AF Nigeria Ajax Amsterdam
EXCLUSIVE: Ajax Amsterdam invite Nigeria star-in-waiting Toni Payne for trials


Toni Payne goes for goal

by Samm Audu
Tuesday Jan 17, 2017.

AfricanFootball.com can exclusively reveal that US star Tony Payne, who wishes to soon feature for Nigeria’s Super Falcons, has been invited to try out with Dutch club Ajax Amsterdam.


Payne, whose parents are Nigerian, is due in Amsterdam on trials from January 21 to 31.


“We will be delighted to have you in trials at Ajax Amsterdam,” wrote Marleen Molenaar, who is in charge of the women’s section of Ajax Amsterdam.


Ajax Amsterdam Women were Dutch cup winners in 2014.


The sensational Payne has already been drafted to National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)club FC Kansas City.


However, she could opt out of this transfer if she were successful at the Ajax trials.


The political science major from Duke University in North Carolina has been on awesome form leading to her been picked number 13 in last week’s NWSL draft.


Her technique, blistering pace and eye for goals have stood her out among her peers.


She exclusively told AfricanFootball.com she wishes to change her international allegiance to Nigeria after she represented USA at the U17 and U23 levels.

africanfootball.com/news/679540/EXCLUSIVE-Ajax-Amsterdam-invite-Nigeria-star-in-waiting-Toni-Payne-for-trials

Nigerian Striker Who Scored 14 Goals In One Game Continues To Impress For England



Rinsola Babajide helped England U19s to beat Norway 2-0 in an international friendly staged at St. George’s Park on Thursday, January 19.


The Lionesses are training ahead of the European Championship elite qualifying campaign, where they will face Czech Republic, Denmark and hosts Turkey.


Ellie Brazil put England 2-0 up ten minutes from time with Babajide providing the assist, shortly after her introduction in the 74th minute.


The 18-year-old Babajide remains eligible to represent the Super Falcons since she has no caps to her name for the senior team.


She scored 14 goals in a Cup clash against UCL back in October.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=21782

^^
Toni Payne and Babajide should be capped ASAP by the NFF

*walks in and sees cobwebs all over the place.....**

phewwwww.... been a long time mehn.... abeg... our women's game is still on even though there are no major competitions this year for our girls.... the coverage must stay on....

Yara Yara... get this place cleaned up and re-open the systems housing our women's football portal....
........................................................................................................

WOMEN'S FOOTBALL IN AFRICA IS FAST IMPROVING, SAYS FRANCISCA ORDEGA
By Samuel Ahmadu

Having helped her country beat Cameroon to the Awcon title, the Super Falcons forward believes the women's game on the continent is on the rise

Francisca Ordega has acknowledged that competition among African countries participating in the women's game is fast improving and could be difficult to predict in the next six years.


Ordega, who was a member of Nigeria 's 2016 African Women's Cup of Nations-winning squad, admitted a lot has changed with African women's football while recounting her experience helping her side defeat the hosts Cameroon 1-0 in front of a packed 40,000 capacity Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium to clinch an eight-record title.


“The crowd was something else. Even for men, you don’t often see that kind of support,” Ordega told FIFA website.


"The place was crazy that day, people couldn’t even get into the stadium. This was really something else, truly amazing. I was very happy that we won in front of all the Lionesses fans. It is a different feeling altogether. Playing against Cameroon was really tough.


She continued: “They are a great team, and everyone in Cameroon was supporting them. But we had a lot of professionals in our team, and we were able to count on that experience. Also having a female coach (Florence Omagbemi) and female technical crew. The feeling was somehow different.


“The first time I played against Cameroon, it was like playing against babies, we were just toying with them and taking them for granted.


"But now it is different, [Cameroon] were tough and hard. I’m proud that things have changed in my generation compared to how they used to be. In the near future things are going to be different.


“African countries are really improving. Before it was just Nigeria and Ghana, but now it is not just those teams. Everyone [in Africa] is coming on so much. Trust me, in five or six years [African women’s football] is going to be different.”


