Eguavoen, who will oversee the team as the search for a substantive head coach continues, brings considerable international experience to the assignment.

The 61-year-old tactician led the Super Eagles to a bronze medal at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt and has managed Nigeria at the highest level.

According to the NFF, he will be assisted by Christopher Danjuma, head coach of Nigeria Women’s Football League side Nasarawa Amazons.

Danjuma has extensive experience with Nigeria’s women’s national teams, having previously led the Falconets at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper trainer Olatunji Baruwa will serve as goalkeeper trainer. He has also worked with several of Nigeria’s national teams, including the CHAN Eagles, Flying Eagles and Golden Eaglets.

Former Super Falcons defender Ayisat Yusuf, who has since moved into coaching, will also join the technical crew as an assistant coach.

Yusuf won 68 international caps for Nigeria and represented the country at four Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, three FIFA Women’s World Cups and the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

Madugu sacked after historic World Cup failure

Madugu’s dismissal came just over a year after he led the Super Falcons to a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.

He initially took charge on an interim basis in September 2024 following the resignation of American coach Randy Waldrum, before being handed the substantive role.

However, Nigeria’s fortunes deteriorated at the 2026 WAFCON, where the defending champions failed to reach the semi-finals and subsequently lost 2-1 to South Africa in the play-off.

The defeat ended the Super Falcons’ record of appearing at every edition of the Women’s World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1991.

The NFF has also launched a fact-finding committee to investigate the national team’s recent performances, with particular focus on the Super Falcons’ unexpected failure to qualify for the World Cup.

Then NFF president Ibrahim Gusau inaugurated the committee and gave it two weeks to investigate the direct and remote causes of the poor results and submit its report.

Super Falcons begin Olympic quest

The 10-time African champions will begin their Olympic qualifying campaign in the second round against Comoros, with both legs scheduled for Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on October 9 and 13, 2026.

Nigeria received a bye into the second round as one of the three highest-ranked teams in the qualifying competition, while Comoros advanced after defeating Sudan 30-0 on aggregate.

The Super Falcons must navigate four rounds of two-legged knockout ties to claim one of Africa’s two available places at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Should Nigeria eliminate Comoros, they will advance to the third round, scheduled for February 23 to March 6, 2027, where they will face either the Democratic Republic of Congo or Morocco.

A place in the fourth round would set up a tie against one of Tunisia, Senegal, Benin Republic or Mali between October 4 and 12, 2027.

The final round of qualifying is scheduled for November 23 to December 4, 2027, with Nigeria potentially facing one of Guinea, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Central African Republic, Algeria or Burkina Faso.

The post Eguavoen handed Super Falcons coaching job for 2028 Olympic qualifiers appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

The Falconets of Nigeria arrived in Poland on Tuesday, August 25, for their U-20 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign.

1. Despite the visa issues encountered by Team Captain Joy Igbokwe, Sandra John, and Faridat Abdulwahab, the team travelled to Poland to prepare for their opening game of the tournament.

The two-time FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup silver-medallists held their first training session in Poland today ahead of their pre-tournament test friendlies against the hosts, Poland, and South Korea.
The training session was held at the Stadion Miejski Fair Play Arena in Trzebnica, Poland.
The session is focused on tactical organization, physical fitness, and team cohesion as they prepare for the global tournament.

The match against the tournament hosts, Poland, will be held on Friday, August 28, at the Municipal Stadium in Brzeg at 12 pm local time. The Falconets will later face South Korea on Tuesday, September 1, at the Remes Resort & Spa Football Stadium, with kick-off at 4 pm, in the final preparatory match.

The matches will provide opportunities for the players to acclimatise further to the conditions in Poland, test themselves against different styles of play, sharpen their tactical understanding and gain experience against quality opposition on the world stage.

It was officially revealed today through the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) website that the players who were unable to travel with the squad to Poland for the tournament have been replaced. Team Captain Joy Igbokwe and defender Faridat Abdulwahab, who failed to secure visas in time, have been dropped and replaced in the squad.

Igbokwe, the Nasarawa Amazons midfielder, has been replaced by Vivian Kachi and Abdulwahab has been replaced by Alaba Olabiyi in the 21-player travelling squad. Sandra John will also not be joining the squad in Poland.

Head Coach Moses Aduku and his technical crew have continued to demand maximum commitment from the players as the team fine-tunes its approach ahead of the tournament.

