Connect with us

News

Mission X: Nigeria Reach Women AFCON Final For 10th time, In Search Of 10th Title

 

 

Nigeria reached the Final of the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations after a turgid and dramatic semi final in Casablanca that saw Cup-holders South Africa sent packing, thanks to a late-in-the-day spectacular goal by defender Michelle Alozie.

 

Both teams fought tactically in the middle and other stretches of the park, with sets of players stifling one other at crucial moments. Nigeria came close after only eight minutes but forward Chinwendu Ihezuo, in the top scorer’s race with three goals, saw her effort tipped over the sticks by the veteran goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.

 

Esther Okoronkwo and Ihezuo were denied in the 11th minute as the Super Falcons kept pushing forward. From this point, the game settled into a ding-dong affair, with both teams refusing to allow the other to keep to its gameplan.

 

In the 44th minute, the title-holders broke through the Falcons’ defence but the Banyana forward dragged her shot too wide.

 

A minute later, Nigeria was ahead. Receiving a pass from the right, Folasade Ijamilusi struck the ball, but it was hampered by the right hand of defender Mbane. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who had scored the penalty goal that separated both teams in their final Paris 2024 Olympics qualifying fixture last year, stepped forward and slotted past Dlamini.

 

A minute into the second half, Dlamini dropped the ball from Ajibade’s cross, but Ihezuo was not in the position to take advantage.

 

In the 56th minute, defender Osinachi Ohale pulled back forward Dhlamini in the box, gifting the Banyana Banyana a penalty. Midfielder Linda Motlhalo stepped forward and struck the ball past Chiamaka Nnadozie.

 

The title-holders stepped on the throttle and nearly got another goal as substitute Cesane connected a brilliant pull-out past Nnadozie, but Ohale was in the right place to save the day for the nine-time champions.

 

Five minutes later, Banyana found their way to the front again, and Jermaine Seoposenwe’s floated ball rose narrowly over the sticks on the Nigerian side.

 

Towards the end, a tense moment saw both sets of players deeply concerned for the injured South African defender Gabriela Salgado, who was taken off the pitch holding her face.

 

Just as both teams were settling for extra time, in added time of the second period, Alozie’s lofted ball from the Nigerian defence missed everyone, and Ihezuo and midfielder Deborah Abiodun wrong-footed Dlamini as the ball went untouched into the Banyana net.

 

Victory meant the Super Falcons’ first win over the Banyana in the Africa Cup of Nations in the three tournaments, with the South Africans having won group stages matches in 2018 and 2022 with 1-0 and 2-1 score-lines respectively.

 

 

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

BREAKING: Finally, Popular Islamic Cleric Names Those Behind Terrorism In Nigeria

In light of the recent surge in security-related attacks and acts of violence throughout Nigeria, which have garnered significant attention from international communities, including the United States, it is evident that these events have deepened divisions within the country.

Investigations have revealed the identities of those responsible for orchestrating these acts, shedding light on the motivations and affiliations behind their actions. CLICK LINK TO CONTINUE READING.

 

Continue Reading

News

Mikel Arteta Tight-Lipped On Declan Rice Fitness After Arsenal Midfielder Hobbled Off In Brentford Win

Declan Rice limping off the pitch during Arsenal’s match against Brentford

Arsenal fans held their breath midweek when Declan Rice unexpectedly hobbled off during the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Brentford. And if anyone was expecting a clear update from Mikel Arteta, they certainly didn’t get one.

Ahead of Arsenal’s crucial trip to Villa Park, the Spanish manager remained intentionally cryptic — and for good reason. Arsenal’s injury list is growing, and every hour seems to matter.


Arteta Says: “Let’s See” — Patience Required On Rice

Rice has become the engine, heartbeat, and battery pack of Arsenal’s midfield since arriving from West Ham. His presence is so crucial that even a minor niggle triggers panic across North London.

