by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 1, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Experienced tactician Yussif Basigi is set to lead Police Ladies FC into the upcoming WAFU Zone B qualifiers for the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League, as the club prepares for its debut on the continental stage in Côte d’Ivoire later this month.
The decision comes after current head coach Abu Kassim Tabasu was deemed ineligible to serve as head coach in the CAF competition due to licensing requirements. Although Kassim masterminded Police Ladies’ historic Ghana Women’s Premier League title win — defeating defending champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies in a thrilling final — his CAF License B qualification falls short of the A-License requirement needed to take charge in continental tournaments.
“I’m not going to lead the team [at the qualifiers] tactically or technically because I’m not qualified to be the head coach in Africa,” Kassim admitted during the club’s Media Day at their training ground at Awutu Winton SHS Park. “That is why Coach Basigi is here. He’s going to be in charge when we go there.”
Basigi, one of the most respected names in Ghanaian women’s football, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He famously guided Hasaacas Ladies to the finals of the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League in 2021, finishing as runners-up to South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.
Police Ladies will face a stern test in Côte d’Ivoire, where they will compete against some of the region’s finest: Bayelsa Queens (Nigeria), ASEC Mimosas (Côte d’Ivoire), AS GNN (Niger), USFA (Burkina Faso), ASKO (Togo), and Sam Nelly (Benin).
With Basigi at the helm and Kassim providing valuable support, Police Ladies are dreaming big as they step onto the continental stage for the very first time.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 1, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In a heartfelt moment that united two of Ghana’s most iconic football captains, Andre Ayew showered praise on Black Queens skipper Portia Boakye for her exceptional leadership and commanding performances during the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
At a celebratory dinner held at the Tang Palace Hotel in Accra to honor the Black Queens’ bronze medal achievement, Ayew — who joined the festivities as a special guest — took time to publicly applaud Boakye’s impact throughout the tournament.
Sharing a photo of the two embracing on Instagram, the Black Stars captain wrote, “Kudos to Black Queens captain Portia Boakye. Age is just a number, keep going.”
At 36, Boakye defied the odds, playing every minute of Ghana’s campaign in Morocco and anchoring the team with grit and grace. Her consistency and leadership — particularly in high-pressure extra-time battles — drew admiration from fans and peers alike.
Ayew, himself 35 and currently without a club, hasn’t played for the Black Stars in over a year. Yet the country’s most capped male international remains optimistic about a potential return ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The moment between Boakye and Ayew was more than symbolic — it represented a shared legacy of endurance, passion, and national pride.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 1, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
In a tournament that celebrated not only athletic excellence but the growing power of women’s football in Africa, WAFCON 2024 delivered drama, brilliance, and unforgettable moments. Hosted in Morocco, twelve of Africa’s best national teams battled fiercely, but it was Nigeria who rose once again to claim their place at the summit.
The Road to Glory
The group stage saw fierce competition, narrowing the field to eight determined quarter-finalists. Powerhouses Nigeria and Morocco emerged undefeated, setting the stage for an epic final. Meanwhile, Ghana and South Africa—two proud footballing nations—met in the third-place play-off, both hungry to leave with silverware.
The Bronze Duel: Ghana vs South Africa
The third-place encounter was a clash of styles: South Africa’s possession game versus Ghana’s attacking directness. South Africa struck first after a costly error by Ghana’s goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan gifted Nonhlanhla Mthandi a simple tap-in. But Ghana roared back in the second half—Alice Kusi connected with a fine header to bring the game level.
With no winner after 90 minutes, penalties followed. Ghana, despite missing their first spot-kick, held their nerve. South Africa, the defending champions, faltered—missing twice. The shootout ended 4-3 in favor of Ghana, earning the Black Queens a deserved third-place finish and their best WAFCON result since 2016.
The Final Showdown: Nigeria vs Morocco
With a raucous home crowd behind them, Morocco exploded out of the gates, scoring two stunning goals early—Ghizlane Chebbak’s rocket in the 12th minute and Sanaâ Mssoudy’s composed finish moments later. The Atlas Lionesses looked destined to win their first title.
But Nigeria are queens for a reason.
Led by the electric Esther Okoronkwo, who scored a crucial penalty and then set up Folashade Ijamilusi for the equalizer, the Super Falcons clawed their way back into the match. And just before full-time, Jennifer Echegini completed the comeback with a perfectly timed finish, sealing a 3-2 victory and Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title.
Champions with Heart
Nigeria’s triumph wasn’t just about goals. It was a display of courage, belief, and championship mentality. Trailing 2-0 away from home, they fought with grit and unity to reclaim their crown—proving yet again why they remain the standard-bearers in African women’s football.
