Latest news with #Chukwu
Kuwait Times
05-08-2025
- Sport
- Kuwait Times
Nigerian sportswomen dominate, shine abroad
ABUJA: As Nigerian women dominate sports on the continent, they're facing off not just against top talent abroad but a domestic atmosphere of mismanagement and pay disparities - and even the risk of repression for speaking out. Nigeria is fresh off a win at the finals of Women's AfroBasket, their fifth-consecutive championship at the continent's top hardwood tournament, while last month the Super Falcons clinched their 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations football title. The football team's successes in particular have come in the face of pay disparities compared to their male counterparts - when they get paid at all. The women receive a training camp allowance but the bulk of their pay comes from per-match bonuses, which vary depending on the team's results. Both the women's basketball and football teams have been plagued by late or unpaid match bonuses for years, despite their records as arguably the best teams on the continent. But when the Super Falcons landed in Abuja after their 3-2 WAFCON victory over host Morocco last month, none of the players answered questions shouted by an AFP reporter in the press scrum about whether they would ask the president, who was welcoming them at his villa, about being paid the same as the men's team. Nigerian journalists on the scene said the question was useless: it was far too politically charged. 'If you speak up against what's going on, you completely lose the possibility of getting what you're entitled to, you could actually be blacklisted,' Solace Chukwu, senior editor at Afrik-Foot Nigeria, later told AFP. Strikes over late payments Not that there aren't clashes: in 2021, basketballers called out the authorities when they topped Africa, protesting against unpaid match bonuses. The Nigeria Basketball Federation at the time denied any wrongdoing, blaming the issue on clerical errors. Like the basketball team, the women's football team has found remarkable success, stemming in part from the country's population of more than 200 million - the largest on the continent, complemented by a widespread diaspora. They also benefited from early investments in women's football at a time when other African countries focused on men's teams, Chukwu said, helping the Super Falcons win the first seven editions of the WAFCON, from 1991 to 2006. Yet they only played a handful of test matches before they landed in Morocco for this year's competition, cobbled together at the last second. The Super Falcons haven't been completely silent in the face of mismanagement and disinterest from authorities. But rocking the boat too much appears to come with a cost. 'Players who lead or dare to protest... always risk not being invited or sidelined outrightly,' said Harrison Jalla, a players' union official. After Super Falcons captain Desire Oparanozie - now a commentator - led protests over unpaid wages at the 2019 Women's World Cup, she was stripped of her captaincy and was not called up for the 2022 tournament. Former men's coach Sunday Oliseh - who himself was let go from the national squad amid protests over backpay in the early 2000s - called the situation a case of 'criminal' retaliation. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) at the time denied that it dropped Oparanozie over the protests. The NFF and the Super Falcons did not respond to an AFP request for comment on the allegations that players are afraid to speak out. 'Sky is the limit' Players still have hopes for women's sports to expand. 'I think the sky is the limit,' Nigerian point guard Promise Amukamara told AFP in Abuja, fresh off her AfroBasket win. 'Obviously, more facilities should be built around Nigeria. I feel like maybe, one year we should host the AfroBasket.' Aisha Falode, an NFF official, meanwhile, called on the government to 'invest in the facilities, invest in the leagues and the players, because the women's game can no longer be taken lightly'. Despite the challenges, women's sports are still finding a foothold among younger fans. Justina Oche, 16, a player at a football academy in Abuja, told AFP that the exploits of the team inspired her to pursue a career in the sport. 'They say what a man can do, a woman can do even better,' said the youngster, whose role model is six-time African Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala. 'The Super Falcons have again proved this.' - AFP
eNCA
05-08-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
Hobbled at home, Nigerian sportswomen dominate abroad
As Nigerian women dominate sports on the continent, they're facing off not just against top talent abroad but a domestic atmosphere of mismanagement and pay disparities -- and even the risk of repression for speaking out. Nigeria is fresh off a win at the finals of Women's AfroBasket, their fifth-consecutive championship at the continent's top hardwood tournament, while last month the Super Falcons clinched their 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations football title. The football team's successes in particular have come in the face of pay disparities compared to their male counterparts -- when they get paid at all. The women receive a training camp allowance but the bulk of their pay comes from per-match bonuses, which vary depending on the team's results. Both the women's basketball and football teams have been plagued by late or unpaid match bonuses for years, despite their records as arguably the best teams on the continent. But when the Super Falcons landed in Abuja after their 3-2 WAFCON victory over host Morocco last month, none of the players answered questions shouted by an AFP reporter in the press scrum about whether they would ask the president, who was welcoming them at his villa, about being paid the same as the men's team. Nigerian journalists on the scene said the question was useless: it was far too politically charged. "If you speak up against what's going on, you completely lose the possibility of getting what you're entitled to, you could actually be blacklisted," Solace Chukwu, senior editor at Afrik-Foot Nigeria, later told AFP. - Strikes over late payments - Not that there aren't