Ogarbor will lead a four-man Nigerian officiating team for the fixture at the TnA Stadium in Tarkwa on Sunday, September 6, 2026.

According to the Ghana Football Association, Ogarbor has been designated as the centre referee, with compatriots Tejiri Besmart Digbori and Ahmad Tijani Mustapha appointed as assistant referees, while Salisu Basher will serve as the fourth official.

The Gambian Bakary Jammeh has been appointed match commissioner, while Ivorian referee assessor Sinko Zeli will serve as the referee assessor.

The appointment comes as the 2026/27 CAF Champions League gets underway this weekend, with the first preliminary round first legs scheduled for September 4-6.

The return legs will be played from September 11-13, with the 16 clubs that progress from the preliminary rounds advancing to the group stage.

A total of 61 clubs entered this season’s CAF Champions League, with defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, Espérance Sportive de Tunis and RS Berkane receiving byes into the second preliminary round.

Medeama face a difficult opening assignment against TP Mazembe, who have won Africa’s premier club competition five times.

The winner of the tie will face either Tunisia‘s Club Africain or Mali‘s Djoliba AC in the second preliminary round.

Ogarbor’s appointment gives him an opportunity to officiate at the continental level after earning the confidence of CAF for a high-profile Champions League fixture.

The assignment comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s declining presence among the continent’s leading refereeing nations in recent years.

Nigerian match officials have missed several major international competitions amid concerns surrounding the standard of domestic football, referee development, fitness, assessment, facilities and the limited exposure officials receive to high-level matches.

The quality and organisation of domestic competitions have also remained an issue, with inconsistent standards, pressure surrounding officiating and limited access to modern refereeing technology affecting the environment in which Nigerian officials operate.

Those challenges have made it increasingly difficult for referees to consistently meet the fitness, technical and performance standards required to secure places at major CAF and FIFA tournaments.

The post Joseph Ogarbor to lead Nigerian officials for CAF Champions League match in Ghana appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

The defeat marks Nigeria’s second consecutive loss to Mali in the championship game.

Mali’s latest victory also secured a second three-peat at the tournament, further underlining their dominance of the U18 Women’s AfroBasket.

Nigeria began the tournament with a 54-50 victory over Tunisia.

They suffered their first setback in the following game, losing 75-74 to Cameroon in a closely contested encounter.

The Junior D’Tigress recovered in their final group-phase match with a commanding 70-40 win over Senegal.

That result sent Nigeria into the knockout stages with renewed confidence.

Cameroon stood in their way again in the quarter-finals, but the outcome was very different from their group meeting.

Nigeria produced one of their best performances of the tournament to beat Cameroon 75-45 and avenge their earlier defeat.

The semi-final presented another difficult challenge against hosts Côte d’Ivoire.

Nigeria held their nerve in another tight contest, edging the hosts 53-50 to book their place in the final.

Mali then ended Nigeria’s title hopes with a 77-68 victory in the championship game.

The Junior D’Tigress remained competitive but could not produce the consistency required to overturn Mali’s advantage during the decisive stages.

The result leaves Nigeria with another silver medal after a campaign in which they recovered impressively from their early defeat by Cameroon.

Their quarter-final response was particularly significant, with the 30-point victory showing the team’s ability to learn from setbacks and raise their level when it mattered.

The narrow win over Côte d’Ivoire also demonstrated Nigeria’s composure in a high-pressure knockout match.

Mali, however, once again proved to be the benchmark in the competition.

Their latest triumph completed their second three-peat and extended a remarkable period of dominance that remains unmatched in the history of the U18 Women’s AfroBasket.

Nigeria’s run to the final was nevertheless enough to secure qualification for the 2027 FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup in China.

The global tournament will give the players another opportunity to test themselves against the strongest teams in their age group.

The experience gained in Abidjan should also provide valuable preparation as this group continues its progression through the national-team system.

Nigeria will now have to build on the positives from the tournament while addressing the gap exposed by another defeat to Mali.

The Junior D’Tigress have shown that they can compete deep into the tournament, but converting that progress into gold remains the next challenge.

The post Junior D’Tigress fall short again as Mali retain U18 Women’s AfroBasket title appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

The defeat marks Nigeria’s second consecutive loss to Mali in the championship game.

