Sports
Ahead of FIFA World Cup: First lady Remi Tinubu to host Super Falcons
The 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’s World Cup is scheduled to take place over a period of one month, starting from July 20 to August 20.
In a statement on Thursday, Head of Communications of the NFF, Ademola Olajire, noted that the dinner, organised by the country’s football body, will be held 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 clashing with Australia and the Republic of Ireland on July 27 and July 31, respectively, at 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—the same number as featured in the men’s finals in Qatar last year.
It is also the first to be hosted by two countries as well as the first-ever FIFA senior competition to be hosted by two nations in two different confederations: Australia in the Asian confederation and 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 featured 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 Group ‘B’ alongside Australia, Canada, and the 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.
(NAN)
Sports
Super Falcons goalie Nnadozie, coach Madugu bag Ballon d’Or nomination
Their nominations come on the heels of Nigeria’s historic 10th WAFCON title, secured in Morocco after a dominant run in the tournament.
•Collage of Coach Justine Madugu and Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Nigerian women’s football has earned more global recognition as Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and head coach Justin Madugu have both been nominated for prestigious honours at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards.
Nnadozie, a standout performer in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), has been shortlisted for the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, while Madugu has earned a nomination for Women’s Coach of the Year.
Their nominations come on the heels of Nigeria’s historic 10th WAFCON title, secured in Morocco after a dominant run in the tournament.
Nnadozie, who captained the side, delivered a string of heroic performances between the sticks, including crucial penalty saves and commanding displays that underpinned the Falcons’ unbeaten campaign.
Coach Madugu, who took over the Super Falcons in late 2023, has been praised for revitalizing the team and instilling a disciplined, attacking style of play.
Coach Madugu, who took over the Super Falcons in late 2023, has been praised for revitalizing the team and instilling a disciplined, attacking style of play.
Under his leadership, the Falcons overcame strong competition from host nation Morocco and defending champions South Africa en route to lifting the trophy.
(Vanguard).
Sports
Afrobasket win: President Tinubu Delights D’Tigress with $100,000 each ,Technical Crew $50,000 each
D’Tigress defeated Senegal in a thrilling final to clinch the 2025 title, extending their dominance in African women’s basketball and reinforcing Nigeria’s status as a basketball powerhouse on the continent.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on members of Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, following their historic triumph at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship.
D’Tigress defeated Senegal in a thrilling final to clinch the 2025 title, extending their dominance in African women’s basketball and reinforcing Nigeria’s status as a basketball powerhouse on the continent.
In addition to the prestigious honours, President Tinubu announced a cash reward of $100,000 for each player on the championship-winning team. Members of the technical crew will also receive $50,000 each in recognition of their role in the team’s success.
The announcement was made on Monday as the President hosted the team at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, celebrating their outstanding performance that secured Nigeria’s fourth consecutive Afrobasket title.
President Tinubu praised the team’s resilience, discipline, and representation of Nigeria on the continental stage, describing them as role models for the nation’s youth and a symbol of national pride.
Sports
I hawked Olive oil, Zobo at church before fame — Super Falcons’ Ajibade
“I was once one of those young girls out there hawking olive oil, kunu, and zobo drinks in most of the deliverance programmes, but today, I give glory to God.”
•Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade
Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, on Saturday, shared her journey from humble beginnings to continental success in a testimony at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries’ Prayer City, Ogun State.
Ajibade, who led Nigeria to its 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco, attended the August edition of the church’s monthly ‘Power Must Change Hands’ programme.
The Punch reports that the Atletico Madrid forward told the congregation that she once hawked olive oil, kunu, and zobo drinks within the church premises before rising to fame as a professional footballer.
She said in part, “Whenever things are tough at my club or with the national team, I pray,
“I do my part through hard work but never forget to seek God’s help.”She added,
“I was once one of those young girls out there hawking olive oil, kunu, and zobo drinks in most of the deliverance programmes, but today, I give glory to God.”
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