₦airaland Forum

naptu2:
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TheSuperNerd:
Well, we have one in here who works closely with the team, Schemerkhiz. I read where he said she opted out of the Aisha buhari cup list for personal reasons. So I am not so sure. I believe he should have more info on if Ifeoma still has Nigeria in mind for future engagements.

And I understand your fears. You thinking maybe with her doing so well in the NWSL, she could maybe be considering the US option right? Well, time will tell.

Schemerkhiz:
Yes Ashleigh Plumptre has gotten her Nigerian Passport but hasn't been cleared by FIFA yet.. The Aisha Buhari invitational tournament is FIFA approved and her FIFA Nationality Switch from England to Nigeria needs to be completed first before she can fully make her debut.

Let's hope by October it would be completed

Schemerkhiz:
Ifeoma Onumonu is a quality player and would add a lot of Dept upfront

But We shouldn't be begging any Player to play for us.. Let's hope things go the way we're expecting it

isan:
The Aisha cup is just a friendly match abi? What will fifa do if she plays ? Nothing just that the caps won't be counted for her

Schemerkhiz:
Nigeria can be fined and Ban for Fielding an ineligible Player..

Friendly Tournament like the She Believe Cup, Algarve Cup, Cyprus Cup are recorded by FIFA and the Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament is one of them..

Schemerkhiz:
FIFA gives go-ahead for Aisha Buhari Cup

World football –governing body, FIFA on Wednesday provided the Local Organizing Committee with a final go-ahead to stage the maiden edition of the Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Tournament, otherwise known as Aisha Buhari Cup. The six-nation invitational is being organized in honour of the name and Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic, Dr (Mrs) Aisha Muhammadu Buhari.if the agege stadium is not ready by then is there an alternative ?

In a letter dated 8th September 2021 and signed by Gordon Savic, Head of Qualifiers and International Matches, the world body noted it has sanctioned the 15th – 21st September showpiece that holds at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena and Agege Stadium in the City of Lagos, and featuring hosts Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Mali, Morocco and South Africa’s ‘A’ Women teams.
“In accordance with the article 7 of the regulations, FIFA is happy to provide official authorization for this women’s tier 1 tournament…we hereby remind the participating teams that the Laws of the Game must strictly be applied to these tier-1 matches.

“Finally, we would also like to draw your attention to the contents of FIFA’s circular no.1735 of 1st October 2020. The strict application of the FIFA’s Return to Football – International Match Protocol (IMP), or an equivalent protocol of your confederation compliant with the said Protocol, is required.”

With this authorization, all is now clear for the commencement of the six-nation showpiece starting on Wednesday, 15th September with the clash between nine –time African champions, Super Falcons and the Female Eagles of Mali at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.

Schemerkhiz:
Officials for the Aisha Buhari invitational tournament

She is naturally shy and I think she felt a bit out of place, not in a bad way though, as she mentioned in an article I read yesterday...

Ifeoma onumonu’s first games with Nigeria were a cultural education
https://cdn.theathletic.com/app/uploads/2021/06/25131409/GettyImages-1233543030.jpg

By Steph Yang Jun 25, 2021 10
Ifeoma onumonu’s first national-level cap came as a substitute, coming on for Nigeria in the 55th minute against Jamaica in U.S. Soccer’s Summer Series. Then came a start against Portugal, and then 25 minutes against the U.S. It was another step in onumonu’s steady ascension after the California native was approached by Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum late last year.

But while onumonu seemed to fit right in on the field, off the field it was a more complex situation.

“I’m an introvert. I’m not very good at being the one to talk first,” onumonu said in a phone call after returning to Gotham FC after the Summer Series.

There were familiar faces. One-time U.S. youth soccer teammate Toni Payne, whom onumonu said she considered a good friend, was also on the Nigeria roster. Former NWSL favorite Franny Ordega also helped her acclimate to the group.

“She was definitely one of those people that was like, hey, come here, sit here. Tell us more about yourself,” onumonu said.

Still, onumonu said she felt a disconnect in the locker room as someone who has gone through life as a Black American while being taught her parents’ Nigerian culture.

One of the most obvious divides between onumonu and her teammates was the language. “There are three main languages in Nigeria. So there’s Hausa, there’s Yoruba, and there’s Igbo. I am Igbo. I do not speak it at all,” onumonu said. She was raised in Southern California where her parents would speak Igbo to each other, but not to her.

“I think they kind of had that approach like, we’re in American now. And we really have to integrate ourselves into American culture, if you want to survive,” she said. “It’s just like, you’re an American. We’re here. We worked so hard to be here. And we worked so hard to make you an American. So that’s what you’re going to be.”

onumonu qualifies to represent Nigeria through her parents, both of them dual citizens who were born in Nigeria, and it was that duality that onumonu pointed to as part of her biggest adjustment in joining the team, more than any on-field tactics. “Soccer is soccer,” she said. The essentials of the game are the same wherever you go. But learning who your teammates are and the dynamics of a locker room — that can take a different kind of adaptation, especially when you come from different countries and cultures.