Mali’s latest victory also secured a second three-peat at the tournament, further underlining their dominance of the U18 Women’s AfroBasket.

Nigeria began the tournament with a 54-50 victory over Tunisia.

They suffered their first setback in the following game, losing 75-74 to Cameroon in a closely contested encounter.

The Junior D’Tigress recovered in their final group-phase match with a commanding 70-40 win over Senegal.

That result sent Nigeria into the knockout stages with renewed confidence.

Cameroon stood in their way again in the quarter-finals, but the outcome was very different from their group meeting.

Nigeria produced one of their best performances of the tournament to beat Cameroon 75-45 and avenge their earlier defeat.

The semi-final presented another difficult challenge against hosts Côte d’Ivoire.

Nigeria held their nerve in another tight contest, edging the hosts 53-50 to book their place in the final.

Mali then ended Nigeria’s title hopes with a 77-68 victory in the championship game.

The Junior D’Tigress remained competitive but could not produce the consistency required to overturn Mali’s advantage during the decisive stages.

The result leaves Nigeria with another silver medal after a campaign in which they recovered impressively from their early defeat by Cameroon.

Their quarter-final response was particularly significant, with the 30-point victory showing the team’s ability to learn from setbacks and raise their level when it mattered.

The narrow win over Côte d’Ivoire also demonstrated Nigeria’s composure in a high-pressure knockout match.

Mali, however, once again proved to be the benchmark in the competition.

Their latest triumph completed their second three-peat and extended a remarkable period of dominance that remains unmatched in the history of the U18 Women’s AfroBasket.

Nigeria’s run to the final was nevertheless enough to secure qualification for the 2027 FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup in China.

The global tournament will give the players another opportunity to test themselves against the strongest teams in their age group.

The experience gained in Abidjan should also provide valuable preparation as this group continues its progression through the national-team system.

Nigeria will now have to build on the positives from the tournament while addressing the gap exposed by another defeat to Mali.

The Junior D’Tigress have shown that they can compete deep into the tournament, but converting that progress into gold remains the next challenge.

The post Junior D’Tigress fall short again as Mali retain U18 Women’s AfroBasket title appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

Nigeria’s D’Tigress have arrived in Berlin ahead of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, where the reigning African champions will begin their campaign against South Korea.

The Nigerian team received a warm welcome from Ambassador Ita Enang, officials of the Nigerian Embassy and members of the Nigerian community in Berlin upon their arrival in the German capital.

The welcome provided a home-away-from-home moment for D’Tigress as they prepare for another major international challenge.

Nigeria will compete in Group B alongside South Korea, Hungary and France, with the four teams battling for places in the knockout stage of the tournament.

D’Tigress will open their World Cup campaign against South Korea before facing Hungary and France in their remaining group matches.

The Nigerian side arrives in Berlin as the reigning FIBA Women’s AfroBasket champions, having continued its dominance of African women’s basketball.

D’Tigress retained their continental crown after defeating Mali 78-64 in the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The victory extended Nigeria’s remarkable run on the continent and secured another opportunity for the team to compete against the world’s best.

Nigeria has also enjoyed memorable moments at previous editions of the Women’s Basketball World Cup.

D’Tigress reached the quarter-finals of the 2018 tournament in Tenerife, Spain, recording Nigeria’s best-ever finish at the global competition.

The 2026 tournament now presents the African champions with another opportunity to go further and make history on the world stage.

However, the road will not be straightforward.

France represents the highest-ranked opponent in Nigeria’s group and will provide a major test for D’Tigress, while South Korea and Hungary will also pose different challenges during the group phase.

Nigeria’s recent continental success has raised expectations around the team, but the World Cup will demand another level of performance from the African champions.

For D’Tigress, the focus will be on converting their dominance in Africa into results against some of the strongest basketball nations in the world.

The support from the Nigerian community in Berlin could also provide an important boost as the team begins its campaign.

With the Nigerian flag flying in Berlin and the African champions ready for action, D’Tigress will look to make their presence felt when the World Cup gets underway.

Nigeria’s opening game against South Korea will set the tone for the group campaign, with Hungary and France waiting in the remaining fixtures.

For the reigning African champions, the mission is clear: compete, advance and give Nigeria another reason to believe on the global basketball stage.

