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
AFCON 2025: Nigeria beats Tanzania 2-1
The win gives Nigeria a perfect start to their Group C campaign, while Tanzania will look to bounce back in their next fixture.
Photo: AFP/ Getty Images
Nigeria ‘s Super Eagles this evening, beat Tanzania’s Taifa Stars to a 2-1 slim victory at the Stade de Fez, Morocco .
The Super Eagles started strongly, with Victor Osimhen and Lookman causing early problems for the Tanzanian defence.
Nigeria’s first real chance came in the 11th minute when Chukwueze’s corner found Akor Adams, whose shot was saved by the Tanzanian goalkeeper.
Tanzania responded with long-range efforts, but Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali kept his side on course.
Nigeria eventually broke the deadlock in the 36th minute. Alex Iwobi’s lofted cross found Ajayi, who powered a header into the net to give Nigeria a 1-0 lead.
The first half ended with Nigeria holding the advantage despite Tanzania showing glimpses of attacking intent in the wet conditions.
The second half began in spectacular fashion. Tanzania’s M’Mombwa equalised in the 50th minute, slotting a lofted delivery into the bottom-left corner.
Nigeria responded almost immediately, with Lookman collecting the ball outside the box and fired a left-footed strike past Masudi in the 52nd minute to restore the Super Eagles’ lead.
Substitutions followed as Nigeria introduced Simon Moses, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Paul Onuachu, while Tanzania brought on John, Job, and Mnonga to boost their attack.
Tanzania came close late on, with John flashing a low shot wide in the 83rd minute, but Nigeria held firm to secure all three points.
The win gives Nigeria a perfect start to their Group C campaign, while Tanzania will look to bounce back in their next fixture.
Sports
President Tinubu fulfils housing and land pledges to Super Eagles for 2023 AFCON feat
Promise Efoghe, the Media Officer of the Super Eagles told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the documents were presented to the players at the team’s camp in Fes, Morocco, on Monday.
The Federal Government has fulfilled its housing and land pledges to Super Eagles players for their runner-up finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had confirmed that players received certificates for the allocated plots of land and housing units promised by President Bola Tinubu.
Similarly, Promise Efoghe, the Media Officer of the Super Eagles told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the documents were presented to the players at the team’s camp in Fes, Morocco, on Monday.
Nigeria finished second at the tournament, played in 2024, after a 2–1 defeat to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final.
On their return, Tinubu hosted the team at the Presidential Villa and conferred the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on each squad member.
The president also approved a plot of land in the Federal Capital Territory and a flat for every player in recognition of their performance.
Sports
AFCON 2025: Today’s Nigeria vs Tanzania
According to sports analyst, though the matchup versus Tanzania looks easy for the Super Eagles on paper, they still need to be cautious especially after they, once again, were edged by Egypt in a buildup friendly to this competition.
• Nigeria vs Tanzania
The Super Eagles of Nigeria, and the Taifa Stars of Tanzania will lock horns today at the ongoing AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
Fixture: Nigeria vs Tanzania
Competition: AFCON 2025(Group C) Date: Tuesday, December 23 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m. (Nigerian time)Venue: Fez Stadium, Fes
Where to Watch: CAF TV
According to sports analyst, though the matchup versus Tanzania looks easy for the Super Eagles on paper, they still need to be cautious especially after they, once again, were edged by Egypt in a buildup friendly to this competition.
With the remarkable squad at the disposal of Nigeria, headlined by Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi, the match seems a contrast in matchup but Tanzania will have to rely on the brilliance of Simon Msuva and Feisal Salum to threaten the Nigerian defense.
E- Commerce: bitMART Launches in Nigeria with Same-Day Delivery, Buyer Protection and Merchant Financing
AFCON 2025: Nigeria beats Tanzania 2-1
Atiku Backs Suspension of new tax framework , following unconstitutional forgery
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
Sports2 days agoAFCON 2025: Davido bets N36million on Nigeria vs Tanzania
-
Crime2 days agoBREAKING: Nigeria Secures Release of Last 130 Abducted Pupils in Niger State; None Remain in Bandit Captivity
-
News2 days agoTinubu Hails DSS DG Ajayi for Championing Press Freedom in IPI Award Recognition
-
News23 hours agoDangote fixes petrol selling price at ₦739 only at MRS stations selling nationwide
-
Business2 days agoHeirs Energies Secures $750 Million Financing from Afreximbank for Expansion
-
Opinions2 days agoIn Praise of Nigeria’s Quiet Heroes
-
News22 hours agoKWAM1 loses bid to block Awujale selection process
-
Sports2 days agoAFCON 2025 opens with Morocco 2–0 Comoros