On Nigeria's 2015 World Cup early exit, the Washington Spirit forward insists her side's inexperience saw them crash out but assured they will surpass their previous best at the 2019 edition in France if they qualify.


“I think we did very well in Canada but we lacked experience. Most of our players were 21, 22 and that is a big difference to the likes of Sweden and USA. But we hope to keep growing as a team so that when the next World Cup comes around we will reach the next level.”


Source: http://m.goal.com/s/en-ng/news/4110/nigerians-abroad/2017/04/24/34893092/womens-football-in-africa-is-fast-improving-says-francisca

Nigeria: Ordega Makes Waves



Nigeria's women's football star, Fransisca Ordega, gets a rare rave as she adorns the lead page of FIFA website yesterday morning. Ordega, who is in her third season in the USA National Women's Soccer League, was the focus as she spoke on the expected rapid growth of women's football in Africa.


She was one of the Super Falcons players that won the Africa Women Championship for a record 10th time last December in Cameroon.


"This crowd was something else," an animated Ordega told FIFA.com.

"Even for men, you don't often see that kind of support. The place was crazy that day; people couldn't even get into the stadium. This was really something else, truly amazing.


"I was very happy that we won in front of all the Lionesses fans. It is a different feeling altogether. Playing against Cameroon was really tough. They are a great team, and everyone in Cameroon was supporting them. But we had a lot of professionals in our team, and we were able to count on that experience. Also having a female coach (Florence Omagbemi) and female technical crew ... the feeling was somehow different."


Ordega is not inexperienced in the ways of world football because at just 23, she has already featured in four FIFA competitions, and played in five countries - Russia, Sweden, USA, Australia and Nigeria.


Also, she has just started a third season at Washington Spirit, a largely unheralded side who took the NWSL by storm last term before fading to finish second.


Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/201704250476.html

OPARANOZIE SCORES EIGHTH LEAGUE GOAL IN ASPTT ALBI DEFEAT
By Shina Oludare

Despite the Nigerian scoring first, her side crumbled at home to Adolphe Ogouyon’s women in the French women topflight encounter

Desire Oparanozie took her Division 1 Féminine goals tally to eight for the season when she scored for Guingamp in their 2-1 home defeat to ASPTT Albi on Sunday.


She got the curtain raiser after six minutes but the visitors clawed back to win at Stade Fred Aubert through Manon Rouzies' penalty and Pilar Khoury's 58th minute effort.


Prior to this game, Oparanozie was on target in their 3-3 at PSG but barrage of misses was their major undoing as they failed to make home advantage count.


The loss means her side remain seventh on the log with 23 points from 19 matches. They face fifth placed Juvisy on May 6 at Stade Robert Bobin with the ambition of returning to winning ways.


The Super Falcons forward has featured 17 times for Sarah M'Barek's side – making just a substitute appearance.




Source: http://m.goal.com/s/en-ng/news/4110/nigerians-abroad/2017/04/24/34876762/oparanozie-scores-eighth-league-goal-in-asptt-albi-defeat

Ordega scored for her club, Washington Spirit, over the weekend.

Ordega with an assist to Mallory Pugh!

Its now Washington Spirit 1-1 Orlando. 27 mins

Former Super Falcons midfielder, Maureen Mmadu, is among the applicants under consideration for the position of Chief coach of the team. She is currently an assistant coach with Avaldanse, a Norwegian top-flight team, and is the most capped Super Falcons player with 101 caps.

i want to play football but its funny how things go down in this country.if you dont have connections and if u arent wealthy,you wont be noticed.
I play central mid defence and right winger very well,
i stay in imo state poly to be precise...if ya'll know any female group or academy that plays just for the fun of it around owerri...just hook me up....u can quote me to be notified.

