Sports
Aisha Buhari Cup: Oparanozie In Nigeria’s 23-Women Provisional List

Former Super Falcons’ Captain, Desire Oparanozie is among the 23 players named by Head Coach, Randy Waldrum in his provisional list for the maiden edition of the Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Tournament, billed for Lagos from September 15 to 21.
Also in the team are first choice goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders, Onome Ebi and Osinachi Ohale, midfielder, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene and forwards, Asisat Oshoala, Francisca Ordega and Rasheedat Ajibade.
There are also Goalkeepers Tochukwu Oluehi and Yewande Balogun, defenders Glory Ogbonna, Faith Ikidi, Michelle Alozie, Akudo Ogbonna, Oluwatosin Demehin and midfielders, Rita Chikwelu, Tony Payne, Regina Otu, Goodness Onyebuchi and Joy Bokiri.
Joining Oshoala, AJibade, Ordega and Oparanozie in attack are Gift Monday, Uchenna Kanu, and Esther Okoronkwo.
Meanwhile, South Africa has also named 25 players for their squad billed to arrive in Lagos next week.
Banyana Banyana’s Head Coach, Desiree Ellis said the Aisha Buhari Cup would help her solidify South Africa’s preparation for the upcoming Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The six-nation invitational women’s showpiece also features Cameroun, Ghana, Morocco, Mali and hosts Nigeria.
In Ellis’ 25-player squad are 19 home-based professionals and six overseas-based stars, including Thembi Kgatlana of Atletico Madrid and Captain Janine Van Wyk of Glasgow City.
The 19 invited local players were expected to arrive at the SAFA Technical Centre (Fun Valley) yesterday for a one-week training camp before leaving for Nigeria.
The players in the squad are Goalkeepers Kaylin Swart (JVW FC) and Regirl Ngobeni (University of Western Cape), as well as defenders Lebohang Ramalepe (Dinamo Minsk); Janine Van Wyk (Glasgow City); Tiisetso Makhubele (Tshwane University of Technology); Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC); Bongeka Gamede (University of Western Cape); Koketso Tlailane (Tshwane University of Technology FC).
The midfielders are Ntombifikile Ndlovu (Sunflower FC); Ongeziwe Ndlangisa (Sunflower FC); Oratile Mokwena (Mamelodi Sundowns FC); Mamello Makhabane (JVW FC); Nomvula Kgoale (Tshwane University of Technology); Thembi Kgatlana (Atletico Madrid); Refiloe Jane (AC Milan); Linda Motlhalo (Djurgardens FC); Robyn Moodaly (JVW FC); Noxolo Cesane (University of Western Cape); and Gabriela Salgado (JVW FC).
The attackers in the team are Lelona Daweti (Mamelodi Sundowns FC); Sibulele Holweni (University of Western Cape; Melinda Kgadiete (Mamelodi Sundowns FC); Hildah Magaia (Moron BK); Faya Mandisa (Lindelani Ladies); and Nthabiseng Majiya (Richmond Ladies).
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CAFCL : Rivers United Arrives DR Congo
Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt contingent, comprising players, technical crew, backroom staff, and officials, depart the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos State on Wednesday, bound for Kinshasa, DR Congo.
The team is set to face FC Les Aigles du Congo in the first-round first-leg match of the CAF Champions League.
This was contained in a press release signed by the media officer of the club, Charles Mayuku and made available to Tidesports on Wednesday.
He said that the highly anticipated match is scheduled to take place at the 80,000-capacity Kinshasa-Complexe Omnisports Stade des Martyrs on morrow with kickoff slated for 3:30pm.
According to the statement the encounter marks the first-ever meeting between both sides in any competition, adding that an air of excitement and unpredictability to the fixture.
“As the Pride of Nigeria embarks on this crucial journey, the team is determined to return with a decent result that will set them up favorably for the second leg on Sunday, 28th September” the statement said.
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FIFA rankings: S’Eagles drop Position, remain sixth in Africa
The new rankings, released via FIFA’s official X handle on Thursday, reflect the team’s continued struggles under Coach Eric Chelle amid a stuttering 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
This marks a second consecutive decline after the Nigerian side dropped from 43rd to 44th in August on the back of poor outings in recent international matches.
Despite Nigeria’s setback, several African teams made progress. Morocco remains the continent’s highest-ranked side, sitting 11th in the world after winning eight of their last nine matches. Senegal, Egypt, Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire complete Africa’s top five.
Lesotho slipped to 153rd place, while Benin Republic, Nigeria’s upcoming opponent, climbed to 93rd. South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, who held the Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw in June, rose to 55th, strengthening their bid for World Cup qualification.
Zimbabwe had the biggest slide down the ranking table, dropping nine places to 125th position in the world.
The rankings highlight Nigeria’s struggle to regain form on the global stage as key rivals continue to surge ahead.
Similarly, the Super Falcons of Nigeria remain 36th best in the world], while the Spanish female national team replaced the USA at the top of the women’s ranking.
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