Super Lig Women: Besiktas Defender Glory Ogbonna Targets Victory Against Adana

Experienced Besiktas women defender, Glory Ogbonna has disclosed that the team will go all out for a win in Sunday's Turkish Women's Football Super League clash against Adana Idmanyurduspor. 

Besiktas are currently on a four match winning streak scoring thirteen goals in the process with three goals conceded. 

The Super Falcons' defender is optimistic that the team will put a good performance against the rock bottom team with 5 points from 24 matches to extend their brilliant run in the campaign. 

"This is a must win match for us, our target is nothing more than a win. 

"We are not going to underrate them, we know they are currently on a winless run so we will do our best to get the desired result." 

The former Edo Queens' captain has played 23 times this season with a goal and assist to her credit. 

Besiktas are fifth on the log with 44 points from 24 matches. 

The game is billed for Sunday, 24th March.

By: Favour Itua

Halimatu Ayinde launches maiden 'She Wins' Women Soccer tourney in Kaduna

In a groundbreaking move towards gender inclusivity in sports, Nigerian and Rosengard of Sweden midfielder, Halimatu Ayinde, proudly announced the inaugural Halimatu Ayinde 7-a-side Women's Cup, set to take place between 3rd and 4th of January, 2024, at the iconic Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.

This tournament, meticulously crafted by Ayinde, is not just a football event but a celebration of women in sports, a platform for empowerment, and a bold step towards promoting gender equality. 

As a midfielder who has excelled on both local and international stages, Ayinde, who won three African Women's Cup of Nations and attended three Women's World Cups, understands the importance of fostering opportunities for women in football.

The Halimatu Ayinde 7-a-side Women's Cup is set to become a cornerstone in championing the achievements of female athletes, encouraging increased participation, and fostering the well-deserved recognition of women in football across the northern region.

The Kaduna Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria product and Kada 2008 gold winner invites all football enthusiasts and advocates for gender equality to witness this historic moment at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium.

Let's join hands in supporting and celebrating the triumphs of women in sports, as the Halimatu Ayinde 7-a-side Women's Cup kicks off a new era in the northern Nigeria.

For media inquiries, please contact: 08029968367

Glory Ogbonna: Super Falcons star floats football tourney to foster unity talent development

Over 150 footballers from eight communities in Ovungwu, Isialangwa Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria have registered for the Glory Ogbonna Men’s Football competition, which is set to hold from October 22 to 29 December, 2023.

The tournament is organized by the Super Falcons defender, Glory Ogbonna to give back to her society, develop sports amongst youth as well as strengthening peace and unity in the communities.

Ahead of the tournament, the defender encouraged players to exhibit good behavior, character, and friendship, displaying good spirit of sportsmanship.

She sternly warned against engaging in negative activities like drugs, cultism, or robbery while pursuing a sports career.

The winner of the competition will go home with N250,000 ( Two hundred and fifty thousand naira) while the second and third position will get N150,000  (One hundred and fifty thousand naria) and N100,000 (One hundred thousand naria) respectively.

Individual awards have also been set aside for the highest goal scorer, fair play award and player of the tournament.

FIFAWWC: House Committee on Sports Chairman hails Super Falcons over second round qualification

... to parley sports stakeholders on Thursday in Abuja 

Chairman House Committee on Sports, Honourable Ekene Adams Abubakar will on Thursday August 3rd in Abuja, hold a session with critical stakeholders to pave a way for Nigerian sports.

Honourable Ekene, a member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in Kaduna State made this known a few days after he was named Chairman House Committee on Sports in the 10th House of Representatives by Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.

The accomplished sports administrator, ex-KADA Stars Chief will meet officials of the Nigeria Football Federation, Presidents of all the 36 Sports Federations, the Nigerian  Olympic Committee, Premier League Club Owners, Nationwide League and other League Boards,  Referees, Ex Internationals, Players Union, The National Institute for Sports, Former Sports Ministers, Coaches, Lottery  Board, EFCC, ICPC and members of Corporate Nigeria in a parley billed for the Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja.

Also expected at the event are the Nigerian Olympians Association, the Nigeria Police Force, Medical Practioners, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, officials of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Nigerian School Sports Federation amongst others.

Honourable Ekene assured that the meeting will set the tone for a robust and renewed policy direction for Nigerian Sports as well as to seek areas of mutual benefits in the best interest of Nigerian youths. 

