The 21-year-old Nigerian international joins the newly promoted English Women’s Super League (WSL) side on a free transfer after leaving Portsmouth.

Erhabor made six appearances for Portsmouth last season after coming in through Brighton’s academy. She had also had loan spells at Hibernian and Plymouth Argyle where she gained valuable senior minutes and experience.

Erhabor signed a two-year contract keeping her at the South London club until June 2028. The club announced her arrival on Thursday.
“Crystal Palace Women are delighted to announce the signing of Nigeria international goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor,” the club wrote on its website.

“It feels really good to be here. I’m very excited to get started,” Erhabor told the club’s website. “I’m aspiring to play at the highest level, so this is a really big step in my career.”

Following the club announcement, Crystal Palace manager Jo Potter said, “Comfort is a promising young goalkeeper, and we are thrilled to have her here at Palace.”

The Netherlands-born and England-raised goalkeeper made her debut for the Nigerian women’s senior team in February 2026 during a friendly against Cameroon. She was also included in the Super Falcons‘ squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), although she did not get any minutes.

She becomes the latest Super Falcons player to move to join a team in England after defender Rofiat Imuran secured a transfer to Aston Villa Women for the 2026/27 season.
Erhabor will now link-up with the Crystal Palace first team and continue her senior career development.

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Super Falcons midfielder Christy Ucheibe has officially joined Saudi Women’s Premier League club Al Hilal on a two-year contract running until 2028.

Ucheibe has signed for the Riyadh-based team on a free transfer following the expiration of her contract with SL Benfica.

The Super Falcons midfielder spent six years with the Portuguese giants which during her time, she represented the team across 179 appearances, scored 11 goals, provided 11 assists, and secured 15 domestic titles, including six consecutive Liga BPI championships.

The 25-year-old won five Taça da Liga trophies, two Taça de Portugal titles, and two Supertaça crowns, playing a pivotal role in Benfica’s success before her contract ended in July 2026.

Christy Ucheibe shared an emotional farewell message to SL Benfica fans upon her departure through her Instagram account (@u.christy4).

“Parting ways with the club that will forever hold my heart isn’t easy. This isn’t goodbye, because Benfica will always be a part of me wherever life takes me. Thank you, my dearest Benfica, for every unforgettable moment, every lesson, every challenge, and every memory we created together. I hope our paths cross again someday so we can create even more beautiful memories together. Until then, thank you for everything.”

Ucheibe has also established herself as an important player for the Super Falcons and was part of the Nigeria squad that won the 2024 WAFCON title in Morocco.

She links up with her close international teammate and six-time African Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, who also features for the Blue Waves.

Al Hilal finished 6th in the expanded 10-team Saudi league last season. Ucheibe’s defensive solidity is intended to be the final puzzle piece to transform them into genuine title contenders.

Her career moves from dominating Portuguese European football to anchoring an ambitious project in the Saudi Women’s Premier League.

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Cameroon have been crowned WAFCON champions, giving Eto’o another opportunity to celebrate a major continental success involving his nation.

The Indomitable Lionesses produced a determined campaign throughout the tournament, showing character when they needed it the most. Their biggest statement came in the quarter-finals, where they eliminated defending champions Nigeria, ending the Super Falcons‘ hopes of retaining their crown.

Cameroon then faced another difficult challenge against hosts Morocco in the semi-finals. After the match remained goalless through regulation and extra time, the Lionesses held their nerve in the penalty shootout to book their place in the final and move one step closer to the trophy.

In the final, Cameroon completed the job against the chawinga sisters and Malawi, a side that had been one of the revelations of the tournament. The victory gave the Lionesses the WAFCON title and provided a major moment for women’s football in Cameroon.

For Eto’o, the achievement carries a different meaning from the trophies he won as a player. During his playing career, he was one of the faces of Cameroonian football, winning major honours and leading the national team. Now, as president of the Cameroon Football Federation, he is experiencing success from behind the scenes.

Seven years after leaving the pitch, Eto’o has returned to the podium in a different role. The celebration is no longer about his goals or performances, but about the success of a team representing the country he once carried as captain.

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The NFF Executive Committee asked members of the technical crew to step down with immediate effect, according to a statement published on the federation’s official X handle on Monday.

https://x.com/thenff/status/2089401804777779350?s=20

The decision comes after a disappointing WAFCON campaign that culminated in Nigeria’s historic failure to qualify for the Women’s World Cup for the first time.

Nigeria were beaten 2-1 by South Africa in a play-off at the WAFCON in Morocco, ending their hopes of reaching next year’s tournament in Brazil.

The setback marked a dramatic fall for the continent’s top-ranked women’s side, who had entered the competition as favourites to retain the title.

