Sports
Super Falcons Qualify For AWCON In Style
Nigeria has qualified for the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations after defeating Ivory Coast 1-0 in the second leg of the final qualifying fixture on Wednesday.
Randy Waldrum’s ladies advanced with a 3-0 aggregate result after a 2-0 win at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium last week, thanks to Ifeoma Onumonu’s brace.
It was a cagey outing at the Stade Robert Champroux but the Super Falcons waited until the 87th minute to break the deadlock and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie stood out for the visitors with her brilliant saves to keep another clean sheet.
Just before half-time in Abidjan, the 21-year-old saved a penalty to keep both teams level and she was called to action later in the second 45 minutes.
The Lady Elephants, on the other hand, were solid in the defence but lacked the finishing touch to beat Nnadozie.
The Super Falcons kept pushing for a goal and they finally got the breakthrough with three minutes left on the clock via Esther Okoronkwo’s strike.
Nigeria now has the chance to extend their dominance as the most successful country in the women’s showpiece when they join 11 other countries in Morocco later in July.
Earlier on their road to Morocco, the Super Falcons defeated Ghana 2-1 on aggregate before they faced the Ivorians who thrashed Niger Republic 20-0 on aggregate.
Also, Shepolopolo Zambia on Tuesday secured their qualification for the 2022 Women’s AFCON on away goals rule after drawing 1-1 away to Namibia at Dobsonville Stadium in Johannesburg.
Zambia sailed through by the same aggregate scoreline after drawing 0-0 in the first leg played at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka on February 16.
Just like in the first leg, Zambia showed very little initiative in attack and it was Namibia took the lead in the 10th minute through Emma Narris.
From then on, it was an evenly balanced contest but Zambia continued to exhibit very little creativity going forward well into hour-mark.
The best Shepolopolo could produce was through the wing play of Martha Tembo but her long balls into the box did not match the quality with which they were delivered.
Relief for Zambia came in the 70th minute when Under-20 striker Xiomara Mapepa fired in the ball from close-range.
Shepolopolo then had goalkeeper Hazel Nali to thank in the 75th minute when she denied Memory Ngonda from close-range as Zambia toiled until the final whistle to book their ticket to Morocco.
Meanwhile, Shepolopolo also made history on Tuesday when they secured back-to-back Women’s AFCON qualification for the first time-ever.
Furthermore, this is coach Bruce Mwape’s third straight tournament qualification success after the 2018 Women’s AFCON and the 2020 Olympics.
Other countries that have qualified for the tournament so far include host nation Morocco, Uganda, Burundi, Senegal, Togo, Tunisia, Burkina Faso and Cameroon.
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,”
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.
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.