The Falconets will compete in a stacked Group F against Spain on Monday, September 7, and then China PR on Thursday, September 10. They will face New Caledonia in the final group stage match on Sunday, September 13.

Nigeria will be aiming to go a step further in Poland and secure the country’s first-ever FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup title.

The post FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup: Falconets Begin Poland Preparations as Visa Issues Force Squad Changes appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

Having extended her contract with the Adeje Egatesa Club for three years in September 2024, Monday has not looked back, hitting double digits for the season and scoring in five Liga F games in a row since the beginning of 2025.

The Nigerian forward is arguably the most in-form player in the league, with six goals already in this calendar year. Only Barcelona’s Ewa Pajor, with 15 league goals (1229 minutes played), and Granada’s Nigerian striker Edna Imade, with 12 goals (1545 minutes), have scored more Liga F goals than Monday, who has 10 goals in 1379 minutes.

Gift Monday en sus últimos 5 partidos de #LigaF:

𝐉𝟏𝟒
𝐉𝟏𝟓
𝐉𝟏𝟔
𝐉𝟏𝟕
𝐉𝟏𝟖 pic.twitter.com/2AI4RHRO10

— Liga F (@LigaF_oficial) February 9, 2025

“I feel like the best player in the world at the moment, and I’m thankful to my teammates and coaches for their support, which has helped me perform at my best,” Monday said after scoring a late winner away at Valencia Fem on 9 February this year.

At Tenerife, Monday is not only a ‘ruthless gift’ of a finisher and a willing creator for others but also a superb team player with a tireless desire for off-the-ball work.

She was recently nominated for the Liga F Player of the Month award for February and January 2025 and had also been nominated for November 2024, while scooping two Chafiras Player of the Match awards.

Stand-Out Moments

Before the winter break, all of Monday’s goals were scored from headers, except for a low shot in the defeat to Barcelona during the Copa de la Reina last December. Standing tall at six feet, her aerial prowess is phenomenal. Her darting runs, timing, and leaps create nightmares for opposing defenders and goalkeepers. The technique and power she generates before steering the ball home are magnificent.

Earlier in the season, Sevilla Fem felt the full force of Monday’s skill, as she scored two brilliant headers in a 4-1 victory over the Andalucians in Adeje. She opened the scoring with a ‘textbook’ header after outmuscling the Sevilla defenders to meet an inswinger from a corner taken by Ranson Babajide.

If the first goal was stunning, the second was sensational; Monday darted toward the front post to connect with Ange’s cross with a diving header that beat the goalkeeper. It’s fair to say she is one of the best offensive headers of the ball in the women’s game.

In another memorable moment, Monday scored twice in Tenerife’s first game of the New Year in 2025 against Deportivo Abanca Fem, contributing to a 5-1 thrashing along the South Coast.

Performance Insights

Some of Monday’s goals in the 2024/25 season have been undeniably spectacular. According to fans who attend games at Egatesa or away from home, her energy and tenacity are what make her such a popular figure among fans and teammates.

Simply put, it’s her willingness to run herself into the ground to help her colleagues. This may not always result in beautiful goals, but it is critical to the foundation of UD Tenerife’s success, orchestrated by coach Eder Maestre.

Currently standing in sixth position on the Liga F table, UD Tenerife will welcome Levante Baladona to Adeje on 2 March, hoping that their “gift” keeps giving.

Did You Know?

• Monday Gift scored an impressive 12 goals in just five matches during the 2021/2022 NWFL Premiership Super League for Bayelsa Queens.
• She netted a brace in the final playoff game against Nasarawa Amazons, with her first goal coming in just 25 seconds, making it the fastest goal in the 2021/2022 NWFL Premiership Super League.

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Three teams—Edo Queens, Rivers Angels, and Bayelsa Queens—remain in contention for the title following the outcomes of Matchday Four at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State capital, on Friday.

Bayelsa Queens 0-0 Heartland Queens

Hosts Bayelsa Queens experienced a setback in their title ambitions after a goalless draw with Heartland Queens, mirroring their last two league encounters from the 2022/2023 season.

In the 23rd minute, Mercy Omokwo almost celebrated a goal, but it was ruled out for offside. Just three minutes later, Heartland’s Uchenna Chukwu made a point-blank save to deny Sakirat Moshood.