PDPGuy:
Former Super Falcons midfielder, Maureen Mmadu, is among the applicants under considers for the position of Chief coach of the team. She is currently an assistant coach with Avaldanse, a Norwegian top-flight team, and is the most capped Super Falcons player with 101 caps.

thats wonderful...i hope she gets the job cuz she's good

Bridgetania:
i want to play football but its funny how things go down in this country.if you dont have connections and if u arent wealthy,you wont be noticed.
I play central mid defence and right winger very well,
i stay in imo state poly to be precise...if ya'll know any female group or academy that plays just for the fun of it around owerri...just hook me up....u can quote me to be notified.

Well, you can inquire from Heartland Queens, they play in the 2nd division of the women's league

Bridgetania:
i want to play football but its funny how things go down in this country.if you dont have connections and if u arent wealthy,you wont be noticed.
I play central mid defence and right winger very well,
i stay in imo state poly to be precise...if ya'll know any female group or academy that plays just for the fun of it around owerri...just hook me up....u can quote me to be notified.

I am sure if you are very good, it will be easy to include you in any of the teams. Who do you currently play for? Or do you just kick the ball around Imo Poly?

No friendly game, no camping for almost a year and players are frustrated

Super Falcons stars Oshoala, Okobi and Oparanozie took to Twitter to lament over lack of games for the Super Falcons.

No friendly game, camping for the Super Falcons for almost a year and a couple of players are frustrated with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Since they won the 2016 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) in Cameroon, the Super Falcons are yet to come together as a team.

No friendly game, no camp has been organised by the NFF and it has become frustrating for the players.

Super Falcons stars Asisat Oshoala, Ngozi Okobi and Desire Oparanozie have called out the NFF for their failure to bring the team together for almost a year.

The three players were part of the team that won Super Falcons’ eighth AWCON title since the maiden edition of the competition in 1998.

“Over 8 month without regrouping……. THIS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE. What is your vision? We need explanation. I love my country,” Oshoala wrote on her Twitter

Her teammate Oparanozie joined her, writing; “since nations cup, no form of regrouping whatsoever. Which way Nigeria Football Federation?”

“Other African nations have caught with us, we’re still a shadow of ourselves at world stage….yet it doesn’t bother people leading us.” She adds.

“Let’s build for younger generations. We need quality international friendly games."

Okobi wasn’t left out, “Over 8 months till now since after the last nations cup, no form of regrouping.#thenff why treat the women like this?," she wrote.

The Super Falcons and NFF are not on best term following a series of protests the players carried out over unpaid allowances and bonuses from the 2016 AWCON.

After a sit-in protest at an Abuja hotel, the girls took to the streets and marched to the National Assembly complex to get the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari.

It was after these actions that their allowances and bonuses from the 2016 AWCON were paid to them. The NFF are said to be very embarrassed by the situation and felt insulted.

Pulse Sports reached out to a couple of other players who believe that NFF are still holding the grudge of that fall-out.

One of the players who chose to remain anonymous told Pulse Sports that it was because of the protest the NFF has refused to renew the contract of coach Florence Omagbemi who they believe played a big part in her players’' ‘rebellion’.

http://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/super-falcons-oshoala-okobi-oparanozie-goes-to-war-with-nff-id7227682.html

Nigeria unveils squad to face The Tanzanites

www.nairaland.com/attachments/5952309_nigeriapic_jpeg56ad50cf19a13cfce646b6f58f57dcf8
The national Under-20 Women's soccer team players a goal in a past match.

By Majuto Omary @majutoy2k and Agencies momary@tz.nationmedia.com


Dar es Salaam. Nigeria’s U-20 national women’s soccer team coach, Christopher Danjuma, has unveiled a 30-member provisional squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Tanzania.


The Tanzanite, as the national women’s youth team is popularly, are now undergoing intensive training Chamazi Complex on the outskirts of the city ahead of the qualifier set for September 16 in Abuja, Nigeria.


Reports from Abuja had it yesterday that Danjuma, who took charge of the Nigeria team, Falcons, last month, is assisted by Wemimo Matthew, Mansur Abdullahi and Abdul-lateef Yusuf.


