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Nigeria to host African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship in April

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Nigeria is to welcome the African continent for the Women’s Volleyball Club Championship, with over 20 countries expected to compete for honors from April 1 to 14 in Abuja.

This was announced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, in Abuja.

While seeking the commission’s support, Adeniyi expressed excitement about the event.

“I want to announce that Nigeria has been granted the rights to host the African Women’s Volleyball Interclub Competition. It will be held in Abuja from April 1 to 14, 2025,” he said.

“We will be working with the Volleyball Federation and the Ministry of Sports to ensure we host to win.

We seek the commission’s support to make this a successful event.”

Adeniyi also highlighted the Customs Service’s commitment to sports development, emphasizing the importance of fostering growth at all levels.

“The glory days of sports are returning to Nigeria. Customs is ready to help the commission develop sports organically.

Sports is not just an alternative activity—it’s a daily business. As customs officers, being mentally and physically fit is essential for success.

We will continue to sponsor our athletes to represent Nigeria at various national competitions,” he stated.

In response, Mallam Shehu Dikko affirmed the commission’s support and reiterated the government’s vision to build a thriving sports economy.

“Sports has been declared a national asset. Our mandate, as directed by the president, is to create a vibrant sports economy.

Hosting competitions like this will help build our athletes and develop infrastructure.

We are committed to supporting this event and planning for more competitions in the future,” Dikko said.

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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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