₦airaland Forum

25'—Colombia 1-0 Brazil
45+9'—Colombia 1-1 Brazil
69'—Colombia 2-1 Brazil
80'—Colombia 2-2 Brazil
88'—Colombia 3-2 Brazil
90+6'—Colombia 3-3 Brazil

The Extra time of the Copa América Femenina final is going on right now🍿

Most of you guys forgot about this Winger Chichi Igbo, who was Cynthia Uwak best friend back then…

isan:
Nigeria don't play possession football, we play counter attacking football with pacey wingers on both flanks

You just said it all,
Nigeria football especially the Women’s Football have been based on Counter Attacking Football with Pace and Power on the flanks with a Physical no.9 who can hold up play very well and finish…

They should Go and check out SuperFalcons Wingers and top Strikers till date they would understand..

We just need to get Speedy Wingers like Stella Mbachu, Vera Okolo, Chichi Igbo, Cynthia Uwak, Ogbonna Chukwudi and Co…

Before the rise of Ordega, Esther Sunday, Ebere Orji, Oshoala, Rash…

One of the reason I do fancy this Chioma Okafor of a player, her pace will surely help in the future as she’s going Pro in January once she graduates in December 2025…

Match Link From YouTube;

https://www.youtube.com/live/-YlKHrl2fMY?si=MJy3X9lpNc_-tPoP

Victory is sure💯

https://www.youtube.com/live/va8eHzHhp14?si=2_MOzz50pRlcSKmh

Halimatu Ayinde: From Northern Nigeria’s 🇳🇬 Streets to anchoring Super Falcons’ Mission X quest

In the conservative neighbourhoods of Kaduna in northern Nigeria, girls were expected to marry young not chase football dreams but Halimatu Ayinde was never one to follow convention.

From sneaking out to play barefoot with boys in secret, to now patrolling the midfield for Nigeria’s Super Falcons with silent authority, her story is one of defiance, faith, and resilience.

At the 2024 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), the calm, composed Ayinde has once again emerged as the heartbeat of a Nigerian team that blends experience with hunger.

With every tackle, interception, and line-breaking pass, Ayinde embodies the spirit of a player who plays for more than herself—for her family, her community, and the girls in the north who now dare to dream because of her.

As she leads Nigeria into yet another WAFCON final going up against hosts Morocco 🇲🇦 in Rabat on Saturday, her voice reveals a journey forged in struggle and sustained by purpose.

🚩 WAFCON 2024: Redemption, Unity and Belief
Nigeria’s unbeaten run to the WAFCON 2024 final has been driven not just by talent but by tactical maturity and emotional togetherness—values Ayinde represents on and off the pitch.

“The experience has been great with the fact that we have been winning from the beginning. Everyone has been working really hard and making efforts to get the results. That’s a very good start for the team and has brought us to where we are now.”

She views this campaign as a statement after the Super Falcons’ last continental disappointment.

“I would say yes, we’ve changed the perception. During the last tournament, almost every Nigerian had written us off. But now that we are back, winning games and in the final, I think that has changed the narratives. We are back as the giant of Africa.”

With four wins and a draw so far, the Falcons look well-tuned and Ayinde knows what it takes to go all the way.

“Almost all the teams we have played are very technical. We won against them, but everything has been good. This final is not going to be different. We are going to stick together as a team and fight for each other.”

🚩 Forged in Fire: Injury, Comeback and Club Success;
Ayinde’s brilliance today is built on deep personal struggle. Two ACL injuries inside 24 months threatened to end her rise, but she responded with fierce determination.

At FC Rosengård in Sweden 🇸🇪, she found both a home and a proving ground.

“The second Damallsvenskan title was the best for me because I participated from the beginning—from preseason, Cup games, and friendlies. It was huge for me because when I joined in August 2022, I had just recovered from that ACL injury. I didn’t play that much initially. The second title was more special because I contributed almost throughout.”

Rehabilitation took more than physical strength, it took spiritual grounding and mental discipline.

“It wasn’t easy to do another surgery in the space of two years—it’s heartbreaking. The rehab entirely—the training, having to think of getting back or not, and what the future looked like—those negative thoughts really weighed me down. But with the help of the people around me, I was able to fight those thoughts and be positive until I got better again.”

