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AFCON 2025: Eguavoen to release Super Eagles players for Benin, Rwanda Wednesday

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The list of the Super Eagles’ players to prosecute the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) double-header  against Benin  and Libya  in September  will be released  tomorrow, August 28.

The Super Eagles will play host to The Cheetahs of Benin Republic in Uyo on September 7 on Matchday One before travelling to Kigali to square against  the Amavubi of Rwanda in a Matchday 2  fixture to be played on September 10.

A source at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) revealed that the Technical Director  coach Austin Eguavoen is expected to prosecute the Super Eagles’ opening  two 2025 AFCON  matches with words rife that the selected  new coach, former coach of Sweden, Swede Jan Olof ‘Janne’ Andersson, is still tied up with a media company  till mid-September.

The source also confirmed  that  erstwhile  coach Samson Siasia who  only last  week  finished  serving a FIFA five-year ban is not part of the arrangement  being put in place  for these two matches despite speculations.

“I think the list is ready and coach Eguavoen, to the best of my knowledge, will prosecute the two matches against Benin and Rwanda.

“The new coach still has a running contract and he would most likely be available sometime in mid-September,” said the source.

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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.”

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•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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Tinubu appreciates Super Falcons with $100,000 cash award, 3-bedroom apartments including OON honours

Members of the team’s technical crew also received $50,000 each as part of the presidential recognition.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all 24 players of Nigeria’s victorious WAFCON team, along with a cash reward of $100,000 each and a three-bedroom apartment for each player.

Members of the team’s technical crew also received $50,000 each as part of the presidential recognition.

The announcement was made during a special reception held in honour of the team at the State House on Monday.

Led by team captain Rasheedat Ajibade and head coach Justin Madugu, the champions arrived at the Presidential Villa at 4:35 p.m. to a rousing welcome from President Tinubu and other dignitaries

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Four Super Falcons players make WAFCON 2024 Best XI

Leading the list is Chiamaka Nnadozie, who was also named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

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FOUR of Nigeria’s Super Falcons players made the WAFCON 2024 Best XI, according Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The full Best XI include: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)Michelle Alozie (Nigeria) Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria) Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria) Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco) Grace Asantewaa (Ghana)Refiloe Jane (South Africa)Bambanani Mbane (South Africa)Karabo Dhlamini (South Africa)Portia Boakye (Ghana)Ibtissam Jraidi (Morocco)

Leading the list is Chiamaka Nnadozie, who was also named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

Her commanding presence and decisive saves were pivotal to Nigeria’s success, especially during tense knockout fixtures.

Also earning a spot in the Best XI is right-back Michelle Alozie. The Houston Dash defender impressed with her stamina, aggressive pressing, and tactical sharpness throughout the tournament.

Nigeria’s dominance in the attacking third was reflected with the inclusion of two key forwards.

Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who was voted Player of the Tournament, was selected on the right wing.

Completing Nigeria’s presence in the CAF Best XI is Esther Okoronkwo, who starred on the left wing.

The 27-year-old was instrumental in Nigeria’s dramatic 3-2 comeback win over hosts Morocco in the final, scoring once and providing two assists.

She finished the tournament with two goals and a tournament-high six assists.

The full Best XI is set in a 4-3-3 formation and includes three Moroccan players, two each from Ghana and South Africa—WAFCON 2024’s other semi-finalists. Ghana edged South Africa to win the bronze medal.

South Africa’s Karabo Dhlamini was named at left-back, while Ghana’s Portia Boakye and South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane formed the central defensive partnership.

In midfield, Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak—top scorer with five goals—was joined by Ghana’s Grace Asantewaa and South Africa’s Refiloe Jane. Morocco’s Ibtissam Jraïdi led the line in attack.

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