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‘Super Falcons Can Defend AWC Title’

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The Director, Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football
Association (NFA), Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme said that Nigeria’s Super Falcons could
retain the African Women Championship (AWC) trophy.

He said in an interview with newsmen in Abuja that in spite
of the teams the Falcons were drawn with, as defending champions, the team
would emerge victorious.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are drawn in Group B of the 2012 AWC
with Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia and Cameroon.

The competition is scheduled to hold in Equatorial Guinea
from October 28 to November 11.

Ikpeme said that though sections of the public had expressed
anxieties over the perceived strength of some of the teams the Falcons would be
up against, his optimism was borne out of the resilience exhibited by the
coaching crew and the team.

“ I don’t share that opinion. The Super Falcons are a good
side; the fact that they’ve been grouped with Cameroon and Cote‘d voire does
not mean that we should be having sleepless nights.

“They’ve been doing well; the coach has started well, he has
brought in new fresh legs – those of them that have played before at that
level, whom he thinks are still good.

“The fact that Super Falcons were eliminated by Cameroon in
the last 2012 Olympics qualifier does not mean that we should write them off.

“The truth also is that we are developing in Africa with
regard to women football; so there are no small teams these days.

“Of course the coaching crew is quite conscious of this fact
unlike before where you see a wide goal margin.’’

The Director said the team’s coach, Kadiri Ikhana had made
submissions to the NFA on the need to put together a more formidable women’s squad.

He said: “It’s even good that the coach has submitted his
programme so that the technical committee would look into it and give its
approval so that we can start as early as possible.’’

He said the federation would give the team all the necessary
support to enable them to retain the trophy.

Ikpeme also said that the football association was making
plans to enhance players’ remuneration package, saying it had been considered
but would be implemented when the funds were available.

“These issues have already been discussed; it’s contingent
on the availability of funds.

“You don’t just promise because it’s not good for you to
promise only for you to renege.

“In principle I can say that the NFA has accepted the fact
that the remuneration in fact across all the national teams should be improved.

“And at the appropriate time it would be implemented, the
Super Falcons inclusive.’’

Nigeria has won the AWC eight times, with victories on home
soil in 1998, 2002 and 2006, and in South Africa in 2000, 2004 and 2010.

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Amusan places third in Diamond League opener

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World record holder Tobi Amusan finished third in the women’s 100m hurdles as the 2026 Diamond League season opened in Shanghai on Saturday, Tidesports source reports.

The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.

Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.

Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.

Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.

The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.

Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.

Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.

Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.

“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”

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Falcons To Tackle Senegal in Pre-WAFCON friendly

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Nigeria’s Super Falcons will face Senegal in a double-header international friendly during the June FIFA women’s international window as the African champions step up preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Tidesports source reports. 

The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.

The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.

“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.

“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”

The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.

With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.

The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.

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Okpekpe Road Race Unveils Partners, Appoints Dr. Bojuwoye

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The organisers of the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race have announced the appointment of Dr Adebukola Bojuwoye as the head of the medical unit for the 11th edition of the prestigious event, scheduled for Saturday, May 30, in Okpekpe, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.

As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.

His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.

In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.

The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.

It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.

Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.

Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.

We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.

Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.

It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.

The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.

The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.

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