The Super Falcons, however, endured a difficult campaign from the group stage, suffering a defeat to Malawi before being eliminated by Cameroon in the quarter-finals.

With the four semi-finalists guaranteed qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, Nigeria were handed one final opportunity to keep their hopes alive through a play-off.

However, the defeat to South Africa in Casablanca ended their hopes and brought an end to Nigeria’s remarkable record of appearing at every edition of the Women’s World Cup since the inaugural tournament in China in 1991.

The failure is a major blow for a side that has dominated women’s football in Africa for decades.

The Super Falcons have won the WAFCON a record 10 times and have traditionally been regarded as the continent’s leading women’s national team.

The NFF’s decision to demand the technical crew’s departure therefore represents the first major step in what is expected to be a wider overhaul of the national team following the disappointing campaign.

The federation had already inaugurated a fact-finding committee to investigate the factors behind the recent struggles of Nigeria’s national teams, with particular attention to the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the Women’s World Cup.

The committee, chaired by Ambassador Fanny Ikhayere Amun, has been given two weeks to investigate the circumstances surrounding the setback and submit its recommendations to the NFF.

The decision to remove the technical crew comes as the federation considers a fresh technical direction for the Super Falcons and seeks to establish the reasons behind the team’s poor performance in Morocco.

The NFF is now expected to determine the next steps regarding the appointment of a new technical setup, with further details expected in the coming days.

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Malawi arrived at the tournament as debutants with limited expectations, while Cameroon entered with the experience and pedigree of a team accustomed to competing at the highest level. Now, both sides stand one victory away from making history.

For Malawi, the journey has been one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.

The Scorchers announced themselves with a stunning victory over defending champions Nigeria, immediately signalling that their presence in Morocco was about more than simply making up the numbers. The result provided the confidence that would carry them through the knockout stages.

Malawi followed that statement victory by overcoming Algeria in the semi-finals, securing a place in the final and further extending one of the most remarkable stories in the competition.

Their run has already earned the Scorchers a historic place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. A victory in the final would now take their extraordinary debut campaign to an even higher level.

Cameroon have taken a more familiar but equally demanding route.

The Lionesses reached the final after producing two significant knockout victories, first eliminating defending champions Nigeria before overcoming hosts Morocco in a dramatic semi-final.

Those results underlined Cameroon’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure when the stakes are highest.

Now, there is no room for another WAFCON comeback.

The final in Rabat presents Malawi with an opportunity to transform a remarkable debut into an unforgettable championship triumph. For Cameroon, it represents a chance to complete their return to the final by finally lifting the trophy they have long pursued.

The two sides may have taken different paths to reach this point, but they now share the same destination.

Whatever happens in the final, both teams have already changed the narrative around their place in African women’s football. Malawi have announced themselves on the continental stage, while Cameroon have once again demonstrated their ability to compete among Africa’s elite.

One match remains, One trophy awaits, And by the final whistle, one of these two nations will have a new chapter in its football history.

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The defending champions were left frustrated after conceding three goals in a contest that exposed defensive lapses despite moments of attacking quality. With the setback now behind them, the focus within the camp has shifted towards regrouping ahead of a crucial Group C encounter against Zambia‘s Copper Queens.

Forward Esther Okoronkwo admitted the result fell below the team’s expectations, taking responsibility for the defeat while insisting the players remain determined to respond positively.

“We have to learn from this performance and come back stronger in the next game,” she said after the match.

The loss represents an early setback for a side chasing another continental title, but it is one the Super Falcons will be eager to put behind them quickly. Nigeria’s rich history in women’s football has been built on resilience, with the team repeatedly responding strongly after difficult moments on the international stage.

Head coach Justine Madugu and his technical crew are expected to use the coming days to analyse Tuesday’s performance, identify areas for improvement and fine-tune the team’s tactical approach before the decisive clash with Zambia.

Particular attention is likely to be placed on improving the team’s defensive organisation after conceding three goals, while greater efficiency in front of goal and improved game management are also expected to feature prominently during training sessions.

The coaching staff will also assess the fitness of the squad as preparations intensify, with player welfare and recovery remaining a priority following the physically demanding opening fixture.

Nigeria now faces a pivotal encounter against the Copper Queens, knowing a positive result will significantly strengthen its hopes of progressing beyond the group stage and keeping its title defence on course.

For the Super Falcons, the challenge is clear. The opening defeat may have dented confidence, but it has not diminished their ambition. The response they produce against Zambia could define the direction of their campaign.

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The tightly contested encounter at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca saw Nigeria dominate possession and create the bulk of the chances, but Algeria’s defensive organisation and goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi’s heroics ensured the spoils were shared.