“I was raised in America and have kind of, like, an American mindset-style,” she said. “I am Nigerian, but obviously haven’t been there since I was very young. So, I think for me, that was the biggest adjustment I had to make. Trying to fit into the team, fit into the culture, integrate myself into the culture again. So, yeah, I think that’s really the biggest learning I have to do. But the women there were amazing, very welcoming, and it is such a bright and warm culture at the same time.”

“It’s like, sometimes I didn’t feel fully Nigerian,” she said. “But obviously, that’s not my fault. I think when (my teammates) see me, I’m supposed to be Nigerian. But at the same time, I’m like, okay, yes, but there’s also this part of my experiences and how I was raised, where I was raised, that shaped my thinking, shaped who I am that is different from you.”

Her teammates reacted with disbelief when she couldn’t speak any Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, or pidgin, and would mention that she should learn. “And I’m like, I understand that. But you act like I had a choice in all this,” onumonu said with a gentle laugh. That was often her tone as she thoughtfully considered her place among a squad that made her feel welcome, but sometimes could also make her feel isolated due to their differences.

“I’m looking forward to just learning more about my heritage and knowing more about the Nigerian side of my culture,” She said. “Because I feel like there has been, because I was raised in the US, there has been lacking on that side. So being with the team has opened my eyes to, you know, that there’s so much more.”

It’s a common experience among American immigrants, seeing their U.S.-born children grow up completely immersed in a culture different to their own, only to become adults without strong ties to their parents’ home. It’s not universal of course; immigration stories run an enormous spectrum of experiences and emotions. Some immigrants do their best to keep to the traditions and beliefs of their mother culture; others leave their histories behind and attempt to assimilate into local culture. There’s no one authentic story of immigration. But many first-generation children find themselves searching for connections and histories, trying to reconcile experience and identity into one coherent life instead of two distinct lives that straddle an invisible line – a line that can shift depending on where you are and who is perceiving you.

Among any culture or ethnic group there’s a range of identity and experience, but often these groups tend to get flattened into homogeneity in the United States

“Because I am Black in America – I consider myself Nigerian – but in America, when people see me, I’m Black,” said onumonu. And in a room where everyone saw her as Nigerian, just as everyone else in the room was Nigerian, onumonu felt something she didn’t even realize was missing until she had it.

“You don’t really realize that there’s that lack there until you find out that there’s so much more,” she said. “I didn’t realize like, wow, this is what it feels like to have, and be surrounded by other people that are not necessarily Black but Nigerian, in being there and experiencing that and the way they think and how they feel. And I’m like, wow, I didn’t really know that I was missing all of this and that there is so much more that I can add to my experience.”

Schemerkhiz:
Ifeoma Onumonu is a quality player and would add a lot of Dept upfront

But We shouldn't be begging any Player to play for us.. Let's hope things go the way we're expecting it

AkinDS:
I had previously quoted an article from an interview she had with the 'Atlantic', in which she spoke about her Camp experience during the Summer Series.
She is a naturally shy person and she is eager to learn more about Nigeria.
The fact that she opted out of the First Lady Tournament for personal reasons should be respected.
In her article, she kinda hinted that she was going thru an identity crisis (through no fault of hers). The Nigerian (and African) kids here in the US, especially the girls, really go through a rough time trying to identify and find themselves (culturally, societally, etc) in this society. I have 3 daughters and I am privy to the different challenges they go through, daily.
Fact is that Iffy is a beautiful, intelligent Nigerian girl and we need to support her as best as we can and make sure she feels at home whenever she associates with Nigeria or the Super Falcons. Ditto that with Zogg, Plumptre, Ariyo, Okoronkwo, Payne sisters, Balogun, George, Alozie and all the other young 'Nigerian' ladies in diaspora who want to connect with their motherland. Let them ALL know that they are all very welcome and that they are important members of the Super Falcons! We love and respect their decision.


(Photo: Robin Alam / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Schemerkhiz:
Report has it that the Ghanaian Football Federation have suspended Black Queens Captain and Midfielder Elizabeth Addo..

Captain of Black Queens Elizabeth Addo reportedly dropped from final squad for Aisha Buhari cup due to a tweet

Captain of the Black Queens, Elizabeth Addo was reportedly dropped from the final 23 squad list for the maiden edition of the Aisha Buhari invitational women’s football tournament because of a tweet she made two months ago.

Elizabeth Addo was amongst a list of 30 players handed call-ups by head coach of the Black Queens, Mercy Tagoe for camping at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Technical Centre (GSCE) in Prampram weeks ago.

Nevertheless, the skipper was surprisingly dropped from the final 23 squad list for the inaugural tournament. Per reports, the Djurgårdens IF forward was dropped because of a post she made on Twitter two months ago.

In the post dated June 14, 2021, Elizabeth Addo pleaded with the FA and the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS) to learn from their opponents for the 2022 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, Nigeria and arrange high profile friendly games as part of preparations for the AFCON qualifiers.

The tweet is said to have not gone down well with the technical team of the Black Queens, hence leading to her omission from the final squad for the Aisha Buhari cup.