The post FIBA World Cup: D’Tigress arrive in Berlin, receive warm Nigerian welcome appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

Banyana Banyana started brightly and wasted no time in asserting their authority. Just five minutes in, Lebohang Ramalepe opened the scoring with a composed right-footed finish into the top right corner, setting the tone for what would be a long afternoon for the Malian defence.

South Africa doubled their lead in the 32nd minute when Refiloe Jane curled a sensational free kick into the top left corner, leaving Mali goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao stranded.

The two-goal cushion was a fair reflection of South Africa’s attacking intent and midfield control throughout the first half.

After the break, South Africa maintained their intensity. Hildah Magaia added a third in the 61st minute, slotting home clinically with her left foot after a well-timed through ball from Karabo Dhlamini. Substitute Ronnel Donnelly rounded off the scoring in the 79th minute, calmly finishing from the centre of the box following an assist from Nonhlanhla Mthandi.

Mali had moments of threat, with efforts from Saratou Traoré, Aïssata Traoré, and Fatou Dembele, but they were repeatedly denied by South Africa’s resolute defence and the safe hands of Andile Dlamini, who made several key saves to preserve her clean sheet.

South Africa’s superiority was evident not just in the scoreline but in their organisation, creativity, and relentless pressure.

The result sees South Africa finish top of Group C, advancing confidently to the knockout stages as they continue their pursuit of continental glory.

The post WAFCON: Banyana cruise to second round with convincing win over Mali appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

Tanzania stunned Banyana Banyana in the 24th minute when Opah Clement rose highest to head home from close range following a well-delivered set piece by Ester Maseke. The early goal gave Tanzania a crucial edge, and they showed tremendous resilience to defend their lead for much of the first half.

South Africa struggled to find their rhythm despite dominating possession and creating several chances. A double save from Tanzanian goalkeeper Najiat Idrisa in first-half stoppage time denied Kgaelebane Mohlakoana, while Lonathemba Mhlongo narrowly missed a header from point-blank range.

Coach Desiree Ellis made key halftime changes, bringing on star forward, Hildah Magaia and Lebohang Ramalepe, and the substitutions paid off. In the 70th minute, South Africa finally broke through. A well-worked corner found Ramalepe, whose precise cross was turned in by Bambanani Mbane to level the score at 1-1.

As tensions escalated, Tanzanian midfielder Winfrida Hubert was shown a second yellow card and subsequently a red in the 84th minute, leaving her side to finish the match with 10 players. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Tanzania held firm under intense pressure in the dying minutes, bolstered by commanding performances from Julitha Singano and the ever-present Najiat Idrisa in goal.

South Africa pushed relentlessly in stoppage time—earning corners and free kicks—but Tanzania stood tall, ensuring a share of the spoils.

The post WAFCON: Defending champions South Africa come from behind to salvage a point appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

A goal in each half from Alice Kusi and Aïssata Traoré meant both sides walked away with a point in a match that neither could afford to lose, but will feel they might have won.

After a disappointing 2-0 loss to South Africa in their opening game, the Black Queens came into this fixture under pressure and made a blistering start.

Their early dominance was rewarded in the sixth minute when Kusi capitalised on sustained pressure to fire home from close range after Doris Boaduwaa’s header had narrowly missed seconds earlier.

Mali, who had edged Tanzania in their opener, looked rattled but gradually grew into the game, with their attacking trio of Saratou Traoré, Aïssata Traoré and Agueissa Diarra posing constant threats on the break.

Ghana missed a flurry of chances to extend their lead before half-time. Boaduwaa, Kusi and Evelyn Badu all came close, only to be denied by a combination of poor finishing and excellent goalkeeping from Fatoumata Karentao.

Mali came out of the break with renewed purpose and found the equaliser in the 52nd minute when Saratou Traoré’s incisive through ball split the Ghana defence and was coolly slotted home by Aïssata Traoré.

From there, the match opened up, with Ghana pushing forward in waves. Princella Adubea, Grace Asantewaa and Jennifer Cudjoe all went close as the Black Queens hunted a winner, but Karentao stood firm.

Despite dominating possession and chances—particularly in the final 20 minutes—Kim Björkegren’s side were unable to find a breakthrough, and now sit on one point heading into a do-or-die final group match.

