by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 6, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have once again solidified their dominance as Africa’s top women’s football team in the latest FIFA Women’s World Ranking, released on Thursday.
Despite not playing any matches since the last ranking update on December 13, 2024, the Falcons remain unshaken at 36th place globally, retaining their position as the highest-ranked team on the continent. Their impressive standing reflects the strength of a squad featuring stars like Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, Ifeoma Onumonu, Tony Payne, Gift Monday, and Rinsola Babajide.
Meanwhile, reigning WAFCON champions South Africa’s Banyana Banyana hold on to second place in Africa but have dropped four spots in the global rankings to 54th. Morocco continues to rise in women’s football, securing third place in Africa at 60th worldwide, while Zambia, despite falling two places to 64th, remains the fourth-best team on the continent.
The upcoming WAFCON tournament presents an opportunity for South Africa to challenge Nigeria’s supremacy. If Banyana Banyana successfully defend their title, they could overtake the Super Falcons as Africa’s number one team. However, Nigeria will be eager to reclaim the continental trophy they last won in 2018.
On the global stage, the United States retain their top spot, followed by reigning world champions Spain in second. Germany and England remain in third and fourth place, while Japan’s rise to fifth pushes Sweden down to sixth.
Among the biggest movers in Africa, Kenya made a significant leap, climbing seven places to 142nd. In contrast, Tunisia suffered the steepest decline, falling 11 spots to 89th after losing 43.79 points. Djibouti also made history by achieving their highest-ever FIFA ranking at 195th.
With the next FIFA Women’s World Ranking set for release on June 12, 2025, all eyes will be on the Super Falcons as they aim to strengthen their grip on Africa’s throne ahead of the much-anticipated WAFCON tournament.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 6, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers heat up, Zimbabwe’s head coach, Michael Nees, has boldly declared that his team is ready to shock the Super Eagles in their own backyard. With both teams desperate for a turnaround, the Warriors will travel to Uyo for a crucial Matchday Six clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Tuesday, March 25.
Nigeria, struggling in Group C with just three points from four matches, sit in fifth place, while Zimbabwe, at the bottom with two points, is equally in dire need of a victory. Despite the odds, Nees believes his squad can capitalize on the Super Eagles’ shaky start.
“Like us, Nigeria has their backs against the wall. They are like wounded lions looking to recover, but we are prepared to challenge them. Nigeria is beatable in Uyo,” Nees declared, signaling his team’s intent.
With qualification hopes hanging in the balance, this clash promises to be a high-stakes showdown between two sides desperate to revive their World Cup dreams.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 6, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
In 2015, a young Orji Okwonkwo stood on the grand stage of world football, lifting the FIFA U17 World Cup with Nigeria. Alongside him were future stars Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze—two names that would later take European football by storm. Osimhen claimed the tournament’s Golden Boot with a record 10 goals, while Chukwueze shone with the Bronze Ball.
Okwonkwo, a key part of the squad, scored a crucial goal in the 4-2 semifinal win against Mexico. His performances earned him the attention of top European clubs, but he chose Bologna to begin his professional journey.
However, his career took an unexpected turn when he received a four-year FIFA ban for allegedly using Clostebol—a suspension later reduced to two years. At the time, he was thriving in Serie B with Cittadella, contributing seven goals and two assists in 20 matches.
After 1,126 days without a goal in Italian football, Okwonkwo marked his return in spectacular fashion, scoring the match-winner for Cittadella in a 1-0 victory over Juve Stabia. Determined to leave the past behind, he now focuses on his present and future, refusing to dwell on past setbacks.
Reflecting on his journey, he told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “In 2015, we won the U17 World Cup with Nigeria. Osimhen and Chukwueze were there too. Many clubs wanted me, but I chose Bologna.”
Okwonkwo previously had his most prolific spell at CF Montréal in MLS, where he netted 10 goals in 50 appearances. Now back on the pitch, he is determined to reclaim his place in the football world, proving that setbacks don’t define a career—comebacks do.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 6, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
The city of Uyo braces itself for a high-stakes battle as Nigeria’s Super Eagles prepare to take on Zimbabwe in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on March 25. Both teams find themselves in unfamiliar territory—winless after four games and desperate for a spark to ignite their qualification campaign.
For Zimbabwe’s head coach, Michael Nees, Nigeria may seem like giants on paper, but their recent struggles make them vulnerable. “They are like wounded lions,” Nees declared, acknowledging the Super Eagles’ hunger to turn their fortunes around. However, he firmly believes his Warriors can defy the odds and claim a historic victory in Uyo.
The Super Eagles, under new head coach Eric Chelle, are undergoing a transformation. The departure of José Peseiro led to a reshuffle, with fresh faces called up to rejuvenate the squad. Among them is Genk’s in-form striker, Tolu Arokodare, who has netted 18 goals this season and could provide an aerial threat in Osimhen’s absence. Slavia Praha’s Igho Ogbu strengthens the defense, while midfield reinforcements such as Chrisantus Uche and Anthony Dennis bring depth.
Zimbabwe, too, has undergone changes, with Nees taking over from previous coaches Baltemar Britto and Jairos Tapera. Though they sit bottom of Group C, the Warriors believe Nigeria’s inconsistency presents a golden opportunity to stage an upset.
With both teams fighting for survival, the clash in Uyo is set to be a fierce encounter. Will the wounded lions of Nigeria roar back to life, or will Zimbabwe pull off a stunning upset? The battle lines are drawn.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 6, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
On a thrilling European night in Istanbul, Cyriel Dessers once again proved why he is Rangers’ man of the moment. The Nigerian striker delivered a goal and an assist as the Scottish giants secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Fenerbahce in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League round of 16 clash.
From the first whistle at Ülker Stadyumu FB Şükrü Saraçoğlu Spor Kompleksi, Rangers set the tone, and it didn’t take long for Dessers to make his mark. In the seventh minute, he clinically slotted home to give his side the perfect start.
Fenerbahce, however, responded with a moment of brilliance—a stunning volley from a corner in the 30th minute brought the hosts level. But just before halftime, Dessers turned provider, setting up Vaclav Černý for a well-crafted finish that restored Rangers’ lead.
The Nigerian forward thought he had put the game beyond doubt in the 51st minute with a second goal, only for it to be ruled out. Yet, Rangers kept pushing, and in the dying moments, Černý struck again to seal a valuable two-goal advantage ahead of the second leg at Ibrox Stadium.
Under new manager Barry Ferguson, Dessers has been in red-hot form, scoring in each of the three matches since the Scottish legend took charge. His goal-scoring streak extends beyond Europe, with recent strikes against Kilmarnock and Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership.
His impressive displays have earned him a spot in Nigeria’s 39-man provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. With his current form, Dessers could be a key figure for both club and country in the crucial weeks ahead.
