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Super Falcons Captain Targets WAFCON Win, Warns Rivals

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has made her intentions clear ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, according to Soccernet.ng.

South Africa are the tournament’s defending champions while hosts Morocco reached the final last time out but Ajibade is convinced that Nigeria will not just be showing up – they are showing up to win.

Having previously lifted the WAFCON trophy in 2018 and clinched the Golden Boot at the 2022 edition, Ajibade now eyes a new milestone: leading Nigeria to a record-extending tenth continental title as skipper.

What did the Super Falcons skipper say?
“Coming back to Morocco and playing this tournament is always a dream come true for me because it’s the biggest competition in Africa, that’s what makes it so special for me,” Ajibade said.

“As a team and personally, we are going to be competing to win it.”

Ajibade, who skippered Nigeria at the 2024 Olympic Games, will be wearing the captain’s armband for the first time at a major African tournament.

The former Atlético Madrid star is under no illusions about the weight of expectation. But far from being daunted, the electrifying forward insists she’s embracing the pressure with confidence.

“It’s a privilege and a huge honour to captain the Super Falcons of Nigeria. It’s a huge responsibility and I do not take it for granted, but to be honest, there’s no pressure at all,” Ajibade said.

“Even if there is, I’ve learned to manage every situation that I find myself and I have to perceive it positively and use it to help the team in the best possible way.”

The Super Falcons, nine-time champions and by far the most dominant force in African women’s football, open their 2025 campaign on July 6 with a headline clash against Tunisia. They will also face Botswana and Algeria in Group B.

Veteran heads like Osinachi Ohale, Francisca Ordega, and Asisat Oshoala bring invaluable experience to the side, while goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie — Africa’s best for the second year running — stands as a formidable last line of defence.

Coach Justin Madugu’s squad also boasts a blend of proven talent and emerging stars.

Defenders like Michelle Alozie, Ashleigh Plumptre, and Tosin Demehin have impressed in the buildup, while midfield enforcers Christy Ucheibe, Halimatu Ayinde, Deborah Abiodun and Jennifer Echegini are expected to set the tempo.

In attack, Nigeria is stacked. Oshoala, Ihezuo, Onumonu, and Babajide offer variety and potency, with Ajibade’s leadership and versatility acting as the glue in a frontline built for damage.

Nigeria’s preparations have been boosted by an impressive goalless draw against Portugal in Lisbon and two morale-boosting victories over Cameroon and Ghana.

With $1 million on offer for the champions — the largest prize money ever awarded in WAFCON history — motivation is sky-high.

As the 13th edition kicks off in Morocco, the Super Falcons are not there to make up the numbers. They’re ready to write another chapter of dominance — and Ajibade is poised to lead them to it.

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Local News

Iconic ’96 Nigeria Kit: Elba, Chalamet Lead Celebrity Wearers

The Super Eagles won the gold medal in Men’s Football at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, but the success of that tournament has soared beyond football, according to Soccernet.ng.

The three-time AFCON Champions had a prolific squad in that competition, to which some argue is the greatest ever team produced by the Nation.

Stars like Daniel Amokachi, Nwankwo Kanu, Sunday Oliseh, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Celestine Babayaro were part of the team at the time.

While the jersey signifies success for many Nigerians, the custom replica produced by Nike has also been making waves in the fashion world.

Hollywood movie star, Timothée Chalamet, was recently spotted with his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner, at the Shellona Beach in Saint-Tropez, France.

The 29-year-old donned the retro green and white kit, alongside a bandana that carried these same colours.

Away from Mr Chamalet, other popular figures have also been seen in the retro 1996 Super Eagles kit.

One of those is Fast and Furious actor, Idris Elba. The versatile Brit also doubles as a musician and an event host. He was the host of the 2017 FIFA Best Awards that saw superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Dani Alves, Marcelo, and Neymar pick up awards.

The Arsenal fan was seen wearing the Super Eagles retro kit two years ago at Wimbledon’s star-studded Men’s Final.

Famous Twitch streamer, Kai Cenat, also donned the Nigerian retro kit. This time, in Lagos. The American visited Nigeria to collaborate with creatives, and ended up contributing financially to the growth in education children in the slum area of Makoko.

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Local News

CAF Probes Algeria Ahead Of Super Falcons Clash

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has officially opened an investigation into the Algerian Women’s National Team over alleged breaches of CAF Statutes and Regulations during the ongoing 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

In a brief statement released on Thursday, CAF confirmed that the probe was initiated following reported violations linked to Algeria’s conduct at the tournament.

While the specific nature of the alleged offences was not disclosed, it comes amid growing scrutiny surrounding Algeria’s actions off the pitch, including political tensions affecting the competition’s atmosphere.

“CAF has opened an investigation against the Algerian Women’s National Team on alleged violations of the CAF Statutes and Regulations during the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2024,” the statement read.

CAF added that it would not provide further comment until the investigation process is complete.

The development emerges just days before Algeria face Nigeria’s Super Falcons in a crucial final group-stage match.

Algeria during an International Friendly match between the Nigeria Super Falcons and the Algeria Green Ladies
Algeria during an International Friendly match between the Nigeria Super Falcons and the Algeria Green Ladies CAF’s decision to step in appears to be a response to growing concerns over how such actions might undermine the integrity and unity of African football competitions.

Soccernet.ng

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Finidi Questions Osayi-Samuel’s Birmingham Move

Former Super Eagles head coach Finidi George has expressed surprise at Bright Osayi-Samuel’s decision to leave Turkish giants Fenerbahçe for English Championship side Birmingham City, according to Soccernet.ng.

The former Ajax star, who donned the colours of the Dutch club from 1993 to 1996, suggested the defender could have aimed higher at this stage of his career.

Osayi-Samuel recently signed a three-year deal with Birmingham City after declining a contract extension at Fenerbahçe, where he was a regular under several managers.

The move has drawn mixed reactions from the Nigerian football community, with Finidi joining those who expected the 27-year-old to remain in top-flight European football rather than a newly promoted EFL Championship club.

“I really do not know his motive for not renewing with Fenerbahçe and going back to England,” Finidi said to Footy Africa.

“For me, I think players should be aiming high while they still have the energy and age on their side to play at the highest level. That is what I was expecting from Bright (Osayi-Samuel).

“He is a good player who I believe can play in the big leagues and with big clubs — with due respect to Birmingham City.”

Despite his concerns, Finidi downplayed suggestions that the move to a second-tier side could affect Osayi-Samuel’s place in the Nigerian national team.

The former Ajax winger praised the defender’s performances for the Super Eagles and insisted that club level should not be a determining factor if the player continues to deliver on international duty.

“No, I do not think it will affect him in any way in the Super Eagles because he is already a regular player in the team. He has demonstrated that he can play, and he fits in properly, giving his best anytime he is called upon,” Finidi added.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will be aiming to secure a World Cup ticket later this year, followed by a strong campaign at the 2025 AFCON tournament.

Despite his move to a second-tier club, the Nigerian international is still expected to play a key role in Eric Chelle’s squad.

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