With Botswana beating Tunisia 2-1 in the group’s other match, Algeria’s hard-earned point was enough to see them finish second in Group B with five points, behind Nigeria who topped the group with seven.

The Super Falcons, already assured of qualification, made several changes to their starting line-up but still threatened throughout the match. Francisca Ordega, Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo all came close, but Algeria stood firm.

N’Gazi was particularly impressive in the closing stages, saving Okoronkwo’s powerful header in stoppage time to preserve her clean sheet.

Nigeria, who had scored four goals and conceded none before this match, were left frustrated despite their dominance.

Coach Justin Madugu saw the result as a valuable lesson: “Every match gives us something new. We rotated the squad, maintained a clean sheet, and learned to grind out results when the goals don’t come.”

Algeria coach Farid Benstiti praised his team’s resilience and discipline: “We knew it would take a perfect defensive game to hold Nigeria. I’m proud of the girls – they showed heart and tactical maturity.”

The result means Nigeria will face the runners-up from Group A, while Algeria prepare for a historic knockout stage appearance in a tournament they entered as underdogs.

Algeria’s journey continues, and while the task ahead will be difficult, they’ve already shown they can stand tall against the giants.

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Despite the late heroics from Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse, the Mares’ hopes of a top-two finish were dashed as Nigeria and Algeria played out a goalless draw in the group’s other game, ensuring both advanced.

With both Botswana and Tunisia knowing only a win could offer any hope of reaching the last eight, the game at Stade Père Jégo began with urgency.

Tunisia broke the deadlock early through Yesmin Khanchouch, who capitalised on a loose ball in the box to finish calmly and hand the Carthage Eagles a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute — their first goal of the tournament.

Botswana responded with sustained pressure in the second half, and their efforts were rewarded when Lesego Radiakanyo drilled home the equaliser from close range in the 66th minute following a neat layoff from Mokgabo Thanda.

The final stages were frantic as both sides chased a decisive goal. Tunisia pushed forward in numbers, with Sabrine Ellouzi and Samia Aouni both testing goalkeeper Sedilame Boseja, who stood firm throughout.

At the other end, Refilwe Tholakele’s pace on the break caused problems for the North Africans.

As the match ticked into stoppage time, Botswana snatched the winner in the 95th minute. Tholakele surged down the right and whipped in a dangerous cross that Ontlametse met with precision, steering the ball past Soulayma Jebrani and sparking wild celebrations on the Botswana bench.

However, the joy was short-lived. With Nigeria and Algeria sharing the spoils in a 0-0 draw, Botswana’s tally of three points proved insufficient to break into the top two, leaving them third in Group B and have to wait to see if they have secured one of the best third placed teams.

Tunisia, who ended bottom of the group with just a solitary point, exit the competition without a win, continuing their struggle to make a lasting impact on the continental stage.

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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.

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In a clash that pitted two familiar North African neighbours against each other, the much-anticipated Maghreb derby at Stade Père Jégo offered intensity and grit but ultimately lacked the cutting edge, as neither side managed to break the deadlock.

Tunisia, who came into the match desperate to respond after a humbling 3-0 defeat to Nigeria in their opener, showed far more discipline and attacking intent than in their previous outing.

Yet despite their renewed purpose, they failed to convert promising opportunities into goals, extending their scoreless run at WAFCON finals to five consecutive matches.

The Carthage Eagles came closest in the first half when Sana Guermazi forced a fingertip save from Algerian goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi following a flowing team move.

 Moments later, Myriam Bayahia saw her close-range header blocked inside a crowded box, reflecting Tunisia’s inability to turn pressure into tangible results.

Algeria, fresh from a morale-boosting win over Botswana, dominated long spells of possession and carved out clearer chances in the second half.

Marine Dafeur and Lina Boussaha were both denied by Tunisian goalkeeper Soulayma Jebrani, who delivered a commanding performance between the posts.

Coach Farid Benstiti’s side looked the more composed of the two, but the final ball often lacked precision. Inès Boutaleb and Amira Ould Braham found space in the final third yet struggled to capitalise on it, with Tunisia’s backline standing firm.

Late efforts from Mélinne D’Oria and Ghoutia Karchouni were comfortably handled by Jebrani, and Tunisia’s last-ditch attacking efforts — including a speculative 35-yard free-kick from Samia Aouni — failed to threaten the Algerian goal.

Algeria move to four points and remain unbeaten in the group, placing them in a favourable position ahead of their final group clash with Nigeria.

Tunisia, on one point, now face Botswana in a must-win encounter if they are to keep alive their hopes of a historic first quarter-final appearance.

While the match lacked goals, it was a compelling tactical battle—one shaped by mutual respect, historic familiarity, and high stakes. The point may yet prove valuable, but for Tunisia, the wait for a WAFCON goal and redemption goes on.

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