Local News

Nigeria, Morocco, South Africa Stars Vie For WAFCON 2024 Top Player Award

As the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2024) enters its final days, fans can take a momentary breather and reflect on the spectacle they have witnessed over the past couple of weeks.

The continent’s finest footballers have served up a footballing feast filled with jaw-dropping moments and unforgettable performances.

On Saturday, Nigeria will face host nation Morocco in a mouthwatering final.

But before the curtain finally falls on the 13th edition of the WAFCON, attention can briefly turn to the brilliant individuals who have lit up the tournament.

Who deserves to walk away with the coveted MVP award — the crown for the tournament’s standout player?

While Zambia’s Racheal Kundananji and Barbra Banda were early standouts, and Ghana’s Alice Kusi and Senegal’s Nguenar Ndiaye had flashes of brilliance, their nations bowed out before the business end.

That leaves five top contenders — from Nigeria’s relentless Rasheedat Ajibade to Morocco’s irrepressible Ghizlane Chebbak — each with a strong claim to the throne.

WAFCON 2024 Best Players?
5. Andile Dlamini (South Africa) – 40% winning chance

South Africa’s Andile Dlamini ha been commanding, unflappable, and clutch in goal like no other.

Dlamini’s contribution to Banyana Banyana’s campaign goes far beyond stats. But if you must look at the numbers: three clean sheets in four games, more saves than most goalies, two saved penalties vs Senegal, and countless moments of last-line heroics.

She kept her goal unbreached against Ghana, Mali, and Senegal, and in a Banyana Banyana squad that boasts several talented individuals, Dlamini’s star has shone the brightest.

She was instrumental in South Africa’s quarterfinal triumph over Senegal, saving two spot-kicks in their first-ever shootout win at the WAFCON.

Even in defeat to Nigeria, she nearly denied Ajibade from the spot and kept her side in the game until the 94th minute.

Dlamini is one of South Africa’s best-ever goalkeepers, male or female. If ever an MVP award should go to a keeper, it’s now.

4. Ibtissam Jraïdi (Morocco) – 50% winning chance

Many who watched the 2023 FIFA Women World Cup will remember the name Ibtissam Jraïdi, that confident forward who scored Morocco’s first ever goal in the history of the competition.

The 32-year-old forward has been brilliant for the Atlas Lionesses again at this tournament.

Jraïdi has quietly but consistently delivered in Morocco’s remarkable run to a second successive WAFCON final.

Jraïdi’s tally of three goals is impressive, but it’s the timing and importance of those strikes that stand out.

She coolly converted a penalty in the 2-2 group stage opener against Zambia, showing nerves of steel. Then, against Mali in the quarterfinals, she produced a near-flawless performance, netting a stunning brace to seal Morocco’s semi-final berth.

In the semi-final against Ghana, Jraïdi once again rose to the occasion, converting her penalty in a tense shootout that sent Morocco to the final.

A clutch performer, she brings experience, leadership, and firepower to the North African giants.

If she puts in another match-winning display against Nigeria and Morocco lifts the title, she will be a serious contender for the Player of the tournament — and deservedly so.

3. Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria) – 60% winning chance
WAFCON debutants rarely look this composed. Nigeria’s Esther Okoronkwo has been a revelation for the Super Falcons: lively, versatile, efficient, and impactful in nearly every game.

She began the tournament by coming off the bench to win Player of the Match against Tunisia. She followed that with a vital late assist against Botswana. But it was her quarterfinal display against Zambia that truly turned heads: one goal and two assists in a 5-0 masterclass.

Her raw quality, fearless play and tactical awareness have added depth to Nigeria’s already formidable attack. Should she deliver again in the final, the MVP panel may find it hard to ignore her.

2. Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria) – 70% winning chance

Few players have embodied their team’s spirit as completely as Rasheedat Ajibade has for the Super Falcons.

She’s been everywhere; organising the press, dropping deep to start moves, providing assists, and scoring that important opener against South Africa.

Her leadership has been immense. She has won Player of the Match honours in three different matches, more than any other player. With one goal and two assists, her numbers are solid — but her influence on Nigeria’s style, structure, and success has been far more significant.