According to fixtures released by the Confederation of African Football (Caf), two–time FIFA World Cup silver medalists Falconets will take on The Tanzanite on the weekend of 15-17 September, with the return leg in Dar es Salaam two weeks later.


The winners over both legs will then confront the winners of a fixture pairing Morocco against Senegal in November, before a final round of qualifying matches in January, next year.


The Falconets have played in every edition of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, since it was launched as an U19 tournament in Canada 15 years ago.


The team reached the quarter finals in Thailand 2004, Russia 2006 and Chile 2008, before finishing as runners –up at the 2010 finals in Germany and at the 2014 finals in Canada.


They reached the semi-finals in Japan in 2012, but failed to reach the knockout stage in Papua New Guinea last year.


The Tanzanite head coach, Sebastian Nkoma, admitted yesterday that Falcons are among the most feared women’s youth outfits in Africa, but remained optimistic that the September 16 clash will produce positive results for his side.


Nkoma says he optimistic his team can upset the formbook in the Nigerian capital and beat the hosts.


He said his players were aware that The Falcons will have home advantage and that they will be seeking a home win so as to have one foot in the next stage of the qualifiers.


“It is a match we must win to remain in contention for a place in next year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals,” he said.


“I just want the entire nation to focus on the game. It is a winnable game, we have what it takes to shine in Abuja,” he insisted confidently.


Players making up the Falcons squad include Monle Omini (Abia Angels), Tola Adeniyi (Sunshine Queens), Chioma Okoye (Sa’adatu Amazons), Nelly Ekeh (Pelican Stars), Blessing Ezekiel (Rivers Angels), Margaret Etim (Delta Queens), Oluwakemi Famuditi (Confluence Queens), Gloria Ogbonna (Ibom Angels), Joy Duru (Nasarawa Amazons) and Feyintola Mabokanje (FC Robo Queens).

http://www.thecitizen.co.tz/News/Sports/Nigeria-unveils-squad-to-face-The-Tanzanites/1840572-4085760-rtvp7rz/index.html

Euro 2017 England 6-0 Scotland: Dieke Wins 121st Cap, Arsenal & Barcelona Stars On



Vittsjö GIK star Ifeoma Dieke earned her 121st cap as Scotland were hammered 6-0 by England, in a game dubbed the Battle of Britain at the 2017 UEFA Women's Championship, on Wednesday night.

The experienced central defender, who wore the number four jersey, started and completed the game for Scotland.

The Lionesses were three goals up at the break, courtesy of Arsenal star Jodie Taylor's brace and a strike from Ellen White .

Taylor grabbed her hat-trick seven minutes into the second half to make it 4-0, and the scoreboard didn't change until the 87th minute when Jordan Nobbs netted England's fifth goal, Barcelona's Toni Duggan added more gloss to the scoreline in stoppage time.

Dieke and her teammates next play Portugal on Sunday, July 23 before rounding off their Group D campaign against Spain.

Igho Kingsley

http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=23848

Meet The First Nigerian Woman To Coach A European Football Club

by Nescafé

10 months ago

www.nairaland.com/attachments/5958510_mmadu_jpegbafbeb5a763bc86f419c36de3b63e06f

Nigerian women just keep dominating football: First Rinsola Babajide scored 14 Goals in a match that ended 40 – 0, now we celebrate Anambra-born Maureen Nkeiruka Mmadu, the first Nigerian woman to coach a European football club.


A former Nigerian football coach and midfielder, Maureen was the first Nigerian player to make 100 appearances for the Nigeria women’s national football team as well as appearing at four FIFA Women’s World Cups.


Now in Norway slaying, Maureen is the first Nigerian women’s football coach attached to a top European club at Avaldsnes.


Even with such an impressive résumé, Maureen is only just getting started, she also wants to coach the super falcons, saying:


“If I am given the opportunity to handle the Super Falcons, I am going to bring in my best with a lot of experience and teach them how modern-day football is played."


http://www.konbini.com/ng/lifestyle/meet-first-nigerian-woman-coach-european-football-club/

Ebi Backs Falconets To Beat Tanzania In U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifier



By Izuchukwu Okosi:

Super Falcons defender, Onome Ebi, expects Nigeria’s U-20 Women’s national team the Falconets to get all three points in their U-20 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Tanzania, reports Completesportsnigeria.com.