Chukwu also thwarted Zainab Olopade’s free-kick attempt in the 43rd minute. The match ended in a stalemate as neither team could break the deadlock for the third consecutive head-to-head game.

As a result, the final Matchday will be crucial, with Bayelsa Queens facing Edo Queens in a potentially decisive winner-take-all duel, depending on the outcome of Rivers Angels’ match against Heartland Queens.

Rivers Angels 2-0 Confluence Queens

Rivers Angels secured their second win of the Super Six with a 2-0 victory over Confluence Queens, thanks to a second-half brace by Chiamaka Okwuchukwu.

In the first half, Confluence Queens survived a goal-mouth scramble from Ogbonda Whyte’s side around the 30-minute mark.

Lokoja-based goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu put up a strong performance, rebuffing Rivers’ attempts until the 68th minute, when Rivers broke the deadlock off a rebound.

Okwuchukwu then doubled the lead in the 89th minute, giving Rivers a two-goal cushion ahead of their final match against Heartland Queens.

Edo Queens 1-0 Nasarawa Amazons

The third match between Edo Queens and Nasarawa Amazons was a closely contested affair. Moses Aduku‘s side managed to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory, moving to the top of the table with nine points.

Edo Queens captain Suliat Abideen’s brilliance in the 81st minute secured the win for the Benin Arsenals, leaving the league title up for grabs among the top three teams.

Edo Queens now lead with nine points, followed closely by Rivers Angels and Bayelsa Queens, each with eight points. Confluence Queens (3 points), Heartland Queens (2 points), and Nasarawa Amazons (2 points) complete the standings.

MATCHDAY 4⃣ RESULTS

Friday, 24 May

Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa #NWFL24| #NWFLPremiershipSuper6|#WomenFootballRising| pic.twitter.com/V33yyit9dO

— NWFL (@TheNWFL) May 24, 2024

Stakes for the Final Matchday

On Sunday, a win for Edo Queens over Bayelsa Queens would secure the title for Aduku, marking his second Nigerian league championship with a second team.

Conversely, a win for Bayelsa Queens could seal the title, depending on the outcome of Rivers Angels’ match against Heartland Queens, which might ultimately be decided by goals scored and goal differentials.

The post Day 4 Review: Bayelsa Queens stumble, Edo Queens seize top spot in NWFL Super Six appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

The Lagos-based side emerged triumphant with a 2-0 victory over Ratels at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Wednesday, 22 November 2023.

Delight Isaac scored in each halves, with Solaty making her NWFL debut, contributing significantly to Dannaz Ladies’ success in the elite league.

Solaty effectively controlled the game, posing a formidable challenge for the team led by Super Falcons captain, Onome Ebi.

In the aftermath of the victory, Solaty expressed her satisfaction and emphasized that it serves as a motivational catalyst for her and the team.

“I’m very happy about it, and it’s a wake-up call for us because I believe we can do better than that. We still have big matches ahead of us, so we have to keep working hard and not allow the win to get to our heads,” she said.

Reflecting on playing against the Super Falcons Captain, Solaty praised Ebi’s veteran leadership skills.

“It was a great honor playing against her. Her dedication to the team is what we young and upcoming players are looking up to.”

Looking ahead, Dannaz Ladies are set to host Nasarawa Amazons on Matchday three, building on the momentum from their historic NWFL victory.

The post Fatimoh Solaty: The unstoppable force behind Dannaz Ladies’ historic NWFL win appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

The roster, made available to Made In Africa Sport by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), includes a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, with the hope of securing a spot in the prestigious tournament in Colombia.

Among the 30 Falconets called up are goalkeepers Faith Omilana and Linda Jiwuaku, defenders Jumoke Alani and Tumininu Adeshina, midfielders Taiwo Afolabi, Chinyere Kalu, and Chidera Okenwa, as well as forwards Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, Yina Adoo, and Opeyemi Ajakaye.

Nigeria’s journey to the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup took an unexpected turn when Mauritius withdrew from the second-round match, granting the 2022 World Cup quarter-finalists a bye to the third round. In this round, they will face Tanzania, with the first leg scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam between the 10th and 12th of November and the return leg set for Abuja between the 17th and 19th of November.

Coach Danjuma has chosen a few players from his World Cup quarter-finalist squad in Costa Rica from the previous year. He has also included several promising talents from the Flamingos squad that secured bronze medals at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in India.

The selected players have been instructed to report to the Chida Hotel in Utako, Abuja on Sunday, 22nd October.