Although Rice himself told reporters he felt “fine” after the match, Arteta isn’t rushing any verdict.

According to the manager:

“We have another training session in the afternoon. Every hour is going to be very important to see the availability of the players.”

Translation: Nobody knows anything yet — even him.


Arsenal’s Defensive Crisis Deepens

And Rice isn’t the only concern.

Arteta also confirmed that Cristhian Mosquera is facing an uphill battle for the Villa clash. With Saliba and Gabriel already sidelined, losing Mosquera too would leave Arsenal’s defensive unit looking like a Jenga tower leaning on hope and prayers.

Arteta put it bluntly:

“That’s the more complicated one… we need to corroborate with all the testing today.”

Meanwhile, hopes remain higher for William Saliba and Leandro Trossard, with the manager saying their situations are “a matter of days.”


January Window Already Open In Arteta’s Mind

Despite spending over £250 million in the last transfer window, Arteta hinted Arsenal may need to dip back into the market — especially with injuries hitting key departments.

“We always have to be prepared… we need to be open for it.”

In football language, that usually means one thing: Phone lines will be busy in January.


Fixture Congestion? Arteta Shrugs It Off

Playing midweek at Brentford and facing Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime is hardly ideal, but Arteta kept his cool.

“We are ready for tomorrow’s game, that’s for sure.”

Whether his squad physically is… that’s another story.


Stay Updated With Sports Market International

For the best, fastest, and most engaging sports stories across football, transfers, betting insights, and analysis, Sports Market International remains one of the best sports blogs in the sports media space.

📩 Want To Advertise With Us? Contact: sales@ventolitemarketing.com

Your brand deserves premium visibility in the sports market — let’s make it happen.

Continue Reading

News

World Cup No.7? Stunning Prediction as Cristiano Ronaldo Is Backed to Make History Again

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating in a Portugal jersey

Cristiano Ronaldo is 40, still scoring, still breaking records — and now tipped to do the unthinkable: play at a seventh FIFA World Cup.

With the 2030 tournament set to be co-hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, former Portugal striker Nuno Gomes believes the idea of Ronaldo saying his final goodbye at home could be too tempting for the all-time great to resist.


Ronaldo at 40: Still rewriting the record books

The Al-Nassr superstar continues to defy age, maintaining elite form in the Saudi Pro League and keeping himself available for Portugal. He currently boasts:

  • 226 international caps

  • 143 goals for Portugal

  • A lifetime chase for 1,000 career goals

Ronaldo has previously indicated the next World Cup would be his last — but as history shows, the GOAT often changes the script.


“Maybe even he doesn’t know yet” – Nuno Gomes

Speaking to talkSPORT, Nuno Gomes said Ronaldo’s longevity makes predictions tricky:

“Only him, or maybe not even him, knows the answer. He’s still fit to play. He’s still scoring goals. And in football, that’s the most important thing.”

Gomes admits Ronaldo is no longer the explosive teenager who dazzled at 18, but insists the forward remains efficient, dangerous, and an example for younger players.

He added that Portugal boss Roberto Martinez will also play a major role in determining Ronaldo’s future appearances.

Still, the romantic idea of a final farewell in Portugal at the 2030 World Cup might be the perfect ending:

“In four years we are hosting some games. Maybe it could be an opportunity to say goodbye at home.”


Euro 2028? Don’t rule him out

Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown also believes Ronaldo’s hunger will keep him going:

“If he can bring something to the squad, why not pick him? He’s still there for the younger players and wants them to do well.”

Brown insists Ronaldo won’t retire from international football until he retires completely — and that his belief, energy, and competitiveness remain unmatched.


So… will Ronaldo play the 2030 World Cup?

If his body holds up — and knowing the way Ronaldo trains — it’s far from impossible.
A seventh World Cup would make even more history and allow him to finally say goodbye in front of home fans.

And with CR7, you can never say never.

Continue Reading

Trending