The Nigerian side play hosts on Saturday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Benin City. The return leg is scheduled to hold on September 30 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to conclude the first round fixtures of the Africa qualifiers.


“My best wishes to the team. It’s a home game. They have to win it and win well,” Ebi told Completesportsnigeria.com.

“In women’s football, Nigeria still lead in Africa, but other countries are developing at a great speed. So the team must take the Tanzanians seriously.

“Super Falcons have not played any match this year, so I hope they (Falconets) will make us proud. The Falconets have good players and I expect victory come Saturday, ” Ebi concluded.


Nigeria have participated at eight FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup tournaments, coming second at Germany 2010 and Canada 2014.

Falconets will face Morocco or Senegal on the weekend of November 3-5 and the return leg in the weekend of November 17-19 if they beat Tanzania over two legs.

https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ebi-backs-falconets-to-beat-tanzania-in-u-20-womens-world-cup-qualifier/

Nigeria U20s Having A Torrid Time: Four Per Room, Served 'School Pupils' Meals



Allnigeriasoccer.com understands Nigeria Women's U20 team,the Falconets, are having a torrid time ahead of their 2018 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Tanzania this weekend.


The Falconets, who arrived in Benin City late on Tuesday night from Abuja by road, were paired four players per hotel room yesterday, and the officials were paired two per room.


That accommodation arrangement was unsatisfactory and the teenage girls had to be reshuffled to two persons per room when they complained bitterly on Wednesday.


Another sticky point is that the Commissioner of Sports Edo State instructed the hotel staff at Prestige Hotel and Suites that they must collect money on the spot from the players who are not satisfied and demand for extra food, despite the 'school pupil' meals being served.


The Nigeria Football Federation have been blamed for the way these female players are being treated as this is not at par with the male players when they are on national team duties.


Nigeria will face Tanzania at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Saturday while the second leg is scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam on September 30.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=24621

Edo Dep. Governor Trains with Falconets Ahead Clash with Tanzania


Philip Shaibu

Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, was in his elements as he went to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium to train with Nigeria’s Women Under-20 national team, the Falconets wednesday evening.


Shaibu, who has been a major light in the saddle of Governor Godwin Obaseki, said he came to train with the team on the orders of Obaseki, who has promised that state matters permitting he will be physically present when the Falconets take on their Tanzania counterparts on Saturday.


Before the deputy governor’s training with the team, the Commissioner for Youths and Special Duties, Mican Aimonokhai, had visited the team and assured them that the Edo State government was all ready to take very good care of the national team ahead of the World Cup qualifier.


Also the duo of Edo FA Chairman, Frank Ilaboya and Nigeria Women’s League Chairman, Aisha Falode, say they have been mobilizing at all levels to ensure that the team win and win well the duel against Tanzania on Saturday. “The team is staying at Prestige Hotel in our capital city and they are enjoying the best of Edo hospitality”, Ilaboya declared.


Falode on her part, said despite her tight schedule with the Aieto Cup championship, her team was already on ground to ensure that the Falconets get all necessary support that will give them victory on Saturday in Benin City. “We have decided to do this job selflessly and here we are on the brink of another World Cup, coming to be done in my home state, all the support the team need will be provided on all fronts and I have been assured by Governor Obaseki”, Falode stated.


The Tanzania U20 side is expected in the country today and all logistics have also been provided for the team to ensure their easy stay and the usual Nigerian hospitality during their stay in the country.

http://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2017/09/14/edo-dep-governor-trains-with-falconets-ahead-clash-with-tanzania/

Nigeria: Falconets Arrive in Benin After 12-Hour Trip

By Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu and Fidelis Ebu

Benin City and Abuja — The national women U-20 football team, the Falconets arrived Benin on Tuesday night after a 12-hour tortuous journey from Abuja to the Edo State capital by road ahead of Saturday's U-20 World Cup qualifier against Tanzania. The match will hold at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. The journey was said to have taken so long because of the dilapidated state of the Abuja to Benin road.