FIFA has made significant changes to the upcoming FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, expanding the number of finalists to 24, up from the previous 16 that participated in Costa Rica. This also means that Africa will have four representatives. Following the Tanzania fixture, the Falconets will have one more round to navigate before potentially qualifying for the tournament in Colombia in September 2024.

List of Invited Players

Goalkeepers:

• Linda Jiwuaku (Bayelsa Queens)
• Faith Omilana (Naija Ratels)
• Anderlin Mgbechi (Delta Queens)
• Shukurat Bakare (Nasarawa Amazons)

Defenders:

• Jumoke Alani (Edo Queens)
• Oluwabunmi Semilore (Naija Ratels)
• Oluchi Ohaegbunam (Nasarawa Amazons)
• Tumininu Adeshina (Naija Ratels)
• Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens)
• Comfort Folorunsho (Edo Queens)
• Monica Elejo (Nasarawa Amazons)
• Alake Kasali (Bayelsa Queens)

Midfielders:

• Taiwo Afolabi (Delta Queens)
• Chinyere Kalu (Nasarawa Amazons)
• Vera Samuel (Delta Queens)
• Shukurat Sobowale (Nasarawa Amazons)
• Esther Inyang (Delta Queens)
• Aminat Folorunsho (Rivers Angels)
• Gloria Evans (FCT Academy)
• Chidera Okenwa (Delta Queens)

Forwards:

• Chiamaka Okwuchukwu (Rivers Angels)
• Chinasa Ogor (Delta Queens)
• Opeyemi Ajakaye (FC Robo Queens)
• Adaobi Okoh (Remo Stars Ladies)
• Chioma Olise (Edo Queens)
• Chisom China (Bayelsa Queens)
• Lydia Joshua (Heartland Queens)
• Delight Isaac (Dannaz Ladies)
• Jenat Akekoromowei (Asisat Oshoala Academy)
• Yina Adoo (Nasarawa Amazons)

The post FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup: Danjuma invites 30 players as Nigeria gear up for Tanzania qualifiers appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

The AGA, attended by 22 club representatives, witnessed several resolutions that promise to reshape women’s football in Nigeria.

In a groundbreaking move, the NWFL AGA approved the expansion of the NWFL Premiership from 14 to 16 teams and the NWFL Championship from 12 to 20 teams. Additionally, the Nationwide League will undergo restructuring into State Leagues, providing more opportunities for women’s football development.

The Congress confirmed the promotion of Dannaz Ladies, Sunshine Queens, Lakeside Queens (Remo Stars Ladies), and Ekiti Queens to the NWFL Premiership from the Championship. Simultaneously, Ibom Angels and Osun Babes were relegated to the NWFL Championship.

The AGA announced Wednesday, 15 November, 2023, as the kick-off date for the 2023/2024 NWFL Premiership season, adopting a two-group format for the season, with Group A and Group B.

Naija Ratels, Nasarawa Amazons, Confluence Queens, Abia Angels, Heartland Queens, Dannaz Ladies, Royal Queens, and Adamawa Queens makes up Group A while Remo Stars Ladies, Rivers Angels, Delta Queens, Sunshine Queens, Robo Queens, Edo Queens, Ekiti Queens, and Bayelsa Queens are in Group B.

Week one fixtures:

– Naija Ratels vs Nasarawa Amazons

– Confluence Queens vs Dannaz Ladies

– Abia Angels vs Adamawa Queens

– Heartland Queens vs Royal Queens

– Remo Stars Ladies vs Rivers Angels

– Ekiti Queens vs Delta Queens

– Sunshine Queens vs Bayelsa Queens

– Edo Queens vs Robo Queens

Ekiti Queens vs. Delta Queens was declared the Star Match of the opening day of the NWFL Premiership season, scheduled to take place at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium on Wednesday, 15 November, 2023.

The NWFL AGA emphasized the importance of maintaining high stadium standards. Only stadiums that meet the required NWFL stadium facilities criteria will be approved for the 2023/2024 Premiership season, ensuring players’ safety and match quality.

They commended various marketing and fundraising initiatives, including the newly launched Women Football Rising(c) campaign by the Nigeria Women’s League board, while expressing optimism for the success of these endeavors.

The Congress extended gratitude to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the entire board for their unwavering support, particularly following the successful campaign of the Super Falcons at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2023.

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