₦airaland Forum

daveP:
I saw about 4 players i recognize from their u20 team. Na soso teenagers. That their coach go siddon like Randy Waldrum. Hin heart wan cut😂


SA will have to press factory reset and go back to the board. The team has peaked and now a new set of faces need to take over. They messed up from their SAFA and kgatlana and ellis...

Seopo sha retire with one Wafcon on her cabinet.

And they've lost their Sasol sponsorship.

What a paradox

The former Ghanian coach largely responsible for building this team left them mod-project to join the Zambian team. Now the team she left just won bronze while she got kicked out of the quarter finals.

South Africa can't handle the pressure of a defending champion , they didn't impress in this tournament at all and this is their golden generation.... you'all need to respect super falcons more

isan:
South Africa can't handle the pressure of a defending champion , they didn't impress in this tournament at all and this is their golden generation.... you'all need to respect super falcons more

The standards are different hence the demand on Super Falcons. No other team will be in our shoes and not raise eyebrows if it looks like some slack is about to happen.

We will lift it tomorrow sha. And then the next gen can start getting set to step in. I enjoyed the clips from training and post-training. All the debutants sang a song of Thank you to the senior ladies. 😂

naptu2:
And they've lost their Sasol sponsorship.

At this rate, I don't expect them to do anything significant at the next Wafcon next year. Ghana and Senegal should double up. I hope Cameroon and CIV too do the needful.

lovewins:
What a paradox

The former Ghanian coach largely responsible for building this team left them mod-project to join the Zambian team. Now the team she left just won bronze while she got kicked out of the quarter finals.

I sha commend the Ghana FA for getting a similar manager straight up. If na us, na Local coach straight. But what that Nora taught them needed a like for like minded person and their FA did the needful. Infact if na Local coach, those teenagers no go see this competition.

Now Nora is forced to realize no be by Banda and Kunda. She needs 11 players. She had 11 with Ghana but left for 2 with Zambia. Hilarious

daveP:
At this rate, I don't expect them to do anything significant at the next Wafcon next year. Ghana and Senegal should double up. I hope Cameroon and CIV too do the needful.

We can't have all these countries together at the WAFCON unfortunately, except a change is made to the qualification process. We need to find a way to get rid of this regional qualification process that is extremely skewed againt west african countries

daveP:
I sha commend the Ghana FA for getting a similar manager straight up. If na us, na Local coach straight. But what that Nora taught them needed a like for like minded person and their FA did the needful. Infact if na Local coach, those teenagers no go see this competition.

Now Nora is forced to realize no be by Banda and Kunda. She needs 11 players. She had 11 with Ghana but left for 2 with Zambia. Hilarious

I don't think she had a problem building from scratch. She did it with Ghana so shouldn't have a problem doing same with Zimbabwe. The issue was the brevity of time she had to work with. My expectation is that she'll build up a better Zambian team by next year's WAFCON.

daveP:
I saw about 4 players i recognize from their u20 team. Na soso teenagers. That their coach go siddon like Randy Waldrum. Hin heart wan cut😂


SA will have to press factory reset and go back to the board. The team has peaked and now a new set of faces need to take over. They messed up from their SAFA and kgatlana and ellis...

Seopo sha retire with one Wafcon on her cabinet.

Goodluck falcons
They really need to win the finals

daveP:
The standards are different hence the demand on Super Falcons. No other team will be in our shoes and not raise eyebrows if it looks like some slack is about to happen.

We will lift it tomorrow sha. And then the next gen can start getting set to step in. I enjoyed the clips from training and post-training. All the debutants sang a song of Thank you to the senior ladies. 😂

Thank you ke
Where link

Let's go girls
#Mission X
10/10

How do we overcome this, they used this in our last meeting and I wasn't sure if they were penalised for it.

orriyomi33:
How do we overcome this, they used this in our last meeting and I wasn't sure if they were penalised for it.

Good God! Is it just me or does Nnadozie look so much fitter and slimmer here??

Kibbs:
Good God! Is it just me or does Nnadozie look so much fitter and slimmer here??

You are very correct, she looks fitter and Slimmer here.

While we expect same setup like the quarter's and semis we should see a different approach to this game.

I expect a little bit of tweak in the midfield and also early subs in the second half.

The high pressing upfront by the likes of Ijamilusi would be vital against that Moroccan defence which I believe is the weakest of all the semifinalists in this tournament.

orriyomi33:
How do we overcome this, they used this in our last meeting and I wasn't sure if they were penalised for it.