But even with the fatigue occasioned by the journey, the Edo State Government yesterday challenged the Falconets to beat their opponents in Saturday's march.

Speaking through the Commissioner for Youth and Special Duties, Mika Amanokhai, Governor Godwin Obaseki while welcoming the players and officials, said they should see Edo as their state and go for total victory against the Tanzanians on Saturday.

"We are indeed elated to receive you and want to urge you to see yourselves a part of us. Please feel very comfortable and at home during your stay here.

"Benin is a slaughter ground for all Nigerian national teams and thus, we are challenging you to go all out to secure victory for Nigerians.


"On Saturday, we expect nothing but victory and we must be at our best to defeat our opponents," he stated.

In their response, the players assured that nothing would be left to chance to emerge victorious on Saturday.

Speaking through the team captain, Oluwakemi Famuditi, the players said the warm reception accorded them since their arrival is a moral booster that will spur them to victory.

"We want to assure you sir and the entire country that come Saturday, we will not disappoint. We will beat our opponent to secure qualification for France in 2018," she stated.


The second leg would take place in Dar es Salaam on Sept. 30 September, with the winner, on aggregate, to tackle the winner of the Morocco/Senegal clash in the second round in November.

Meanwhile, the Tanzanians are expected to arrive in Abuja today by 1.00 p.m. today aboard an Ethiopian Airline flight. They are to leave for the Benin on an Arik Airline flight shortly after arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

Also expected in the country today are the match officials from the neighbouring Togo and the match commissioner from Liberia.


The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire said yesterday at the federation's secretariat that arrangements have been put in place to ensure the safety of the visiting Tanzanian players and officials as well as the match officials.

Olajire said nine of the Tanzanian delegation is the officials, while the rest 20 would be the players.


"We have received message from the Tanzanian Football Federation of the team's arrival in Abuja tomorrow and we have subsequently arranged for their immediate airlift to Benin City where the match would be played on Saturday", Olajire said yesterday.

Nigerian has played in every edition of the FIFA U20 Women World Cup since it was launched as an U-19 tournament in Canada 15 years ago.


The team reached the quarterfinals in Thailand 2004, Russia 2006 and Chile 2008, before finishing as runners-up at the 2010 finals in Germany and at the 2014 finals in Canada.

The Falconets reached the semifinals in Japan in 2012, but failed to reach the knockout stage in Papua New Guinea in 2016.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201709140550.html

Nigeria/Tanzania: Nigeria's Falconets Eye Revival Against Tanzania

After a shock first round exit at the last FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Papua New Guinea, Nigeria's Super Falconets will hope to bounce back in style starting with this weekend's First Round first leg of the France 2018 qualifier against Tanzania at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.


The Falconets failed to go past the group stage in Papua New Guinea despite their rich pedigree after finishing runners-up in 2010 and 2014, and also quarter finalists in 2004, 2006 and 2008, and the semi-finalists in 2012.


Head Coach Christopher Danjuma has inherited few players from the Nigeria U-17 squad that participated at the global championship in 2016 in Jordan. In the new-look Falconets are the like of Rasheedat Ajibade, Cynthia Aku, Oluwakemi Famuditi, Joy Duru; Gloria Ogbonna amongst others and Danjuma is equally confident they would add quality to his side.


"We have players who participated in the last FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup and few others who are still within the age brackets from the last U-20 World Cup. I believe their experience coupled with the good training we have had in Abuja before coming to Benin City for Saturday's match would certainly give us the edge against Tanzania," Danjuma told CAFOnline.com

http://allafrica.com/stories/201709140745.html

Falconets Must Be Wary Of Tanzania - Danjuma

www.nairaland.com/attachments/5963843_edwinokon_jpeg64f45ca3ce712938eecc993d96189102

By Augustine Akhilomen

Nigeria's U-20 team coach, Christopher Danjuma has warned the team not to play to the gallery against Tanzania in Saturday's 2018 U-20 women's World Cup qualifier at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.