@ghanafaofficial @MOYSGh we saw Nigeria play Portugal last nite n they gave a beautiful account of themselves. This a team we play a crucial qualifier game with in a few months and their prep is enviable. Black Queens need good international games to get ready. Please listen to us for once,”

- Elizabeth Addo (@AmaPele10) June 14, 2021.

The Aisha Buhari tournament is scheduled for September 15 to 21 in Lagos, Nigeria. Ghana have been drawn in Group B alongside the Indomitable Lioness of Cameroon and the Banyana Banyana of South Africa.

naptu2:
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PDPGuy:
Updates fixtures for the Aisha Buhari cup

PDPGuy:
Updates fixtures for the Aisha Buhari cup

AkinDS:
Now THIS new schedule makes perfect sense!
Every team has at least 1 competitive game to play during this invitational.
The fact that, because of the FIFA Type 1 friendly rules, meaning at least, two days of rest between games, forced this adjustment to be made is a very good thing. The ladies will get the same dispensation afforded the men. Good move on the part of the NFF and the participating Federations.

Also, the fact that these matches WILL indeed count towards each teams FIFA ranking means ALL 6 teams are obligated to take the matches seriously and present their best foot forward, meaning the games will be competitive. Fans can watch a quality match each day of the competition, so fans will get to see the very best of African women's football over a whole week. Great! S. Africa vs. Ghana, Cameroon vs. Ghana, Nigeria v S. Africa, Morocco vs. Mali, Nigeria vs. Mali - these will be very interesting games...

My one suggestion for a change will be the start time - games should be slated for 6 or 7pm instead of 4pm, due to the Lagos heat. Otherwise, the changes make perfect sense!

isan:
This is confusing it thought it is group by group

AkinDS:
Now THIS new schedule makes perfect sense!
Every team has at least 1 competitive game to play during this invitational.
The fact that, because of the FIFA Type 1 friendly rules, meaning at least, two days of rest between games, forced this adjustment to be made is a very good thing. The ladies will get the same dispensation afforded the men. Good move on the part of the NFF and the participating Federations.

Also, the fact that these matches WILL indeed count towards each teams FIFA ranking means ALL 6 teams are obligated to take the matches seriously and present their best foot forward, meaning the games will be competitive. Fans can watch a quality match each day of the competition, so fans will get to see the very best of African women's football over a whole week. Great! S. Africa vs. Ghana, Cameroon vs. Ghana, Nigeria v S. Africa, Morocco vs. Mali, Nigeria vs. Mali - these will be very interesting games...

My one suggestion for a change will be the start time - games should be slated for 6 or 7pm instead of 4pm, due to the Lagos heat. Otherwise, the changes make perfect sense!

BascoVanVeli:
It is in no way shape or fashion better than the original idea. Its a shame that it was changed to this because it would have been a great tournament.

PDPGuy:
I like your 7pm suggestion. At the very least, it will be more convenient for the non-Africa based players on the team.

Regardless of the format of the tournament, I’m happy that the NFF paid great attention to the Super Falcons this year by guaranteeing the team playing NINE friendly matches in a single calendar year. I don’t think the Super Eagles have ever played that many friendlies in a single calendar (I stand to be corrected)

BascoVanVeli:
It is in no way shape or fashion better than the original idea. Its a shame that it was changed to this because it would have been a great tournament.

AkinDS:
Considering the fact that it is being played in an official FIFA window, and also the fact that this 'window' is for Type 1 friendlies (in lieu of a FIFA competition - WCQ, etc), those friendlies are therefore bound by the prevailing regulations - a team cannot play 2 consecutive matches within a 72 hour window. That means the old format is null and void.
If you want this to become an official FIFA friendly event (Like the Turkish Women's Cup, the Algrave Cup and 'She Believes' Cup, for example) THEN you have to abide by these rules.
At the time of the draws, FIFA approval had not yet been granted for this event (that happened on Thursday, I believe). Therefore, things had to be amended.
This tournament will help improve the FIFA rankings of the African teams participating - unlike before when those teams would go for months without a match and end up dropping in their standings due to inactivity.
Look at the big picture, guys.

isan:
So none of organizers know about this rules ? They even had a draw ceremony clearly the tournament should have been played in the off season

AkinDS:
Considering the fact that it is being played in an official FIFA window, and also the fact that this 'window' is for Type 1 friendlies (in lieu of a FIFA competition - WCQ, etc), those friendlies are therefore bound by the prevailing regulations - a team cannot play 2 consecutive matches within a 72 hour window. That means the old format is null and void.
If you want this to become an official FIFA friendly event (Like the Turkish Women's Cup, the Algrave Cup and 'She Believes' Cup, for example) THEN you have to abide by these rules.
At the time of the draws, FIFA approval had not yet been granted for this event (that happened on Thursday, I believe). Therefore, things had to be amended.
This tournament will help improve the FIFA rankings of the African teams participating - unlike before when those teams would go for months without a match and end up dropping in their standings due to inactivity.
Look at the big picture, guys.