🚩 Adapting Through Change: Coaching, Tactics, and Growth;
Having worked under both foreign and local managers, Ayinde appreciates the nuances of leadership and applauds current coach Justin Madugu for unlocking the team’s true potential.

“Every coach has their style. Randy was a good tactician who wanted to keep the ball and play around, but African football is not all about that. When you know your strengths, you have to use them. That is what Madugu is doing now, and it’s really paying off.”

She credits Madugu for uniting the squad and building trust across the roster.

“The change is that he has carried everyone along and given everybody the opportunity to showcase themselves. That brings energy and positivity into the camp. He doesn’t just focus on his starting eleven—he brings others close, talks to and encourages them.”

Ayinde’s role has also grown beyond the pitch she mentors younger players and maintains the team’s mental stability.

“I always try to give my best and adapt to whatever pattern the coaches bring. With the experience I have, I try to help the younger players settle and excel.”

🚩 Roots and Resistance: Breaking the Mould in Northern Nigeria;
Born in Northern Nigeria city of Kaduna, to a Yoruba father and an Igbo mother, Ayinde has grown into one of Africa's most consistent and combative midfielders. Her unique heritage reflects the multicultural blend of strength and resilience that defines her game.

Born into a culture where girls were expected to abandon sport early, Ayinde’s path to stardom was paved with resistance, especially from her own siblings.

“Growing up in northern Nigeria is not that easy because they don’t believe that a girl child should play football. From my family, my parents were supportive, but my brothers didn’t want me to play. I was stubborn and didn’t listen.

“Sometimes I would sneak out to play with boys and they would beat me when I returned. Eventually, they gave up and started supporting me.”

Her story resonates now more than ever, as she actively empowers others through grassroots outreach.

“I’ve been doing that for two to three years now because I really want to give back to the community. I try to promote grassroots football in the North. I’m getting support from the state government, and it’s helping young girls who want to play professionally and pursue their dreams.”

🚩 Legacy and Leadership: Playing for Something Bigger;
With over a decade in the national team and several trophies in her cabinet, Ayinde’s drive today is not just to win, it’s to inspire, uplift, and lead by example.

“I always try to mentor young players with the little knowledge I have. I talk to them during training and matches. I think they appreciate it—it’s up to them to use what I tell them.”

🚩 Ayinde's Character and Quality Earns Praise from Peers and Coaches;
Few understand the essence of Halimatu Ayinde's game better than former Super Falcons midfielder and long-time teammate, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, who currently suits up for Canadian club Ottawa Rapid.

Reflecting on nearly a decade of playing alongside Ayinde for Nigeria, Okobi described their on-field relationship as instinctive and intelligent.

“We had a perfect combination. We’ve got good understanding and we’re both intelligent with the ball. She has always been the pillar of the midfield—strong, tough, and fast,” Okobi-Okeoghene told CAFOnline.com from her base in Canada.

Their partnership, forged in high-stakes competitions, formed the backbone of Nigeria’s midfield across multiple international tournaments, recounting Ayinde’s resilience in overcoming serious injuries, including two knee surgeries in three years.

“I’m 100% satisfied and very happy for her. Seeing her work this hard after two knee surgeries—the most recent just a year ago—makes me super proud,” she said.

For Okobi, Ayinde is more than just a teammate, she’s a role model.

“Yes, and even more successful. For the young ones, Halimatu should be a role model. She’s a fighter and very hardworking. My message to her is simple: keep working hard as usual.”

Echoing that praise from Sweden is FC Rosengård head coach Joel Kjetselberg, who has seen Ayinde's influence up close at club level, especially in their 2024 Damallsvenskan title win.

“It has been great to see Hali be such an important part of Nigeria’s AFCON tournament so far. She has been outstanding for her national team,” he remarked, in chat with CAFOnline.com.

“Hali plays with so much composure and control that you can rely on her in so many ways on the pitch. I’m really proud and glad to see her doing so well, but it comes with no surprise.”

Kjetselberg added, “She is a very important player in our squad, and I know I can rely on her to do whatever job we need. She is a fantastic person. We wish her all the best for the final and look forward to having her back with us soon.”