Shining Stars of the Tournament
⭐ Top Scorer: Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco) – 5 goals
Best Goalkeeper: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
Best Player: Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria)
WAFCON 2024 was more than a tournament—it was a statement. The gap is closing, the quality is rising, and women’s football in Africa is reaching glorious new heights.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 1, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Triumph, Tenacity, and the Changing Face of African Women’s Football
Last weekend, the world witnessed two sides of football history unfold. In Europe, England’s Lionesses retained their European crown to wide applause. But over in Africa — and perhaps even more dramatically — Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered a performance of fire and fury, snatching a 3–2 victory from the jaws of defeat against hosts Morocco to claim their record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
This was no ordinary final. In a match that carried the weight of history, home pride, and continental rivalry, Nigeria found themselves 2–0 down with just over 25 minutes to go. But what followed was one of the greatest comebacks African football has seen. By the 88th minute, the scoreboard read 3–2 in Nigeria’s favor — an unforgettable reversal that cemented the Falcons’ legacy and reignited national pride.
The Secret Behind the Super Falcons’ Dominance
Speaking with journalist Eromo Egbejule, it became clear that this victory wasn’t just about tactics or talent — it was about mentality.
> “Nigerians thrive in chaos,” he remarked with a blend of humor and insight. And indeed, from political unrest to sporting adversity, the nation’s teams often find ways to turn struggle into spectacle.
Nigeria’s early investment in women’s football gave them a head start over their continental rivals. And as players now thrive in clubs like Barcelona, Paris FC, and Houston Dash, their international experience continues to refine a squad built on grit and swagger.
Stars like Michelle Alozie — a right-back and cancer research technician — and Esther Okoronkwo, the final’s MVP, also helped breathe fresh energy into the team’s image, especially among younger fans on social media. Alozie’s viral “now let me post in peace” post-match update perfectly captured the generational shift in how the team connects with its supporters.
A Growing Challenge Across Africa
But the Falcons’ grip on African women’s football is no longer unshakable. Morocco’s brave run to the final and South Africa’s recent rise — including their 2022 WAFCON triumph — are signs that investment in women’s football is growing across the continent.
> “You could tell it was no longer business as usual,” Eromo noted. Teams are improving, structures are strengthening, and new powers are emerging — especially in North Africa, where Morocco has invested heavily in its women’s leagues and facilities.
The Political Undercurrent
Still, not everyone in Nigeria is celebrating without caveat. While President Bola Tinubu’s invitation to the Falcons for a presidential reception in Abuja might seem like a proud gesture, some view it with suspicion — as an attempt to hijack the team’s glory amid widespread economic hardship and political dissatisfaction.
> “There’s a lot of state propaganda floating around,” Eromo explained. “This is seen as another example of Tinubu trying to gain goodwill ahead of the next election.”
A Continental Victory in a Global Game
That said, the moment belongs to the players — and the millions they inspired. The final took place the same weekend as the Women’s Euros, but for many Africans, all eyes were on Morocco and Nigeria. The emergence of players with diasporic links — like Michelle Agyemang for England and Michelle Alozie for Nigeria — underscores just how global and interconnected the women’s game has become.
In a year of women’s football milestones, Nigeria’s victory serves as both a reminder and a warning: the Super Falcons may be queens today, but a new generation is rising across the continent.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 1, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
A Story of Passion, Leadership and a Historic 10th Title
With Nigeria trailing 2–0 at halftime in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final, many thought the Super Falcons’ dream of a 10th continental crown was all but over. The stadium in Morocco buzzed with anticipation, the home crowd already tasting victory. But what unfolded next was one of the most breathtaking turnarounds in African football history — and at the heart of it was Rasheedat Ajibade.
The Super Falcons captain, known for her grit and charisma, opened up about the now-famous halftime locker room moment that transformed despair into destiny.
> “We were hurting, but we reminded ourselves of who we are. We needed just one goal, and we knew the momentum would shift. The fighting spirit of Nigeria came alive in that locker room.”
Ajibade described how the break wasn’t spent wallowing in disappointment, but reigniting belief.
> “We didn’t come this far to give up. We’ve trained too hard, sacrificed too much. It was time to fight back.”
And fight back they did. Nigeria came roaring into the second half, scoring three stunning goals to seal a 3–2 comeback win — their 10th WAFCON title and one of the greatest finals in tournament history.
But Ajibade wasn’t just focused on the silverware. Her message extended beyond the pitch, calling on fans, government, the NFF, and Nigerians in the diaspora to build on this moment.
> “Let this be more than a victory — let it spark a new era. With your support, the Super Falcons can rise to become a global force.”
As the confetti settled and Nigeria celebrated another golden chapter, Ajibade’s words rang out loud and clear:
“We’re ready to soar higher. The sky is just the beginning.”