Ajibade’s penalty against South Africa in the semi-final was a moment of composure under immense pressure. If she leads Nigeria to glory again, it may finally be her time to collect the MVP award that narrowly escaped her in 2022.

1. Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco) – 75% winning chance

Experience. Leadership. End product. Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak ticks every MVP box. The 34-year-old Atlas Lionesses captain, named MVP at WAFCON 2022, is delivering a vintage encore in 2025.

She leads the tournament with four goals, including the first hat-trick of the competition against DR Congo. She also scored a last-minute equaliser versus Zambia, proving she thrives under pressure.

Chebbak is more than a scorer. She’s the beating heart of the Moroccan side — dictating tempo, leading from the front, and inspiring those around her. If Morocco triumphs on home soil, she will be a two-time MVP and WAFCON legend.

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Local News

Wilfred Ndidi Backed By Sunday Oliseh As The Next Super Eagles Captain

Sunday Oliseh Supports Wilfred Ndidi For Super Eagles Captaincy

The conversation around the future leadership of the Super Eagles just got louder—and a lot more interesting.
Former Super Eagles head coach Sunday Oliseh has openly declared his preferred choice for the next captain… and his pick is none other than midfield powerhouse Wilfred Ndidi.

With William Troost-Ekong officially hanging up his international boots, the captain’s armband is now up for grabs. But if Oliseh had his way? The decision is easy.

Why Oliseh Wants Ndidi To Lead Nigeria

On his podcast, Oliseh Insight, the former Juventus and Dortmund star explained why Ndidi stands out among all current Super Eagles players. According to him, the Leicester-turned-Besiktas midfielder commands massive respect, shows unmatched professionalism, and consistently gives his all every game.

Oliseh put it plainly:

“At the moment, I think nobody doubts the respect the players have for Ndidi. And he’s a player that plays every game.”

This isn’t surprising. Ndidi has built a reputation as one of Africa’s most reliable midfielders—calm, disciplined, hardworking, and battle-tested.

Leadership To Match The Moment

Oliseh, known for bold captaincy calls (remember when he chose Musa over Mikel?), believes Nigeria’s next skipper must be more than a figurehead.
To him, the Super Eagles need a leader who:

Inspires the squad
Commands respect naturally
Communicates effectively
Represents the team with integrity
Leads on and off the pitch—not just someone who follows NFF instructions

In his words, the armband shouldn’t just be decorative. It should mean direction, strength, and identity. And Ndidi, in his view, fits that profile perfectly.

A New Era For The Super Eagles?

The timing of this debate couldn’t be more crucial. Nigeria is gearing up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where they’ll face Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania in Group C.

Leadership matters in tournaments. Momentum matters. And the right captain could set the tone for the entire journey toward Morocco.

Will Ndidi rise as the next leader?
Will the NFF agree with Oliseh?
Or will another name emerge from the squad?

Whatever happens, the conversation is officially on—and the sports world is paying attention.

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Local News

William Troost-Ekong Bows Out: An Emotional Farewell That Shakes Up The Super Eagles Camp

William Troost-Ekong Bows Out In Emotional Goodbye

Super Eagles fans woke up to unexpected news as captain William Troost-Ekong officially announced his retirement from international football. Despite being listed in Eric Chelle’s 54-man provisional squad for AFCON 2025, the 2023 AFCON MVP revealed via a heartfelt video on X (formerly Twitter) that his journey with Nigeria had reached its final chapter.

The announcement came with a touching message:
“HONOURED. GRATEFUL. FOREVER A SUPER EAGLE. Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life. The journey may end here, but my support never will. Here’s to the next chapter.”

With 83 caps in 10 years, Ekong leaves behind a legacy of leadership, consistency, and unmatched patriotism. He was instrumental in Nigeria’s run to the 2023 AFCON final and became one of the most respected voices in the national team.

Why Now? A Transition Already In Motion

In recent months, Troost-Ekong’s role had gradually shifted. The impressive rise of 20-year-old Benjamin Fredrick pushed him out of the starting XI, reducing the captain to a bench role. One of the most emotional revelations was his admission that he was supposed to take a penalty in Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier shootout against DR Congo—but being benched meant he couldn’t step up.