The team failed to cross the group stages of the last edition of the World Cup that was hosted in Papua New Guinea, however, Danjuma believes qualifying first remains the main priority of the team and they need to win well against Tanzania.


“We have players who participated in the last FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and few others who are still within the age brackets from the last U-20 World Cup. I believe their experience coupled with the good training we have had in Abuja before coming to Benin City for Saturday’s match would
certainly give us the edge against Tanzania,” Danjuma told CAFOnline.com.


“We have told the girls how important it is for us to win very well on Saturday. The good thing is that Nigeria remains one of the strongest teams at this level and we hope to continue with the
same tradition of winning our matches come Saturday,” he affirmed.

http://www.soccernet.com.ng/2017/09/falconets-must-be-wary-of-tanzania.html

I wish the Falconets all the best

THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD
CASE FOR LIONEL MESSI
When we all hear the name Lionel Messi, what comes to our mind is that 5ft7 dude, with the most mesmerising left foot ever seen and a host of awards and personal achievements (including 5 balon d'ors). The debate for who is the world's best player raging on in the past 11 years, this is because two footballers have 'duopolized' it. They are Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. As a matter of fact, the last time any other player won it apart from them was Kaka in 2007. Since then, it has been a tug of war with Messi being narrowly on top, at least for the next few months. Messi has 5 balon d'ors while Ronaldo has 4. However, Ronaldo is widely tipped to pip Messi to this year's prize. Messi and Ronaldo continue to divide fans, coaches and fellow players alike, at the same time they continue to draw pundits from every angle for the consistency and brilliance. However, one baffling issue is that we can not say for sure who is out rightly better. Year after year they continue to set and break records while making other footballers look silly on the pitch (ask Boateng about Messi and do the same to Pique about Ronaldo). So what we at grass sports want to do now is to present a case why Messi is should be considered as the best.

Keep reading


https://grass-sports..com/2017/09/is-messi-best-ever.html

In Honor of CFCMan/CFCfan.... (he created this but he deactivated... don't know why or don't know if he back in another moniker) for the love of Women's football in Nigeria, Africa and the world over....


Let's resurrect this Thread. Time for a comeback.... no matter how tough and difficult it is to get news on our ladies.... we must try.


The Super Falcons remain the Pinnacle team in African Women's football and One of the best and most entertaining team in world women football. It is true they need much more support but our girls march on nonetheless. From the Super Falcons to the Super Falconets and to the Flamingoes.... the race is still on to greatness.


For Flamingoes and Super Falconets matters ahead of the 2018 Fifa U-17 and U-20 WWCs .. this thread(below) can also be consulted....

https://www.nairaland.com/2388670/falconets-flamingoes-thread-2018-fifa/21

Nigerian Women's football lives on.....

Recap from Sept 22


Watford Confirm Shirt Numbers For Two Nigerian Strikers Ahead Of New WSL2 Season




Watford Ladies have confirmed squad numbers ahead of the start of the 2017-18 FA Women's Super League 2 season.
England U19 international Rinsola Babajide will suit up with the number eleven shirt, while Adekite Fatuga-Dada will play with the number 34 kit.

Babajide is well known in these parts for scoring fourteen goals in the second half as University of East London women's football team demolished University College London 40-0 in a British Universities Cup game.

The 19-year-old joined Watford in February 2017 and represented the club in the FA WSL Spring Series.

Former Arsenal striker Adekite Fatuga-Dada extended her contract with the Golden Girls in February and has featured for the U17 team of England.

Watford Ladies begin their campaign against Babajide's former club Millwall Lionesses at the St Paul’s Sports Ground (London) on Sunday, September 24.


