by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 22, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
In a bid to fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) is reportedly planning a high-profile friendly against Nigeria’s Super Eagles this December.
According to Cairo24, the Pharaohs have already made significant arrangements for the encounter, which is expected to take place during their final training camp before the AFCON tournament — scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 19, 2026.
The proposed friendly is said to have been endorsed following consultations between EFA officials and Egypt’s technical team led by twin brothers Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan. The coaching duo reportedly requested a strong opponent like Nigeria to test their squad’s readiness ahead of their Group B fixtures against Angola, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
Egypt will also participate in a four-nation invitational tournament in the UAE from November 10 to 18, featuring Iran, Uzbekistan, and Cape Verde — a key part of their build-up to the continental showpiece.
However, when contacted, the Director of Communications for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr. Ademola Olajire, stated that he had not been informed of any such arrangement.
> “I am not aware of any friendly match between Nigeria and Egypt at the moment. I have not been briefed on it,” Olajire told NationSport yesterday.
If confirmed, the December clash would serve as a crucial test for both powerhouses as they aim to sharpen their squads ahead of AFCON 2025.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 22, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
In Morocco, the young Flamingos of Nigeria are gearing up for a decisive Group D encounter against France at the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, and they’re not doing it alone. A powerful wave of support has poured in from their senior sisters — the Super Falcons — rallying behind them in words and spirit.
After a disappointing opening match against Canada, the Flamingos returned to training determined to bounce back stronger. Their afternoon drills were sharp and purposeful, focusing on tightening the defense, perfecting set-pieces, and improving game management. The coaches even took a day off formal training earlier in the week, dedicating time to light games, motivational talks, and video analysis — all aimed at rebuilding confidence and team chemistry.
Then came the biggest lift: emotional video messages from Super Falcons icons like Asisat Oshoala, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Joy Omewa, Taiwo Afolabi, Miracle Usani, and Folashade Ijamilusi. Each message carried both warmth and wisdom — a reminder of the shared dream and the legacy that binds Nigeria’s women’s football generations together.
Oshoala, speaking from her own journey through the youth ranks, told the girls,
> “Every Super Falcon once started where you are. What matters is the hunger — the will to fight for the badge.”
Goalkeeper Nnadozie, known for her leadership and fierce determination, added,
> “Turn the lessons from the Canada game into motivation. You have the talent; now show your strength.”
With spirits lifted and belief rekindled, the Flamingos are now ready to face France in what promises to be a defining moment in their World Cup journey. The young Nigerians are not just chasing victory — they’re carrying the pride, passion, and promise of a nation.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 22, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
The Nigerian women’s national rugby league team, fondly known as the Green Falcons, have etched their names into history books with a commanding 10–0 victory over Ireland in the semi-final of the International Rugby League Women’s World Series.
It was a display of power, discipline, and determination as Prop Fedelia Omoghan broke the deadlock in the 14th minute, giving Nigeria a 4–0 lead in the first half. The momentum continued when Rachel Iliya capitalized on a loose ball, sprinting 85 metres to score a sensational try under the posts. Faustina Akeje’s calm conversion sealed a famous win for the Falcons.
Coach Bolu Fagborun lauded his side’s defensive masterclass, praising their grit and execution:
> “We set our goal to defend really well, and the girls executed that brilliantly. We knew if we kept them from scoring, we’d win the game—and that’s exactly what happened. The defensive effort was phenomenal, and this result means a lot for Nigerian rugby league and the Middle East–Africa region.”
Reacting to the milestone, National Sports Commission (NSC) Director General, Dr. Bukola Olopade, celebrated the Falcons’ feat as a major stride for Nigerian sports.
> “This is another testament to the huge and vast talents Nigeria possesses across all sports. The management of the Rugby League deserves commendation for their hard work behind the scenes. We are committed, alongside Mallam Shehu Dikko, to harnessing these talents to their full potential as directed by Mr. President.”
The DG further charged the Green Falcons to “make history” in the final by becoming the first African team to win the IRL Women’s Rugby League World Series, as they face Fiji in what promises to be a thrilling showdown at the Terry Fox Stadium on Sunday.
A win will not only secure Nigeria’s first-ever global rugby title but also a spot in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea—a moment that could redefine African rugby forever.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 21, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
The Black Queens of Ghana have officially kicked off preparations in Ismailia, Egypt, as they gear up for their crucial 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying clash against the Pharaohs of Egypt.
After arriving safely in North Africa earlier this week, the team wasted no time getting to work, holding their first training session under the floodlights at their camp base in Ismailia. The session focused on light drills, tactical coordination, and fitness work as the players begin to acclimatize to the local weather conditions ahead of Thursday’s first leg.
Head coach Kim Lars Björkegren, who recently unveiled his 24-player squad, oversaw the training, emphasizing discipline and team chemistry. Among the notable players spotted in full training were captain Portia Boakye, Chantelle-Hlorkah Boye, Josephine Bonsu, Doris Boaduwaa, Susan Ama Duah, Grace Asantewaa, and Jennifer Cudjoe — all of whom are expected to play key roles in the encounter.
The Queens are determined to secure qualification after their impressive run in the previous WAFCON edition, where they re-established themselves as one of Africa’s top women’s football sides. However, standing in their way is a rapidly improving Egyptian team, eager to make a return to the continental stage.
The first leg of the qualifier will take place on Thursday, October 23, at the Ismailia-Suez Canal Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 16:00 GMT (4:00 PM local time).
As the Queens fine-tune their preparations, Ghanaian fans are hopeful that the team will deliver another spirited performance to bring them closer to another WAFCON appearance.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 21, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Nigerian football legend and four-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Mercy Akide-Udoh, has given the Flamingos a powerful dose of motivation ahead of their opening match at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The former Super Falcons star, who now serves as FIFA’s Ambassador for the Women’s Game, spent time with Nigeria’s U-17 girls on Friday, sharing words of wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration as they prepare to face Canada in their tournament opener on Sunday.
Akide-Udoh is currently in Morocco as part of the FIFA Players’ Voice Panel — a 16-member global body comprising former male and female players from all six football confederations. The panel’s mission is to advise and support FIFA and its 211 member associations in the fight against racism and all forms of discrimination in football.
During her interactive session with the young Flamingos, Mercy spoke passionately about resilience, unity, and self-belief, reminding them that representing Nigeria on the world stage is both a privilege and a responsibility.
> “You are not just playing for yourselves; you are playing for millions of young girls who dream to be like you one day,” she told the team. “Stay focused, stay humble, and let your football speak for you.”
As part of her broader role, Mercy Akide-Udoh will continue to lead educational initiatives to raise awareness about equality and inclusion in football. She also revealed plans to revisit the Flamingos before their opening match to offer further support and encouragement.
Her presence in Morocco — blending advocacy with mentorship — serves as a reminder of how icons like her continue to shape the next generation of African women’s football stars.
