Sports
We’re Still Africa’s Best – Super Falcons
Super Falcons stars are proud of their achievement at the 2022 WAFCON despite their semi-final defeat on Monday evening. The nine-woman Falcons lost 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate against hosts Morocco, with Ifeoma Onumonu missing the team’s second kick after her effort was saved by home goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi.
Midfielder Halimatu Ayinde and forward Rasheedat Ajibade received red cards in the 48th and 71st minutes for poor tackles, which forced Coach Randy Waldrum to apply a cautious and defensive approach for the remainder of the game.
The suspended Ajibade insisted that despite the defeat, the Falcons were still Africa’s number one women’s side.
“Words ain’t enough to describe the passion, resilience, tenacity of this Super Falcons team, we remain the best. Super proud of you all,” Ajibade said.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was dejected after the defeat, despite being awarded the Woman-of.The-match.
“The whole Moroccan team knew that Nigeria is a great team, so to beat us they had to distract us.
“They did everything they did just to distract us. Since I have been playing football, this is the worst match I have ever played in my life.
“They won but this is not winning for me. The officiating was not really okay. If they were good enough, we were nine players against 11; they would have scored and won. That is to show you how great we are.”
“I’m proud to have won the player of the match award in Monday’s game, to my great Super Falcons; I dedicate this award to you all. To our amazing fans, thank you for the support and encouragement. It’s not over until it’s over.”
Captain of the team, Onome Ebi, who could not finish the game due to a hamstring injury stated, “All I have to say to this amazing team is that I am super proud of us all.”
The National Division One and Division Two Volleyball Leagues organised by the Volleyball Federation of Nigeria and sponsored by Alex Otti has kicked off in Umuahia, Abia State.
The Championship features 34 teams from across the country, with about 22 States already participating in activities lined up for the ten-day event.
Addressing journalists at the Umuahia Stadium, the Referee Coach for the tournament and Vice Chairman Nigerian Volleyball Referees Association, Mohamed Mohamed, assured of fair officiating in the competition and advised the athletes to be more disciplined in the field of play, saying that volleyball is known to be a disciplined sport.
He also commended Governor Alex Otti for sponsoring the tournament for the second time.
“Last year, we were here, and we so appreciate the Abia State Government for sponsoring such a competition. The same thing happened this year too, we are here again.
The Coordinator, Lagos Women Run, Tayo Popoola, has stated that the All Women 10km Race aims to connect through their communities, while creating empowerment opportunities.
The 10th edition with the theme: “One Run, a thousand Opportunities,” will come up on the November 8th, 2025, with the start point at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere and end at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, Onikan.
This year’s edition of the Lagos Women Run marks a significant milestone, celebrating the program’s journey, the vibrant city of Lagos, and the incredible women who have been part of it since its inception.
It will focus more on empowering women, acknowledging their dedication, and ensuring the program’s sustainability by providing participants with opportunities they deserve.
Popoola added that the race has achieved remarkable success in making women happy and uncovering talents, serving as a platform for participants to train for bigger road races, which fosters a strong sense of community, allowing women of all ages to connect, network, and celebrate themselves.
The event’s non-discriminatory nature makes it a level playing ground, open to everyone regardless of social status, by promoting general well-being among women.
The Franco-Malian tactician made the bold declaration whilst speaking to Nigerian legend Segun Odegbami on 90 Minutes with Mathematical on Eagle7FM on Saturday, expressing gratitude to fans for their support.
“Thanks to the fans. Thanks to Nigeria. I am so happy that I have brought back the smiles on their faces,” Chelle said.
“We beat Benin because the fans pushed the players. I ask them this: They have to do this (for the playoffs)… I plan to do my best for Nigeria, and Inshallah, we will go to the FIFA World Cup.”
Chelle, who took charge of a struggling Nigerian side in January, has transformed the team’s fortunes after inheriting a squad on the brink of disaster. Nigeria were winless in their first four qualifiers, with three draws and one defeat threatening to derail another World Cup dream.
Under his leadership, the Super Eagles rallied to win four and draw two of their last six games, collecting 14 points from a possible 18. The highlight came earlier this month in Uyo, where Nigeria swept past Benin Republic 4-0 in a statement victory that reignited national belief.
However, the revival was not enough to seal automatic qualification. Nigeria finished among the four best runners-up in Africa and must now navigate a continental playoff in November for a spot in next March’s intercontinental tie.
The first challenge is a one-legged showdown with Gabon, with Cameroon or DR Congo potentially waiting beyond.
Chelle’s message to his players was uncompromising, saying, “Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup is not a war, but it is like a war… My players need to have a warrior state of mind… They have to be like sharks.”