Still, Ekong showed class:
“I wasn’t frustrated; I just wanted to win this game… My role is to support the team as much as possible, both on and off the pitch.”

He had also hinted earlier this year that AFCON 2025 might be his final tournament, showing that this transition wasn’t entirely sudden—it was coming.

Ndidi Tipped To Take The Captain’s Armband

The big question now is: who leads the Super Eagles?
Former coach Sunday Oliseh believes the answer is simple—Wilfred Ndidi.

Ndidi has captained the team in recent matches and commands full respect in the squad. According to Oliseh:
“Nobody doubts the respect the players have for Ndidi. And he’s a player that plays every game.”

With AFCON 2025 approaching quickly, stability is crucial—and Ndidi might be the perfect bridge into Nigeria’s next era.

A Legacy Forever Etched In Nigerian Football

Troost-Ekong leaves as a true patriot: admired, respected, and loved. His leadership transcended the pitch—he was the voice of calm, the anchor in tough moments, and the embodiment of commitment.

For the Super Eagles, a new chapter begins.
But for fans, William Troost-Ekong will always remain a Super Eagle—forever.

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Local News

Chelsea Player Ratings Vs Leeds United: Terrible Tosin Adarabioyo Sums Up Abysmal Blues As Title Credentials Are Exposed

chelsea-player-ratings-vs-leeds-united-elland-road-embarrassment

Chelsea had a night to forget at Elland Road as Leeds United outclassed, outran, and outright bullied the Blues in a bitter 3-1 defeat that leaves serious questions about their Premier League title credentials. For a team that showed grit and high-level intensity against Arsenal just days ago, this performance felt like a dramatic crash back to reality.

From the first whistle, Leeds came out flying, throwing everything at Chelsea’s backline. Within five minutes, they had already forced multiple corners and attempts on goal — and the pressure paid off. Jakob Bijol rose highest from a brilliant Anton Stach corner to give Leeds a deserved early lead.

Chelsea tried to keep the ball but created little. The back three of Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, and Benoit Badiashile spent most of the first half passing sideways with no real penetration. The midfield looked disconnected, and Leeds took full advantage.

Just when it looked like Chelsea might limp into halftime at 1-0, disaster struck. A sloppy square pass from Tosin put Enzo Fernandez under pressure. The Argentine was dispossessed, the ball fell to Jayden Bogle, and Ao Tanaka unleashed a rocket into the top corner from distance. Suddenly, Chelsea were 2-0 down and deservedly so.

Enzo Maresca made changes at halftime, and the introduction of Malo Gusto and Pedro Neto sparked some life. Neto smashed home a well-worked goal early in the second half, offering hope — but only briefly.

Another Tosin error killed the momentum. The defender hesitated in his own box, was robbed by Noah Okafor, and the chaos ended with Dominic Calvert-Lewin tapping in from close range. That was the final blow. A night of mistakes, missed opportunities, and mental lapses cost the Blues dearly.

Despite their heroic effort against Arsenal days earlier, Chelsea’s lack of physicality and defensive composure at Elland Road was alarming. A team chasing the title cannot afford performances this fragile. As it stands, they now sit nine points behind the league leaders and must regroup quickly.

Below is a quick look at the standout player ratings from the match:

Goalkeeper & Defence

Robert Sanchez — 5/10
Couldn’t do much about the goals. Made a few sharp saves but was unlucky with the third.

Trevoh Chalobah — 4/10
Decent blocks but struggled to contain Leeds’ movement.

Tosin Adarabioyo — 2/10
A nightmare outing. Two costly errors and little confidence on the ball.

Benoit Badiashile — 4/10
Uncomfortable and unsure. Substituted at halftime.

Marc Cucurella — 4/10
Roamed a lot but didn’t offer much end product.

Midfield

Andrey Santos — 5/10
Tried to progress play but often looked uncertain of his role.

Enzo Fernandez — 3/10
Poor touches, dispossessed for the second goal, and looked rattled throughout.

Joao Pedro — 4/10
Never really found his rhythm.

Attack

Estevao — 3/10
Direct but ineffective. Poor decision-making.

Liam Delap — 4/10
A quiet night and struggled to connect with teammates.

Jamie Gittens — 5/10
Wasteful early, but improved to assist Neto’s goal.

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