Meanwhile, the former General Manager of Remo Stars and professional player has congratulated the gallant Super Falcons, who on Monday qualified for the Round of 16, as they kept  the tempo to become the only unbeaten African team at the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Nigeria's national women's team who stunned co-host Australia 3-2 in their second game, played out a draw against Irealand at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, to seal their passage to the knockout stage.

Honourable Ekene, described the Super Falcons as a beacon of hope for not only Nigeria, but the African continent, as he commended the Onome Ebi captained team for its impressive performances, as he urged them not to rest on its oars until they surpass their quarter-final record in the women's Mundial or secure the ultimate prize.

Prince Vincent Okumagba inaugurates Super Falcons Supporters Club

In a bid to give the senior women's national team more support during matches, President of the Super Eagles Supporters Club, Prince Vincent Okumagba has launched a dedicated support group called the Super Falcons Supporters Club, SFSC. 

In a statement made available to the media department,  Prince Okumagba said this was necessary as the Super Falcons are the pride of the nation and have distinguished themselves in so many ways.

"We have always supported the Super Falcons of Nigeria and our female teams since the creation of the Super Eagles Supporters Club. 

"We have looked at it closely that we need to give our support towards the Falcons and also give them an identity, being the most successful team in Africa and a role model for our age grade teams; hence the creation of Super Falcons Supporters Club".  

Prince Okumagba hinted that the Super Falcons Supporters Club, an affiliate of SESC will support all national female teams. 

"The Super Falcons Supporters Club will  hence forth support the Super Falcons, Under 20, being the Falconets and the U17 team, the Flamingos. 

"The Super Eagles Supporters Club will cater for the Super Eagles, the Under 23, the Flying Eagles and the Golden Eaglets". 

Before the new name was birthed, the Super Eagles Supporters Club was in Ghana to cheer the Super Falcons to victory as they won the Africa Women's Cup of Nations in 2018, at the 2019 FIFA Women World Cup and at the 2018 FIFA U20 Women World Cup both in France. 

Ahead of the 2022 AWCON Qualifiers, the Super Falcons Supporters Club will be on ground at the MKO, Abiola Stadium, Abuja to cheer the team against the Lady Elephants of Cote D'Ivoire.

The 11-time champions  will play the Lady Elephants on Friday, February 18 at the refurbished MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

The second leg, on Wednesday, February 23, will take place at the Stade Robert Champroux, Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Done Deal: Spanish side, Santa Teresa signs Super Falcons star Glory Ogbonna

By Favour Itua

Super Falcons Defender, Glory Ogbonna has joined  Segunda División Pro team Santa Teresa CD on a Six-Month Deal after her contract with Umeå IK was terminated by mutual consent. 

Ogbonna was presented by the club to the fans this afternoon and will wear the No 3 jersey. 

On signing for Santa Teresa CD, Ogbonna said: "My ambition is to help the club gain promotion to the top flight and win trophies.

"That's why I am playing football. I am a competitor and I want to win big anywhere I go to".

Ogbonna, who joined Santa Teresa CD from Umeå IK helped the team top the Elitettan table and gain promotion to the top flight (Damallsvenskan) with two woman of the match awards. 

A African Women Cup of Nations winner in 2018, has just been invited by Super Falcons Coach, Randy Waldrum ahead of the 2022 AWCON Qualifiers against Cote D'Ivoire. 

After 16 matches, Santa Teresa CD are currently 4th on the Segunda División Femenina table with 25 points, 5 points behind table toppers Alhama.

Meet Sadiyah, the Watford wonder kid who is eligible to play for Nigeria

Ahead of the 12th Africa Women Cup of Nations tagged Morocco 2022, Watford under 23 wonder kid, Shardonna’e Sadiyah, has expressed her readiness to represent Nigeria.

Morocco will host the next edition of   the Total Women’s Africa Cup of Nations from July, 2, to 23, 2022, but Shardonna’e believes that she has what it takes to represent Nigeria as she look forward to a call-up.

“Representing Nigeria has always been my dream and I believe that the opportunity will come someday. All I need to do is to keep working hard.

“With the little experience I have gathered at Watford, I believe I will represent Nigeria well. I’m 19 and still young and I have a lot I can offer the team,” she said.

