26th July in Morocco.

    A healthy percentage of the squad started training sessions in the Federal Capital, Abuja on Thursday, and will also train on Friday and Saturday, before their departure to the final training camp in Lisbon, Portugal on Sunday morning.

    Madugu has also picked Saudi Arabia-based defender Ashleigh Plumptre, US-based Michelle Alozie, veteran defender Osinachi Ohale, and midfielders Deborah Abiodun, Jennifer Echegini and Christy Ucheibe.

    Home-based goalkeeper Rachael Unachukwu, and defenders Sikiratu Isah, and Miracle Usani also make the cut, while midfield lynchpin Halimatu Ayinde makes a return to the fold.

    Already, the Nigeria Football Federation has sealed friendly matches for the team with the senior women national teams of Portugal, and Ghana, to put them in a competitive mood ahead of their group B encounters against Tunisia, Botswana and Algeria at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

    The Falcons go up against their Portuguese counterparts in Lisbon on Monday, 23rd June, and will then take on the Black Queens of Ghana in Morocco on Sunday, 29th June.

    Nigeria will begin their WAFCON campaign with a clash against Tunisia on July 6 before taking on Botswana four days later and then Algeria in their last group match on July 13.

    Super Falcons Squad List For 13th WAFCON Finals:

    Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (just finished contract with Paris FC, France); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)

    Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia); Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Edo Queens)

    Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (just finished contract with Atletico Madrid, Spain); Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosenburg, Sweden); Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)

    Forwards: Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies Club, Saudi Arabia); Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca Club de Futbol, Mexico); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Chioma Okafor (University of Connecticut, USA)

  • Super Falcons react as WAFCON 2024 group stage opponents emerge

    Super Falcons react as WAFCON 2024 group stage opponents emerge

    The group stage opponents of Nigeria’s Super Falcons for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 have been decided. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) held the draws at the Mohammed VI Technical Centre in Sale, Morocco on Friday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the draws pitched the Super Falcons in Group B against Algeria, Tunisia, and Botswana, with the Super Falcons eager to reclaim the title, after finishing 4th in the last edition also in Morocco.

    Nigeria has the record of most titles with 11 championship trophy while South Africa are the current champions of the competition having won it on Moroccan soil in 2022.

    “We have been drawn in Group B alongside Algeria, Tunisia, and Botswana for the Morocco 2024 CAF Women’s African Cup of Nations. This promises to be an exciting challenge for us as we aim to reclaim our continental glory,” the Super Falcons wrote via X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the draws.

    TNG reports hosts, Morocco; Zambia, Senegal and DR Congo are drawn in Group A, while defending champions, South Africa; Ghana, Mali and Tanzania emerged in Group C. The 13th edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will take place from July 5 to July 26, 2025 in Morocco.

  • BREAKING: Super Falcons to play in Group B of WAFCON 2024, opponents decided

    BREAKING: Super Falcons to play in Group B of WAFCON 2024, opponents decided

    Nigeria’s Super Falcons will play in Group B of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) scheduled to be held in Morocco.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Confederation of African Football (CAF) held the final WAFCON 2024 draws on Friday at the Mohammed VI Technical Centre in Sale, Morocco.

    The draw determined the fate of 13 teams that qualified for the top flight African women football tournament, with Nigeria’s Super Falcons eager to reclaim the title, after finishing 4th in the last edition also in Morocco.

    Nigeria’s Super Falcons were drawn in the Group B of WAFCON 2024 along with Botswana, Algeria and Tunisia. In Group A are hosts, Morocco; Zambia, Senegal and DR Congo; while in Group C are defending champions, South Africa; Ghana, Mali and Tanzania.

    TNG reports the women’s tournament, which was earlier scheduled for this year, was later postponed to hold from July 5 to July 26, 2025. CAF President, Patrice Motsepe had earlier explained that this was due to the extensive global football calendar.

    Nigeria has the record of most titles with 11 championship trophy while South Africa are the current champions of the competition having won it on Moroccan soil in 2022.

  • CAF postpones WAFCON till 2025

    CAF postpones WAFCON till 2025

    The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will no longer hold this year according to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

    The tournament will now be held in Morocco from June 5 to June 26, 2025

    The busy calendar for women’s football necessitated the adjustments, CAF said.

    The decision was arrived at the virtual executive meeting of CAF held today (Friday)

    This rescheduling marks the first time the Women’s tournament will be moved from its original dates.

    Hosts Morocco, along with South Africa, Nigeria Botswana, Zambia, Ghana, Algeria, Tunisia, DR Congo, Senegal, Tanzania, and Mali, have already qualified for the tournament.

    Morocco also hosted the last edition of the WAFCON in 2022.

    This marks the first time that both AFCON and WAFCON will be postponed.