For Mali, the result puts them on four points and keeps them firmly in contention for a quarter-final berth, with their destiny in their own hands. Ghana, meanwhile, must beat Tanzania and hope for favourable results elsewhere.

In a match billed as a must-win for both sides, it ended in frustration and uncertainty—but also showcased the grit and competitiveness that defines WAFCON‘s Group of Death.

The post WAFCON: Ghana, Mali share the spoils in intense Group C clash appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

The game’s only goal came in first-half stoppage time when Saratou Traoré found the bottom right corner with a composed finish from the centre of the box following a set-piece situation in the closing minutes of the first half. It proved to be the decisive moment in a match where both sides created chances but struggled to convert.

Tanzania had several opportunities to equalise, particularly in the second half. Stumai Athumani forced a sharp save from Mali goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao with a header in the 56th minute, and Elizabeth Chenge was also denied later in the half. Despite their pressure, the Tanzanian attack was repeatedly caught offside, limiting their momentum in the final third.

Mali managed the game with discipline, soaking up pressure and making key defensive interventions when needed. Karentao played a crucial role in preserving the lead, making multiple saves and commanding her area well.

Tanzania pushed hard in stoppage time, winning late free kicks and pressing forward in search of an equaliser. Their final chance came in the 95th minute, but Donisia Minja’s left-footed strike from outside the box flew over the bar.

At full time, it was Mali who claimed all three points, holding firm under pressure and making the most of their key opportunity.

The result strengthens Mali’s position in the group and puts them in a strong position as the tournament progresses.

The post WAFCON: Mali edge Tanzania in tight Group C duel appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

Goals from Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe inside the opening 35 minutes gave Banyana Banyana the result they needed to assert their status as title contenders in the expanded 12-team competition.

Desiree Ellis’ side looked composed from the outset and took the lead on 28 minutes after a VAR review confirmed a penalty for a foul on Noxolo Cesane.

Motlhalo stepped up and slotted home coolly to the bottom right corner, giving South Africa the advantage their early pressure deserved.

Moments later, they struck again. Full-back Lebohang Ramalepe surged forward and threaded a clever pass into the path of Seoposenwe, who calmly finished low into the far corner to double the lead.

Ghana, making their return to WAFCON after missing the last edition, struggled to match the pace and organisation of their more experienced opponents.

While they grew into the contest in the second half, they were wasteful in front of goal, with both Evelyn Badu and Alice Kusi hitting the crossbar.

Despite several promising spells of pressure after the break, the Black Queens were repeatedly denied by South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, who made key saves to preserve the clean sheet.

South Africa managed the game well in the closing stages, introducing fresh legs through Hildah Magaia and Ronnel Donnelly to control possession and absorb Ghana’s late push.

The result extends Banyana Banyana’s impressive record in opening WAFCON matches, having now won their last three tournament openers, including previous wins over Nigeria in 2018 and 2022.

Ghana, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly if they are to progress from a tricky Group C that also includes Mali and Tanzania.

The post WAFCON 2024: South Africa begin title defence with confident win over Ghana appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

Click on the countries below to see the rosters:

Group A: Japan, Spain, Argentina, Finland
Group B: Italy, Mexico, Mali, New Zealand
Group C: Puerto Rico, Australia, USA, Croatia
Group D: Chinese Taipei, Canada, Egypt, France

The 16 teams are broken down into four groups of four with each country playing the others in a round-robin format. The Group Phase will begin on July 13 and conclude on July 16. All four teams in each group advance to the Round of 16, which will take place on July 17.

The teams from Groups A and B will cross over and face each other in the first round of the Knockout Phase (1stA-4thB, 2ndA-3rdB, 3rdA-2ndB, 4thA-1stB) and the same taking place for Group C and D (1stC-4thD, 2ndC-3rdD, 3rdC-2ndD, 4thC-1stD). The Quarter-Finals will be played on July 19 with the Semi-Finals following on July 20 and the Final, 3rd Place Game and other placement games on July 21.

All games can be watched on YouTube.com/FIBA. The Final Phase of the competition, starting with the Semi-Finals, the 3rd Place Game and the Final, as well as extended highlights for those games, will also be available on Courtside 1891 and you can register here.

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