The 19-year-old utility player, who can conveniently play in any role in the attack, has been a key figure for Watford under 23 Women’s team, with incredible display week in week out for the London-based team.

Super Falcons Glory Ogbonna secures Damallsvenskan promotion with Umeå IK

By Favour Itua

Super Falcons defender Glory Ogbonna will make her dream debut in the elite league of women's football (Damallsvenskan) in Sweden next season following her promotion with Umea IK.

Ogbonna was on the lineup for UIK as they sealed their return to the top flight with a 6–2 win over IF Brommapojkarna at the

Umeå Energi Arena Sol, on Saturday.

The promotion is a dream come true for Ogbonna who has so far made eight league and two cup appearances since joining UIK in July and also won two player of the match awards with her wonderful performance in the push for promotion.

Speaking after the game, an elated Ogbonna said one of the reasons she joined was to help Umeå IK gain promotion. 

"I feel so happy today. It is a dream come true. 

"It was my main point of coming to help the team qualify and I'm happy I've achieved that today". 

Umeå IK remain top with 54 points after 22 matches with four matches left. 

The former Edo Queens player will now join the list of Super Falcons players like Faith Michael, Halimat Ayinde , Ngozi Okobi, Uchenna Kanu, Chinaza Uchendu, Anam Imo, Joy Bokiri who play in the Swedish top flight come next season.

Super Falcons star Ogbonna claims Umeå's best player gong after outstanding performance

 

By Favour Itua

Super Falcons Defender, Glory Ogbonna was voted Woman of the match in Umeå IK's 3-1 win over Norrköping. 

Ogbonna's composure at the back couple with resolute defending from her through out the game earned her a second woman of the match since she arrived the club. 

The 2018 African Women Cup of Nations winner expressed her gratitude after winning the award

"First of all I want to thank God who has made this day possible for me. Second of all, I want to share this award with my coaches, players because without them it won't be easy settling here". 

It will be recalled Ogbonna won her first Woman of the match award against Alvsjo ALK in August. 

The 3-1 victory over Norrköping has now taken Umeå IK to 48 points after 20 matches as they maintain top spot in the Elitettan League.

Sunday Dare charges Super Falcons to bounce back from Aisha Buhari Cup loss to South Africa

Youth and Sports Development Minister Sunday Dare has challenged members of the Nigeria senior national Women's football team- Super Falcons to learn from Tuesday's loss to South Africa's Bayana Bayana in the final game of the Aisha Buhari Cup and bounce back.

The Nigerians were outclassed by their opponents 4-2 in the final game of the inaugural edition of the invitational tournament against the expectations of many who had thronged the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan Stadium, Lagos to support them.

Dare told the Super Falcons after the game that they do not have to dwell too long on their disappointing loss.

"I know you are all disappointed with this result. We all wanted a better result and performance but things like this happen in football.

"You have to raise your heads. Watch the game again and identify where you faltered, correct the mistakes then bounce back stronger. Learn from the loss."

The Sports Minister further encouraged the team to switch focus to their next assignment which is just a few weeks away.

"There is another opportunity around the corner. I am happy that we do not have any major injuries to any of you. So you can return to your clubs in good condition and be back for your next assignment in great shape.

"We will continue to appreciate and encourage you for your service to this country. We will always be a pillar of support for you," Dare added.

The next competitive game for the Super Falcons will be against their tough rivals and neighbours, the Black Queens of Ghana who were also beaten by the South Africans 3-0 in one of their games at the just concluded invitational tournament.

Air Peace Airline Boss, Onyema doles out N20million to Falcons

President of Air Peace Airline, Barrister Allen Onyema was not dismayed by the lashing received by the Super Falcons in the hands of South Africa’s Banyana Banyana at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Tuesday.

 

He presented the sum of N10 million to the Super Falcons’ class of 1999 that reached the quarter finals of the FIFA Women’s Cup in USA and were honoured by the NFF at a special Awards ceremony in Lagos on Monday, and also gifted the present bunch the sum of N10 million.

 

It would be recalled that Barrister Onyema, whose company became the Official Airline of the Nigeria National Teams following a contract agreement signed earlier this month, motivated the Super Eagles with the sum of N20million to win their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifier against Cape Verde in Mindelo. He promptly redeemed the pledge on the team’s arrival after their victory.

