Sports

Women W’Cup: History as African trio hit last 16

Published

2 years ago

August 4, 2023

112 Views

With the group stage matches of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup concluded on Thursday, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, Banyana Banyana of South Africa, and the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco gave Africa a historic three-placement in the next stage of the tournament.

This is the first time in history that three African countries have made it to the last 16 of any FIFA World Cup competition at the same time.

It was reported on Monday that the Super Falcons played a nail-biting goalless draw against the Republic of Ireland to advance to the knockout stage. Nigeria prior to that, defeated co-hosts Australia 3-2 in a thrilling encounter after playing out a goalless draw against the much fancied Olympic champions, Canada, to qualify for the round of 16, finishing second in the Group B table, ending the group stage undefeated.

After losing 6-0 to Germany on July 24, Morocco fought back on Sunday with a 1-0 win against South Korea. In a thrilling game on Thursday, the Atlas Lionesses defeated Colombia 1-0 to book a slot in the round of 16, finishing second in Group H.

African champions, the Banyana Banyana of South Africa, started their campaign with a 2-1 loss against their more illustrious opponents Sweden but bounced back holding Argentina in a 2-2 draw. The relentless team fought hard to secure a 3-2 win over Italy on Wednesday. South Africa finished second in Group G.

Subsequently, after England beat China 6-1 on Tuesday, it was confirmed that Nigeria would face the Lionesses in what promises to be an exciting encounter in the round of 16 on Monday.

Women’s W’Cup last 16 fixtures (PC: World Cup)

Here are the fixtures of the teams that will be playing in the last 16;

Switzerland vs Spain (Saturday, August 5)

Netherlands vs South Africa (Sunday, August 6)

Japan vs Norway (Saturday, August 5)

Sweden vs USA (Sunday, August 6)

Australia vs Denmark (Monday, August 7)

France vs Morocco (Tuesday, August 8)

England vs Nigeria (Monday, August 7)

Columbia vs Jamaica (Tuesday, August 8)

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.

Published

5 hours ago

September 8, 2025

OhiBaba

18 Views

Team Lagos has emerged champion of the 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.

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.

Published

5 hours ago

September 8, 2025

OhiBaba

23 Views

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.

Sports

Super Eagles vs Rwandan FIFA World Cup qualifying match on Saturday

Saturday’s showdown at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium comes five months and two weeks after the Super Eagles defeated the Amavubi 2-0 in the latter’s home ground in Kigali in a Matchday 5 encounter.

Published

7 days ago

September 1, 2025

OCHEFA

61 Views

• Super Eagles coach, Stanley Nwabali

Rwanda’s delegation to Saturday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Nigeria will arrive in Lagos on Tuesday afternoon.

This is even as injured Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has assured top officials of both the NFF and the National Sports Commission (NSC) that he will be fully fit for Saturday’s 2026 World Cup showdown against Rwanda in Uyo.

Nigeria Football Federation’s Director of Communication, Dr Ademola Olajire, disclosed that a one-man Rwanda advance party will be in Lagos today but the full delegation will make landfall in the commercial capital on Tuesday aboard a Rwandair Airline flight at 1.15pm, and will proceed to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State by 4pm of the same day.

Last week, Super Eagles No 1 goalkeeper Nwabali was stretchered off after he was injured while playing for his South African club Chippa United.

“He (Nwabali) has assured us he will be fit for the World Cup qualifiers against both Rwanda and South Africa,” a source told SCORENigeria.

“He spoke to NFF President (Ibrahim Gusau) and some other top officials in this regard,” the top football source said yesterday