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FIFA U-20 World Cup: NFF Commends Flying Eagles

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The Nigeria Football Federation has commended the Flying Eagles for giving a good account of themselves at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Argentina.

After an impressive match at the tournament, the Flying Eagles of Nigeria were able to make it to the quarter-finals where they faced Korea Republic.

Two-time runners-up Nigeria dominated for large parts of the game but were eliminated from the tourney by a single goal on Sunday as the Korea Republic surged into the semi-finals for the second successive tournament.

The Flying Eagles, who eliminated hosts and six-time champions Argentina in the Round of 16 on Wednesday, created few chances despite passing the ball around the field quite well.

However, the lack of punch in the final third was the greatest undoing of the seven-time African champions.

NFF’s General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, on Monday in Abuja told NAN that the Flying Eagles gave their best at the world cup, adding that they did not disgrace the country.

“The Flying Eagles have done their very best. I can say they have not disgraced Nigeria.

“In every competition, there has to be a winner and there has to be a time when some teams will be eliminated.

“Yesterday, it wasn’t our day. The team played very well but the goals refused to come.

“So, I think we should take it in good fate and move forward.

“As I have always said, anytime we go for competitions, we go to fulfil God’s righteousness because whatever God has destined to happen will happen, you cannot change it.

“If you have looked at the game, you would know that it wasn’t our game at all.”

He said the team could have equalised towards the end of the full-time but the goal “refused to come.”

The NFF Scribe apologised to Nigerians for the failure of the team to progress to the semi-finals, stressing that the Flying Eagles gave 100 per cent.

“We want to say we are sorry to Nigerians who believed in the team that they could go all the way.

“Going by their progression and improvement from match to match, Nigerians expected us to defeat the Koreans.

“But as I said earlier, it wasn’t the wish of God. He did his wish and we were eliminated by the Koreans,” he added.

NAN

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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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England defeats Spain to win Women’s Euro 2025 Cup

The victory at St Jakob-Park marks back-to-back European titles for the Lionesses, who also avenged their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final defeat to the Spanish.

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England defeated Spain 3-1 in a penalty shoot-out to win the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 after a dramatic 1-1 draw following extra time on Sunday in Basel.

The victory at St Jakob-Park marks back-to-back European titles for the Lionesses, who also avenged their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final defeat to the Spanish.

Although Spain dominated the possession and took the lead through Mariona Caldentey’s first-half header, yet England once again showed their trademark resilience.

Alessia Russo headed home the equaliser just before the hour mark, and after a tense extra time, the final was decided on penalties.

Spain faltered from the spot, missing three of their efforts, including a save from reigning Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati, while Kelly, coming off the bench, sealed the win with a composed finish.

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