Sports
NFF Invites 30 For U-20 Women’s Team
The Nigeria Football
Federation has invited 30 players to the camp of the Under-20 Women National Team, also known as Falconets, in preparation for the African qualifying series for this year’s FIFA Under-20 World Cup finals.
The Falconets tumbled bookmakers’ predictions by reaching the Final of the last FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals, which took place in Germany in the summer of 2010. They eventually lost by two goals to hosts and favourites Germany in that final.
Since the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup was launched in Canada in 2002, Nigeria has qualified to represent Africa in every edition, making it to the quarter finals in Thailand in 2004, Russia in 2006 and Chile in 2008.
Chief Coach of Women Professional League club, Rivers Angels, Edwin Okon has been appointed the Head Coach of the Class of 2012, who will be aiming to reach the finals to be staged in Uzbekistan in August/September this year. He will be assisted by former Super Falcons’ captain Florence Omagbemi and Chris Nwaehi, with Taiwo Ajobiewe as goalkeepers’ trainer.
The Falconets have a World Cup qualifying fixture away to Sierra Leone mid-February, with the return leg scheduled for Nigeria two weeks later.
The invited players were to report at the FIFA Technical Centre, National Stadium in Abuja with their birth certificates and/or international passports.
Players invited include; Goalkeepers: Ebubeleye White (Rivers Angels), Rabi Eyiabe (Bayelsa Queens), Favour Okeke (Kogi Confluence).
Defenders: Uju Okafor (Delta Queens), Omolade Akinbiyi (Sunshine Queens), Ifeoma Nwosu, Kehind Idowu (Pelican Stars), Anne Eromosele (Yaba Queens), Rose Umeh (Nasarawa Amazon), Esther Anthony (FCT Queens), Bose Toriola (Police Machine)
Midfielders: Jane David (Delta Queens), Kemi Yetunde (Nasarawa Amazon), Obiageli Aniebue, Rosemary Okoro (Tokas FC), Aminat Yakubu, Kehinde Akinade (Robo FC), Nnenna Eke (Ibom Queens), Funsho Ogunrinola, Geraldine Amadi (Nito Queens), Habibat Bello (Rivers Angels).
Forwards: Vivian Okotie (Rivers Angels), Lola Philips (Kogi Confluence), Bushrah Adeyemi (Police Machine), Temilade Omole (Osun Queens), Winnifred Onyebora (Rivers Angels), Happiness Chibus (FCT Queens), Azeezat Oshola (Robo FC), Zainab Dauda (NICHO Ibadan), Akere Idemudia (Bayelsa Queens).
Sports
Amusan places third in Diamond League opener
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,”
Sports
Falcons To Tackle Senegal in Pre-WAFCON friendly
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.
Sports
Okpekpe Road Race Unveils Partners, Appoints Dr. Bojuwoye
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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