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2014 AWC: Nigeria, Cameroon In Crunch Finals ’Morrow

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Cameroon will meet Nige
ria in tomorrow’s final of the African Women’s Championship after both teams won their semi-finals by a 2-1 scoreline.
It also means the pair have qualified for next year’s Women’s World Cup in Canada.
Nigeria overcame South Africa in Wednesday’s earlier kick-off, with a first-half brace from Asisat Oshoala setting them on their way to victory.
Jane Refiloe reduced the deficit for the South Africans but the Super Falcons held on.
In the other semi-final, Cameroon needed extra-time to beat Ivory Coast and reach the final for the first time.
Captain Christine Manie hit the winner in the 118th minute, heading in from a corner.
Only twice since the first African Women’s Championship in 1991 have Nigeria failed to win the trophy. Equatorial Guinea are the only other winners – in 2008 and 2012
Gaelle Enganamouit had opened the scoring for Cameron on 60 minutes, only for Ines Tia to equalise from close range.
Cameroon’s success in reaching the Women’s World Cup for the first time can transform the game in the country, according to their coach.
Enoh Ngatchu told Tidesports source: “We have more girls playing soccer, we are better organised – with this qualification, many things will change.”
He said he hoped members of his squad would benefit financially from their success so far – with professional contracts potentially on offer to some of his stars.
“Nobody expected us to reach this level,” he added. And it is clear he believes the Super Falcons of Nigeria are the favourites for Saturday’s showpiece, even though Cameroon’s record in the women’s game is a strong one.
“They’re still the best – but we’ll do everything possible to make the game difficult [for them] and grab the trophy,” he declared.
For eight-time champions Nigeria, winning back the trophy is only part of the challenge.
They want to translate continental dominance into success on the global stage – and in young striker Oshoala they may have the talent to do just that.
She was the top scorer in the recent U20 Women’s World Cup, in which Nigeria were beaten finalists – and has been in good form at this tournament in Namibia.
“I was at the Nations Cup two years ago in Guinea – but I didn’t play,” she told the BBC.
“[The U20 World Cup] has really upped my game – I was able to try one or two things and it came out fine, so I’m very happy.”
With Africa having three places at the senior Women’s World Cup next year, South Africa and Ivory Coast, the beaten semi-finalists here, still have a chance of making it with victory in the third-place match.

Dolphins players outsnarting an opponent during a Glo league matchs recently

Dolphins players outsnarting an opponent during a Glo league matchs recently

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European Giants Circle For Osimhen

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Victor Osimhen will be the centre of attention as several of Europe’s biggest clubs send scouts to yesrerday’s Intercontinental Derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, with the Nigerian forward set to play a decisive role in the Super Lig title race

Representatives from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Juventus were expected to be present at Rams Park, underlining the scale of interest in both the fixture and its standout performers.

Reports in Turkish media indicate that the derby will serve not only as a key moment in the domestic title race but also as a platform for transfer discussions and strategic collaborations between clubs.

According to those reports, top European sides have secured places at the stadium with a dual purpose.

“Europe’s leading representatives will be present at the stadium within the framework of both player transfer and cooperation,” ,” Milliyet reported.

“Real Madrid, Barcelona, among many clubs, including Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Napoli and Juventus, have made reservations for today’s match.”

Osimhen was expected to be among the primary players under observation, alongside teammates Baris Yilmaz and Gabriel Sara, with scouts closely monitoring their performances in one of the most high-profile fixtures in Turkish football.

The report further noted, “Victor Osimhen, Yilmaz and Sara were at the top of the watch list and that the interest would mainly be in these players.”

It also highlighted broader discussions beyond player recruitment, stating, “Apart from this, ideas will be exchanged for strengthening relations between the clubs and new joint agreements.”

The Nigerian striker’s presence came at a crucial point in the season, with Galatasaray holding a four-point lead over second-placed Fenerbahce and knowing that victory would all but secure the league title with three matches remaining.

Osimhen recently returned from injury, making a brief appearance in the cup defeat to Genclerbirligi after missing four games, a period during which Galatasaray’s form showed signs of inconsistency.

His absence coincided with a mixed run of results in April, where the league leaders recorded two wins, one draw and one defeat, including a loss to Trabzonspor and a draw at home to Kocaelispor.

Defensively, Galatasaray have also shown vulnerability, conceding in each of their last six matches across all competitions, a concern ahead of a fixture that could define their campaign.

The derby follows disappointment in the Turkish Cup, where Galatasaray suffered a shock 2-0 home defeat to Genclerbirligi, while Fenerbahce were also knocked out after a 1-0 loss to Konyaspor

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Tennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push

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A tennis tournament held in honour of Olusola Odumosu, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps FCT Command, has been described as a major step towards grassroots sports development and youth engagement.

The three-day competition, staged at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, began midweek , last week and ended on Friday, attracting young players across different categories.

On the court, top-ranked player Canice Abua won the men’s singles title after a hard-fought 7-5, 6-4 victory over Lucky Danjuma, who is ranked fourth nationally.

In the boys’ category, Unity Alex defeated Khaleed Dalha in straight sets to win the title, while Salvation Alex triumphed over Opeyemi Olademeji to win the girls’ singles event.

Odumosu, who marked his birthday with the event, said the initiative was designed to uncover young talent and strengthen the foundation of tennis development in Nigeria.

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W/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener

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Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, opened their preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers with a dominant 6-0 victory over Generation Next in Abuja as head coach Akeem Ishola Busari continues to shape his squad.

The emphatic win came during a 60-minute friendly at the Goal Project at the weekend, where the Flamingos took control early and led 4-0 at half-time before the match was halted in the 54th minute due to heavy rain.

Goals were spread across the squad, with Shavih Istifanus opening the scoring inside the first minute, followed by a brace from Tobiloba Sarafa in the 10th and 23rd minutes.

Harmony Chidi added the fourth in the 28th minute, while Aminat Adebisi struck just before half-time and Precious Paul completed the scoring early in the second half.

The match forms part of a busy training camp in Abuja, where Busari has invited 36 players as Nigeria step up preparations for their second-round qualifier against Guinea.

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