I hope they allow the Nigerian fans that paid get in

orriyomi33:
How do we overcome this, they used this in our last meeting and I wasn't sure if they were penalised for it.

Nigerian fans should also bring lasers when coming to the stadium. Morocco does not have monopoly over madness.

If I was a Nigerian fan in the stadium, I would make sure I get dozens of lasers and distribute it to my fellow comrades

Truidstarr:
Nigerian fans should also bring lasers when coming to the stadium. Morocco does not have monopoly over madness.

Truidstarr:
Nigerian fans should also bring lasers when coming to the stadium. Morocco does not have monopoly over madness.

Exactly.

If they want war, we don't have to sit back and keep whinging. We can deliver the same energy back at them. At least we're all wise to their antics now. I seriously hope the Nigerian fans at the stadium will have this mentality.

Secondly, lasers didn't stop South Africa from whooping their asses in the last tourney. So let's not make mountains out of a molehill.

Not sure anyone mentioned it here but Francisca Ordega is injured hence out of today's game. It appears she's been injured a while and probably why she also wasn't on the list for the semifinals.

lovewins:
Not sure anyone mentioned it here but Francisca Ordega is injured hence out of today's game. It appears she's been injured a while and probably why she also wasn't on the list for the semifinals.

Y was she taken to d tournament sef …did she play any game for us at all in dis tournament?

I hope Chioma Okafor will play a part in today's game.
She is fast and strong.
We need to exploit their weaknesses at the back.

elyte89:
Y was she taken to d tournament sef …did she play any game for us at all in dis tournament?

Well, going for tournaments is still the most rewarding venture for female footballers. So if a player has relationships to leverage on this is when they use it. An average player in Europe earns $20-30k per year salary, but you can get that in one 3 week tournament in Nigeria.

For context, the Nigerian players have a deal with the federation to get 30% of total prize winnings. If the falcons come out on top today the players will have a $300k prize money to share amongst themselves. This doesn't include bonuses they'll get plus other financial incentive they'll get from the government (federal and state) upon their return. It is also why certain persons at the federation try to insist on the inclusion of homebase players however undeserving that is cause rumours are they have back deals with some of these players to share their bonuses with them.

Please note that I do not necessarily think the bolded part applies this time though, just giving larger context as per why you see some people make the team when it doesn't make sense.

elyte89:
Y was she taken to d tournament sef …did she play any game for us at all in dis tournament?

You way say our best match Na against South Africa so you nor watch all our matches to conclude that?

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

lovewins:
We can't have all these countries together at the WAFCON unfortunately, except a change is made to the qualification process. We need to find a way to get rid of this regional qualification process that is extremely skewed againt west african countries

True. The format is stifling and still yet, the group is counterproductive to the aim for the new format. They want more southern teams but still use 3 groups, using best losers format? 😂

Whoever thought that idea no think am well.

Deltamani:
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

Kaduna state dey try Sha even though majority are not indigent

my prediction

Nigeria 2:0 Morocco

Beautiful interview with Ayinde, but i have a problem with that African football part and Randy. Lol

Isn't that the tactics that made us play better ball at the World Cup and made non-lookers finally see the beauty of "African teams"?

We are not the only team in Africa so that term itself is vague cos many factors still exist to not make that term something to generalize right now, especially as other African teams have different approaches that can't be terms what she means by African football that Madugu is using currently.

She was one of the beautiful revelations under the Randy football now. Abi wetin my eyes dey see here?


Anyway..... Hmmmm

daveP:
Beautiful interview with Ayinde, but i have a problem with that African football part and Randy. Lol

Isn't that the tactics that made us play better ball at the World Cup and made non-lookers finally see the beauty of "African teams"?

We are not the only team in Africa so that term itself is vague cos many factors still exist to not make that term something to generalize right now, especially as other African teams have different approaches that can't be terms what she means by African football that Madugu is using currently.

She was one of the beautiful revelations under the Randy football now. Abi wetin my eyes dey see here?


Anyway..... Hmmmm

I wrote about this last year (and the coach of Bafana Bafana also said something similar). People often say that African teams play beautiful free flowing attacking football, but they forget to defend. European coaches that come to Africa often try to emphasise defending properly, keeping the shape of the team intact, etc. but this often annoys African fans.

Hugo Broos (the Dutch coach of Bafana Bafana) said that no African team can win the World Cup with that system.

Nigerians have often criticised coaches like Philippe Troussier, Thomas Dennerby and Randy Waldrum for tightening up our defences and sacrificing our attacking flair.

I think that's what she was referring to.