As Nigeria aim to lift yet another historic continental title, one thing is certain, the Super Falcons’ rhythm flows through the boots of their midfield trojan.

#WAFWOS

20 out of the 24players of the Algeria 🇩🇿 Women’s National Team were born abroad… Only 4 were born in Algeria….

Whaooooo…!

NFF Appoints Moses Aduku for Falconets (Nigeria 🇳🇬 U20 Women National Team)

The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has approved the recommendation of the Federation’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee for the appointment of experienced women’s football tactician, Moses Aduku, as Head Coach of the U20 Girls National Team, Falconets. Aduku takes over from Coach Chris Danjuma.

Aduku is highly respected in women football coaching circles, having led Bayelsa Queens and Edo Queens football clubs with distinction in recent years. He was also assistant coach of the Nigeria U20 girls, Falconets, as they reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals in Costa Rica in 2022.

Coach Aduku will officially resume on Sunday, as the team have important upcoming engagements.

The U20 girls have a 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying fixture against Rwanda in September.

{[🖊️ NFF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT]}

Try this facebook link

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/173a2G2Jwq/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Kibbs:
Her commentary brings tears to my eyes, it’s not good, it’s not bad, it’s horrendous 😭😭

Cut her some slack, this is her first time and there’s room for improvement.

https://www.youtube.com/live/AaEb8dmbiY8?si=Pgy9NIcCkcdIR0je

Watch here!

It’s #WAFCON2024 semifinal MATCHDAY 🍿!

Nigeria 🇳🇬 🆚 South Africa 🇿🇦
⏰ 5pm (NGA)
🏟️ Larbi Zaouli Stadium
📺 CAF Media partners

Here’s the team list for the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 semi-final between #Nigeria’s Super Falcons and #SouthAfrica’s Banyana Banyana. Thoughts??

SUBSTITUTES:
1• OLUEHI TOCHUKWU
2• OMORINSOLA BABAJIDE
4• SHUKURAT OLADIPO
7• PAYNE ANTIONETTE
8• ASISAT OSHOALA
9• IFEOMA ONUMONU
10• CHRISTY UCHEIBE
11• SIKIRATU ISAH
13• DEBORAH ABIODUN
24• CHIOMA OKAFOR

#MissionX #SoarSuperFalcons #NGARSA #amapiano

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mj1B_u0cXig?si=ighGAxoCrkNZta2r

Blessing Demehin Vs Banda

Omor this Chioma Okafor Mama is a vibe….💯

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1Ax7jtaA4C/?mibextid=wwXIfr

WarHammer2000:
Are you okay? You want to play two DMs so you will later complain that we're not scoring goals.

The lineup is perfect. It's a 4-3-3. The Zambians will most likely defend most of the time so we need good attacking-minded midfielders to open them up with splitting passes and slalom runs.

Echegini fits this role perfectly. Ajibade is in the CM too. One DM is enough. Ajibade can help win balls too in the midfield if necessary.

I hope Ijamilusi proves her mettle though I would have preferred Babajide playing as an inverted left winger.

I haven't seen much

What happens to playing Ajibade on the flank with Christy Ucheibe going box-2-box which she normally does well…

lovewins:
Coach Madugu is either going to be the biggest gambler or the biggest fool after this game. As my custom his I won't criticise, but kinda puzzling for him to set up the team with players who haven't played together as a unit before.

Do you get, Is he being stubborn or want to prove that he knows better? Rasheedat in midfield at this stage when she hasn’t performed well for the team there?


How do you bench Christy Ucheibe in this kind of physical game??

Or Madugu just want to ruine the team totally??

Nawa🫣
See line up fes

Queenslander:
Nigeria will lose this match,. quote me anywhere!!

Victory is sure for Nigeria 🇳🇬💯

Carry your Bad-luck comot here!

Samueltemi337:
Bench Plumptre for who?

I mean to type Toni Payne…

Corrected already.

Zambia Players that look like men…

14• Ireen Lungu
19• Xiomara Mapepa
20• Racheal Nachula
25• Prisca Chilufya
7• Fridah Mukoma
9• Kabange Mupopo
11• Barbra Banda
17• Racheal Kundananii

daveP:
Ordega and Toni should start. Ordega will make their LW come back to defend more and therefore makeit just Banda all alone with Ohale and Tosin to deal with.