**Ifeanyi Emmanuel


Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=24729

OHALE'S GOAL PROPELS VITTSJO TO VICTORY
By Samuel Ahmadu, Correspondent



The Super Falcons defender opened her goal account in her Swedish women topflight side away win against Limhamn Bunkeflo on Saturday

Nigeria international Oshinachi Ohale bagged her first goal for Vittsjo as they secured a 2-0 away victory over Limhamn Bunkeflo in a Damallsvenskan clash on Saturday.

The 25-year-old who joined the Swedish women topflight outfit from Rivers Angels earlier this season scored the second goal of the encounter at Limhamns Stadium.

Following a barren first half, Linda Sällström put the visitors in front in the 49th minute before Ohale scored 11 minutes later to sealed the victory.

The defender, who scored her first goal featured alongside fellow compatriot Ngozi Okobi in her 14th appearance for Vittsjo this season

With the win, Thomas Mårtensson's ladies are seventh in the log with 20 points from 17 games and they face Göteborg in their next league outing on Saturday.


Source: http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/osinachi-ohale-scores-first-goal-for-vittsjo/vr4dicoc1lft13hum1bus5hij

FAITH IKIDI'S BRACE LEAD PITEA IF TO VICTORY
By Samuel Ahmadu, Correspondent




The defender's brace handed her side the maximum point against KIF Orebro in the Swedish women top division clash


Nigeria international Faith Ikidi was the hero for Pitea IF as they claimed a 2-0 win over KIF Orebro in a Damallsvenskan clash at the LF Arena on Sunday.

The Super Falcons defender scored both goals to ensure her side extend their unbeaten run to six consecutive matches this season.

Following a barren first half, Ikidi netted in the 51st and 84th minutes to seal Stella Carisson's ladies third win in a row.


It was the first time the Nigerian will score a brace in a match for her side since she joined in 2011 from league rivals Linkoping. And they were her only goals in 17 starts this season.

The win lifts Pitea to the fourth in the league table with 28 points from 17 matches and they face Kvarnsveden in their next league encounter on October 8.


Source: http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/faith-ikidi-bags-brace-for-pitea-if/1wuzyjrrwkucx139fhas6fauze

UMOTONG SCORES IN BRIGHTON WOMEN'S WIN
By Samuel Ahmadu, Correspondent





The forward netted as the depleted Seagulls secured a narrow win over Durham in the English women second division encounter on Sunday


Iniabasi Umotong was on target as Brighton women defeated Durham 3-2 in an FA Women's Super League 2 encounter at Culver Road on Sunday.

The 23-year-old scored her side's second goal of the game in the 27th minute after Fliss Gibbons had earlier put them in front before Beth Hepple pulled one back for the visitors.

In the 59th minute, Hepple levelled matters to grab her brace of the evening but Danielle Buet netted from the spot seven minutes from stoppage time to seal the hosts' victory.

She was later replaced by keeper Samson in the 57th minute after her side were reduced following the sending off of goalkeeper Lucky Gillet.

Umotong who had netted the winner to hand Seagulls a winning start on her debut against Aston Villa now has two goals this season since her move from Oxford United.

The win in the five-goal thriller means Brighton are second in the log with six points from two games behind the Us' on goal advantage.
Hope Powell's side will square up with fourth-placed Millwall Lionesses for their next league game at the St Paul’s Sports Ground on October 8.


Source: http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/umotong-scores-in-brighton-womens-win/1vrl9fvofsdsb1m84iedjv3zkg

Asisat Oshoala conquers China


On September 30, Super Falcons and Africa's golden Girl Asisat Oshoala led her Dalian Quanjian teammates to an 8-0 Victory over Beijing ladies FC to emerge Champions of the Chinese Women's Super League (CWSL).

She was among the goalscorers with one goal that also had Li wen (2), Wang Shuang, Ma Xiaxou, Wang yan, Li Danyang, and Pang Fengyue.

Asisat scored in five consecutive games leading up to this last fixture which handed them the title.

Other matches that day:

Jiangsu 6-0 Hebei

Shandong 1-1 Changchun

Tianjin 3-2 Shanghai.