 

The Super Falcons lost the final match of the Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament 2-4 to South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, but it was a good lesson for Nigeria to set store by her young brood.

Aisha Buhari Cup: Naija Ratels boss, Bar. Edeh proud of 'fabulous' Falcons, hails organisers

President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), Barrister Paul Edeh on wednesday praised the organisers of Aisha Buhari Tournament for doing a great job he simply described as 'extraordinary'. 

The 'six' nation tournament kicked off on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, with the Super Falcons getting a 2-0 victory over the 'Les Aiglonnes' of Mali at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, Onikan, Lagos.

The philanthropist and brain behind the biggest Women's Football Pre season Tournament in Africa (Flying Officers Cup) also gave kudos to the President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Melvin Pinnick; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu; and the members of the Organising Committee headed by NFF First Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, for a job well executed.

The United Nations SDG Peace Ambassador also went further to congratulate African Champions, Super Falcons of Nigeria for its well deserved victory over Malians senior women National team, and wished the team well ahead of their final game against Bayana Bayana of South Africa next Tuesday.

2021 NWFL Premiership topscorer Monday Gift smashed home two late goals at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena to seal victory for the host and an excited Edeh highlighted that Monday's brace has shown how strong the NWFL Premiership has become under Aisha Falode. 

"No doubt, I am excited over her brace and the fact that the Super Falcons earned a comfortable victory. The NWFL Premiership is one of the best in the world and that's why the league keeps producing great players. 

"The Organisation of the tournament is one of the best I have seen so far, and kudos must go to the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick and the Local Organizing Committee, under the leadership of Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi.

"I was really optimistic that we were going to have a perfect organisation before the tournament and am glad the LOC have surpassed people's expectations. 

The opening ceremony of the maiden Aisha Buhari Tournament was attended by FIFA President, Gianni Infantino; CAF President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe; and other football big wigs.

Six nations are participating at the inaugural edition; Mali, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, and Cameroon alongside host, Nigeria.

SESC Boss, Okumagba lauds Aisha Buhari Cup, celebrates Super Falcons bright start

President of the Super Eagles Supporters Club Prince Vincent Okumagba has congratulated the Super Falcons of Nigeria for beginning the Aisha Buhari Cup on a good note after they defeated Mali 2 nil at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, Onikan, Lagos. 

Prince Okumagba, speaking immediately after the match praised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), organizing committee for putting up this massive project. 

" It was indeed a nice atmosphere today, the last time we had something like this in Africa was the African Women Cup of Nations in Ghana, 2018. 

Once again, the NFF has shown how passionate they are for the development of Women Football in Nigeria, this will indeed go a long way in preparing the Super Falcons for the AWCON Qualifiers next month". 

The astute administrator lauded Chief Executive Officer, Monimichelle Sports Facility Construction Limited, Ebi Egbe for his top notch job on the Mobolaji Johnson pitch.  

"The pitch is lovely, you can see how the ball move freely on it. 

I want to commend Ebi Egbe, aka Monimichelle for showcasing Lagos and Nigeria at large to the world. 

 I hope the Lagos State Government will ensure it is maintained regularly". 

Prince Okumagba hinted that there will be continuous support from the Super Eagles Supporters Club until the end of the event. 

Meanwhile, matches continue tomorrow at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium as Cameroon takes on Morroco by 4pm.

Aisha Buhari Cup will boost Lagos State economic strength, says Kola Daniel

As preparations are building up to host the much anticipated Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament, the CEO of CKDMedia (www.ckdmedia.ng), Kola Daniel had an exclusive interview session with the African Independent Television (AIT) Correspondent in Lagos.

According to Mr. Kọla Daniel, while shedding light on the build-up to the maiden edition of Aisha Buhari Competition, he said, 

"The city of Lagos and vicinity of Eko Hotel is full of excitement as the build-up to the mouthwatering tournament continues. There is no doubt, Aisha Buhari Cup will boost the economic activities of the entire State, for the time being. He posited.

As a member of the Local Organising Committee of Aishatu Buhari Competition, Mr Kọla Daniel affirmed that the 

"The Super Falcons of Nigeria are also much around, the likes of Barcelona forward, Asisat Oshoala arrived at the early hours of today to join her team mates and i can tell you that they are ready to make the country proud.

