Sports
Paris 2024: Falcons’ camp open for Operation Bang Banyana in Abuja
Nigeria’s Super Falcons opened yesterday for the African final qualifying fixture for this year’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament against the Banyana Banyana of South Africa.
The two teams, arguably the best women football squads on the African continent, are at each other’s jugular for one of the two tickets from Africa for Paris 2024 Olympics women’s football, with the first leg taking place at the MKO Abiola National Stadium Abuja on Friday. The return is scheduled for the Loftus Versfeld Arena in Pretoria five days later.
Captain and chief motivator Rasheedat Ajibade, whose savvy, skill and sapience helped the Falcons to the Round of 16 at last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Down Under, will be joined in the roost by home-based goalkeeper Linda Jiwuaku and defender Jumoke Alani (drafted in following injury to Saudi Arabia-based Ashleigh Plumptre) as early birds.
Young defender Shukurat Oladipo, veteran goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi, Japan-based Chidinma Okeke and Spain-based forward Gift Monday are expected in camp early today. The rest of the squad will be in tomorrow though USA-based African queen Asisat Oshoala is not expected until Thursday.
South Africa’s delegation, including 24 players, will land in Abuja this evening.
The Super Falcons are extra-motivated for this fixture, having not beaten the Banyana in regulation time for many years now, and having watched as the South Africans carted away the Women Africa Cup of Nations trophy in Morocco last year after the Banyana edged them 2-1 in a group phase match.
Nine-time African champions Nigeria still call the shots at that level though, with nine of 12 titles contested so far, and with a squad brimming with youth and experience, and the bounce of having been Africa’s best performer at the last World Cup finals – unbeaten in regulation time until their exit via penalty shootout defeat to England.
Sports
Kano ‘s Lawmaker Establishes Bichi First Football Club
Hon Bichi said that plans are underway to construct an 18,000-capacity stadium in Bichi to further promote sports development.
•Abubakar Kabir Bichi
Abubakar Kabir Bichi, member representing Bichi Federal Constituency has unveiled Bichi First Football Club.
He appointed a former Flying Eagles and Super Eagles player, Abubakar Musa, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career with Jigawa Golden Stars, Eagle Cement, Dolphins FC, Enyimba and clubs in Saudi Arabia, also served as Assistant Coach at Plateau United and Kano Pillars FC, as the club’s coach.
The lawmaker unveiled the coach on Thursday, September 11, at the club’s premises in Bichi Local Government Area of Kano State.
Hon. Bichi said the establishment of the club was part of efforts to harness football talents in his constituency and engage youths positively.
Hon Bichi said that plans are underway to construct an 18,000-capacity stadium in Bichi to further promote sports development.
“Our goal is to empower youths, discourage illicit activities and make Bichi First FC a source of pride for Kano State and Northern Nigeria,” he added.
In his remarks, Musa expressed appreciation to the club president and management for the confidence reposed in him, promising to deliver quality football that would make the club and its supporters proud.
Sports
Lagos wins 9th National Youth Games in Asaba
Lagos won 52 gold, 32 silver, and 26 bronze medals Delta, the host state, displaced Edo State to come second with 37 gold, 38 silver, and 39 bronze medals.Edo State garnered 33 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze medals to finish third.
Team Lagos has emerged champion of the 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.
Lagos won 52 gold, 32 silver, and 26 bronze medals Delta, the host state, displaced Edo State to come second with 37 gold, 38 silver, and 39 bronze medals.Edo State garnered 33 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze medals to finish third.
Thirty-three states participated in the game. They won registered a total of 802 medals, comprising 246 gold, 236 silver and 320 bronze medals.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori urged the National Sports Commission (NSC) to urgently address the growing problem of age cheating at editions of the NYG in order to safeguard its credibility and ensure fairness.
Sports
Morocco qualify for 2026 World Cup
With the win, Morocco joins 16 other nations already confirmed for the expanded 48-team tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Morocco has become the first African nation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This follows a dominant 5-0 victory over Niger in Rabat.
The Atlas Lions clinched top spot in Group E with ease, as Ismaeil Saibari struck twice in the first half before Ayoub El Kaabi, Hamza Igamane, and Azzedine Ounahi added second-half goals against 10-man Niger, who had Abdul-Latif Goumey sent off.
With the win, Morocco joins 16 other nations already confirmed for the expanded 48-team tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
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