by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 2, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
AFC Toronto forward Esther Okoronkwo delivered a career-defining performance as Nigeria’s Super Falcons claimed their 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, completing a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over host nation Morocco in Rabat.
The Northern Super League (NSL) standout was instrumental in Nigeria’s rally, scoring from the spot in the 60th minute before assisting Folashade Ijamilusi’s equalizer ten minutes later. Okoronkwo capped her Player of the Match performance by delivering a pinpoint free kick in the 88th minute, which Jennifer Echegini headed home to seal the win.
> “We knew what we needed to do differently. And we did it in the second half,” said the 28-year-old forward.
The title win is particularly emotional for Okoronkwo, who missed the 2022 WAFCON due to an ACL injury.
> “It was a heartbreaking moment for me,” she recalled. “In Morocco, I had my mind set to win the trophy.”
Born in Nigeria and raised in Richmond, Texas, Okoronkwo rose through the U.S. college system before stints in France, Spain, and China. She signed with AFC Toronto in February and has since tallied four goals and three assists in 10 appearances—earning NSL’s Player and Goal of the Month honours in May.
> “Esther’s been really pivotal to how we play. A playmaker and a focal point in the attack,” said AFC Toronto sporting director Billy Wilson. “It’s a cool story—she didn’t start the early games, but she rose to become one of Nigeria’s key players.”
NSL president Christina Litz hailed Okoronkwo’s WAFCON heroics as a major boost for Canadian women’s soccer:
> “Her success is a win for AFC Toronto, for the Northern Super League, and for every young girl dreaming of playing on the big stage.”
Nigeria’s path to the final was dominant: topping Group B with wins over Tunisia and Botswana, a draw with Algeria, before dismantling Zambia 5–0 and edging South Africa 2–1 in the knockout rounds.
Despite their triumphs, the Super Falcons’ journey hasn’t been smooth. Issues like inadequate support and funding have persisted—yet the team continues to defy the odds.
At a celebratory reception in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu announced each player would receive US$100,000 and a three-bedroom apartment. Okoronkwo, however, missed the ceremony due to illness and has been given time off to recover.
> “I’m hoping,” she said when asked about the presidential reward.
AFC Toronto, currently leading the NSL table with an 8-5-1 record, will be without their star striker for this weekend’s clash with the Calgary Wild—but her legacy on the international stage continues to shine.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 2, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Super Falcons star Ashleigh Plumptre has opened up about the challenging conditions faced by the Nigerian women’s national team during the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, describing their hotel accommodation as inadequate and draining.
In an exclusive interview with Sportsblog247.com, Plumptre shared her disappointment over the lack of basic recovery facilities—like a gym or swimming pool—at the hotel in Casablanca where the team was based throughout the group stage and knockout rounds.
> “For me and some of the other girls, we were tired towards the end because we were put in a hotel in Morocco that didn’t have a gym,” she revealed. “Towards the end of the tournament, we were taken to a public gym just to be able to use one.”
Plumptre went on to detail just how cramped the hotel rooms were, saying it affected the players’ ability to rest and recover properly.
> “The hotel room given to us in Morocco was so small. Me and my roommate couldn’t even move if we opened our suitcases,” she lamented.
The Leicester City defender also highlighted the gap in support between African teams and top European sides like England, pointing to the investment, planning, and structure that are commonplace in other setups.
> “It’s just the little things—like the quality of training pitches, the recovery processes, and overall player welfare—that make a huge difference. You see the level of investment in teams like England, and you understand why they keep progressing.”
When asked whether the responsibility for the team’s accommodation fell on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) or the WAFCON organizers, Plumptre said the players had no clear information on who made the arrangements.
Her comments have reignited debates over player welfare and the need for improved infrastructure and planning around African women’s football tournaments.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 2, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Black Queens midfielder Jennifer Cudjoe has opened up about the emotional impact of coach Nora Häuptle’s departure from the Ghana women’s national team, describing it as a difficult moment for both herself and her teammates.
The Swiss tactician stepped down after two years at the helm, following an unsuccessful contract renewal with the Ghana Football Association. Häuptle has since taken over as head coach of Zambia’s Copper Queens.
Reflecting on Häuptle’s influence in an interview with Sportsblog247.com, Cudjoe did not hold back in her praise:
> “She was one of the best coaches we had. She changed the game for us — the way she managed players and how we played. It was tough to lose her, but I think it was also time for her to go.”
Cudjoe described Häuptle as the best coach she has worked with, crediting her for the personal and collective progress of the team during her tenure.
> “Every coach makes an impact on your life. She definitely did — not just for me, but for the rest of the players. As tough as it was, we had to find a way to keep working and focusing on the goals ahead.”
Despite the setback, Cudjoe is optimistic about the direction of the team under new head coach Kim Lars, who recently guided the Black Queens to a bronze medal at WAFCON 2024 in Morocco.
> “Now we have a new coach who’s also doing a whole lot of work to change our game. As players, you have to keep going.”
As the Black Queens enter a new chapter, Cudjoe’s reflections highlight the emotional connections that exist between players and coaches — and the resilience needed to move forward.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 1, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Black Queens star opens up on personal attacks and overcoming setbacks
Ghanaian forward Princella Adubea has spoken out about the unfair criticism she faced during a difficult period in her career, revealing how some fans attributed her dip in form to having a boyfriend.
The Black Queens striker, who played a key role in Ghana’s bronze-winning campaign at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, shared her experience in an interview with Sporty FM.
Adubea, once a standout talent for Ghana’s U20 side, the Black Princesses, battled injuries that stalled her rise to the senior national team. Despite the setbacks, she bounced back stronger and became an influential figure for the Black Queens, even scoring in Morocco.
But before her resurgence, Adubea recalled facing cruel personal attacks while trying to rediscover her form with Ampem Darkoa Ladies in Techiman.
> “I remember in a game against Fabulous, things didn’t go well. After the match, people started saying I was distracted because I had found a boyfriend. Someone had seen me on a motorbike with a man, and from that, they said I had lost focus,” Adubea revealed.
Now playing for Abu Dhabi Country Club, Adubea says she’s grown mentally stronger and doesn’t let such comments affect her anymore.
> “I’ve developed a tough skin. I don’t let those things get to me like before,” she added.
Despite the challenges, the resilient forward continues to inspire a new generation of female footballers in Ghana with her strength, talent, and honesty.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 1, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
In one of the most sensational transfers of the summer, Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has roared into Turkey with a record-shattering salary package at Galatasaray — and the numbers are nothing short of jaw-dropping.
After months of speculation, Osimhen has finally sealed his move to the Turkish Super Lig giants, and the financial breakdown of his deal has stunned fans across the footballing world.
According to reports, the Super Eagles star will earn a staggering ₦27.75 billion over the course of his contract.
Here’s how it breaks down:
Monthly Paycheck: ₦2.3 billion
Weekly Earnings: ₦534 million
Daily Take-Home: ₦76 million
The 26-year-old now becomes one of the highest-paid African footballers in Europe, underlining Galatasaray’s ambition to dominate both domestically and on the continental stage.
Fans in Istanbul are already dreaming big, as Osimhen is expected to lead the line with the same hunger and firepower that made him a Serie A champion and Nigerian hero.