We choke that Ordega win and switch fast to an in running Plumptre and Esther/ihezuo.


I however can't say they won't score us. Awry levels is higher and if we survive Zambia, Southie fit use passes kill us if we don't fix up now. Can we best Mothlalo after 3years?

I would have picked Fransisca Ordega to start from the Left flank as well considering she’s very strong and quite fast as well, she can deal with their RB and allow Plumptre forward a little bit…

If not for OSINACHI Ohale age, I don’t think Barbra Banda is anything to worry about consider the caliber of Fast and Physical Strikers Ohale have handled in the past…

We also have a dependable Halimatu Ayinde and Christy Ucheibe who can minimize their threat as well considering how they thrive in this kind of Physical games..

My Problem is our combination upfront… Ajibade must play from the wing, bench Toni Payne as she might struggle in this kind of physical game..

Babajide/Franny — Ihezuo/Oshoala — Ajibade

Then remove Echegini when she’s tired and move Rash to the Midfield later, bring in Esther to the right wing… Or you can as well move Rash to the Left and bring in Abiodun to the seal up the midfield…

The set up against England at the last World Cup is good enough to run them down, only Kanu that’s currently not in the team…!

This is the reason why the Zambians are proudly making all those noises 👇.

Halimatu Ayinde and Christy Ucheibe have only one job 2moro and they must not fail…..

OSASU: You have used 20 players in your three #totalenergieswafcon2024 games so far. Why has Chioma Okafor, who took the place of @GiftMonday21 in this @NGSuper_Falcons team, not been dressed or fielded?

Justine Madugu: She has a medical problem, an injury to her hand. The Doctor said she should not play for 12 days. This is why. We are hoping that she will be fit enough to play a role in the latter stages of the competition.

For those of you who have been asking me about Okafor, this is why she hasn’t played at the #WAFCON.

(📸 of Madugu: @Justinaaniefiok)

dodobytes:
This coach is virtually barking orders

Dey go, dey go!
Play to the whistle!!
Continue for her, put it, put it!!

Local coach!!

If Zambia 🇿🇲 can beat them, I will be very happy and it would put an end to this Madugu nonsense…

We have the 2026 WAFCON which is also the 2027 World Cup qualifiers, we need a good Coach..!

daveP:
Simply put, that Algerian coach taught his girls well. Especially the defense. Sign showed they learnt something shapali after we flog dem for friendly.

Overall, the two Shakirats are here to stay. Usani still not showing how she's better than Okeke or Imuran in defense or attack. They should just convert her to wingback abeg.

Count Okeke out, she’s injured and recently underwent foot surgery that’s why she’s not there.. If not we won’t have seen either of Shukurat or Usani…

Wetin Ann Dey Write down 😂😂😂😂

Nawa…. How did this man End up Randy assistant and then the Interim Coach??😂😂😂

daveP:
Any cool link pls?

Link🎥 https://www.youtube.com/live/SGilOViT1MY?si=B4X6F0W_20kdn4We

According to the Rumours on ground oo

Chioma is injured and won't play until 12 days according to team doctor.

This is supposed to be the job of the media head of the team.
She was not on the sub list the last time we played against Botswana .. 12 days according to the team doctor.

lovewins:
Maybe it is an unfair premise for assessment, but I have heard Rachael Ayegba talk football and in my opinion she isn't anywhere suited for the Super Falcons job. She did commentary for the last WAFCON and her understanding of the game in my opinion was awful.

As a goalkeeper Coach? So even the UEFA —A Coaching License wha she get so na just paper be that oo🙄😂

TheSuperNerd:
Twice Chinwendu Ihezuo had scored so far at this Wafcon and Twice the assist maker has been Esther Okoronkwo.

Deadly duo yet benched by Madugu from the start in both games. Smh

Even if he doesn’t want to start Ihezuo and Okoronkwo as he seemed to have arranged them as Substitutes…

Why not go with the trio of Babajide, Onumonu and Ajibade upfront then Ayinde, Ucheibe and Echegini in Midfield..?

He picked Ijamilusi, Franny and Okafor for eye service or what?? His poor selection will surely be his downfall