"The invited teams have also arrived, the Malian, Ghanian, Morroccan Teams are fully on ground to grace the tournament. He affirmed

Kola Daniel, who is also the Media Aide to the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, spoke about the pedigree of the tournament, as FIFA approved.

He gave kudos to the President of the Nigerian Football Federation, Mr. Amanju Pinnick, for making it a reality.

While also thanking the Lagos State Government, for hosting the event.

The young and vibrant media practitioner concluded by thanking the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, for giving the go ahead and necessary support to ensure that the competition is given a benefitting standard.

The Aisha Buhari Invitational  Competition will commence Wednesday 15th day of September in Lagos.

Organizers announce MTN as Platinum Sponsor for Aisha Buhari Cup

The all-yellow fluorescence of Nigeria’s football firmament shone even brighter on Monday as the Local Organizing Committee announced that telecommunication giants, MTN has become the Platinum Sponsor of the much –anticipated Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Tournament starting next week Monday.

 

Scheduled for two venues (Mobolaji Johnson Arena and Agege Stadium) in the City of Lagos, the six-nation invitational brings together the A Women Teams hosts Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Morocco and South Africa.

 

Marketing Consultant of the tournament, Mr. Taye Ige told ABC Media that the Local Organizing Committee is enamoured by the decision of the telecommunication behemoth to support the showpiece happening in the City of Aquatic Splendour.

 

Nine-time African champions, Super Falcons will tango with the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco in the opening match at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

 

MTN had only last week signed a three –year agreement with the Nigeria Football Federation that immediately made the company the Official Communications Partner of the Super Eagles and other National Teams.

Aisha Buhari Cup: Barrister Paul Edeh gives ringing endorsement of LOC

 

The President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), Barrister Paul Edeh has strongly commended the work of the Local Organizing Committee of the upcoming 6-team African Women Championship (Aisha Buhari Cup) billed to begin on the 13th to the 21st of September 2021 in Lagos.

The legal Luminary is said he is full of confidence that the LOC, headed by NFF First Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi and Aisha Falode (Director Of Organisation) have all it takes to give Nigerians and Africans a fantastic tournament. 

The Chairman Of NWFL Premiership side, Naija Ratels FC gave a ringing endorsement of the Local Organizing Committee during an interview with Journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, hours after the official draws of the tournament. 

"From the standpoint of organization, a high level has already been set. I would like to commend the Local Organizing Committee of the Competition," Said Edeh. 

"It is glaring from all angles that we are going to have a great tournament. At the same time, I would also point out that the tournament shouldn't be a one-off, but should come up from time to time. 

"The Chairman of the LOC and everyone involved are people who have great experience in the women's football cycle. The Chairman is a great Football Administrator, who have over the years brought a lot of innovations to Nigerian Football as Vice President of the NFF,  The Director of Organization, Aisha Falode is well known as an astute administrator with decades of experience in Women's Football and one who has turned around the fortune of the Nigeria Women Football League since she resumed office as Chairperson.

"Undoubtedly, the quality of today's draws shows that a lot of work has gone into this project and certainly more work is required to make this project a huge success. All hands must be on deck to support the LOC to achieve there goals."

The Dr Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Football Tournament, otherwise known as Aisha Buhari Cup, is an African Mini-Football tournament for six women National teams namely, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, South-Africa, Morocco and Mali.

Prestige Friendly: Super Falcons primed for good outing against France

Nigeria’s Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons, have settled down in the city Le Mans, west of France after arriving on Wednesday evening. 

2018 WAFU Cup: Fresh thumps up Falcons' victory over Senegal

Chairman of nigeria football federation technical and development committee Comrade Ahmed Yusuf Fresh  has hailed the super falcons over the 3-0 victory recorded in their second match at against senegal  the ongoing wafu cup in Ivory Coast , Abijan.

NFF unveils Falcons coach, Dennerby

The record –breaking feats of the Amaju Pinnick –led Nigeria Football Federation continued in sleek fashion on Tuesday with the unveiling in Abuja of Mr. Thomas Dennerby, a former Coach of the Women’s National Team of Sweden, as Head Coach of the Super Falcons.

Multi Media Journalists Hail Super Falcons On AWCON Success

Multi Media Journalists have congratulated the national women's football team, Super Falcons, on their victory over Cameroon in Saturday's final of the 2016 Africa Women's Championship (AWCON).