clashes: in 2021, basketballers called out the authorities when they topped Africa, protesting against unpaid match bonuses. The Nigeria Basketball Federation at the time denied any wrongdoing, blaming the issue on clerical errors. Like the basketball team, the women's football team has found remarkable success, stemming in part from the country's population of more than 200 million -- the largest on the continent, complemented by a widespread diaspora. They also benefited from early investments in women's football at a time when other African countries focused on men's teams, Chukwu said, helping the Super Falcons win the first seven editions of the WAFCON, from 1991 to 2006. Yet they only played a handful of test matches before they landed in Morocco for this year's competition, cobbled together at the last second. The Super Falcons haven't been completely silent in the face of mismanagement and disinterest from authorities. But rocking the boat too much appears to come with a cost. "Players who lead or dare to protest... always risk not being invited or sidelined outrightly," said Harrison Jalla, a players' union official. After Super Falcons captain Desire Oparanozie -- now a commentator -- led protests over unpaid wages at the 2019 Women's World Cup, she was stripped of her captaincy and was not called up for the 2022 tournament. Former men's coach Sunday Oliseh -- who himself was let go from the national squad amid protests over backpay in the early 2000s -- called the situation a case of "criminal" retaliation. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) at the time denied that it dropped Oparanozie over the protests. The NFF and the Super Falcons did not respond to an AFP request for comment on the allegations that players are afraid to speak out. - 'Sky is the limit' - Players still have hopes for women's sports to expand. "I think the sky is the limit," Nigerian point guard Promise Amukamara told AFP in Abuja, fresh off her AfroBasket win. "Obviously, more facilities should be built around Nigeria. I feel like maybe, one year we should host the AfroBasket." Aisha Falode, an NFF official, meanwhile, called on the government to "invest in the facilities, invest in the leagues and the players, because the women's game can no longer be taken lightly". Despite the challenges, women's sports are still finding a foothold among younger fans. Justina Oche, 16, a player at a football academy in Abuja, told AFP that the exploits of the team inspired her to pursue a career in the sport. "They say what a man can do, a woman can do even better," said the youngster, whose role model is six-time African Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala. "The Super Falcons have again proved this." By Samm Audu And Nicholas Roll
France 24
05-08-2025
- Sport
- France 24
Hobbled at home, Nigerian sportswomen dominate abroad
Nigeria is fresh off a win at the finals of Women's AfroBasket, their fifth-consecutive championship at the continent's top hardwood tournament, while last month the Super Falcons clinched their 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations football title. The football team's successes in particular have come in the face of pay disparities compared to their male counterparts -- when they get paid at all. The women receive a training camp allowance but the bulk of their pay comes from per-match bonuses, which vary depending on the team's results. Both the women's basketball and football teams have been plagued by late or unpaid match bonuses for years, despite their records as arguably the best teams on the continent. But when the Super Falcons landed in Abuja after their 3-2 WAFCON victory over host Morocco last month, none of the players answered questions shouted by an AFP reporter in the press scrum about whether they would ask the president, who was welcoming them at his villa, about being paid the same as the men's team. Nigerian journalists on the scene said the question was useless: it was far too politically charged. "If you speak up against what's going on, you completely lose the possibility of getting what you're entitled to, you could actually be blacklisted," Solace Chukwu, senior editor at Afrik-Foot Nigeria, later told AFP. Strikes over late payments Not that there aren't clashes: in 2021, basketballers called out the authorities when they topped Africa, protesting against unpaid match bonuses. The Nigeria Basketball Federation at the time denied any wrongdoing, blaming the issue on clerical errors. Like the basketball team, the women's football team has found remarkable success, stemming in part from the country's population of more than 200 million -- the largest on the continent, complemented by a widespread diaspora. They also benefited from early investments in women's football at a time when other African countries focused on men's teams, Chukwu said, helping the Super Falcons win the first seven editions of the WAFCON, from 1991 to 2006. Yet they only played a handful of test matches before they landed in Morocco for this year's competition, cobbled together at the last second. The Super Falcons haven't been completely silent in the face of mismanagement and disinterest from authorities. But rocking the boat too much appears to come with a cost. "Players who lead or dare to protest... always risk not being invited or sidelined outrightly," said Harrison Jalla, a players' union official. After Super Falcons captain Desire Oparanozie -- now a commentator -- led protests over unpaid wages at the 2019 Women's World Cup, she was stripped of her captaincy and was not called up for the 2022 tournament. Former men's coach Sunday Oliseh -- who himself was let go from the national squad amid protests over backpay in the early 2000s -- called the situation a case of "criminal" retaliation. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) at the time denied that it dropped Oparanozie over the protests. The NFF and the Super Falcons did not respond to an AFP request for comment on the allegations that players are afraid to speak out. 'Sky is the limit' Players still have hopes for women's sports to expand. "I think the sky is the limit," Nigerian point guard Promise Amukamara told AFP in Abuja, fresh off her AfroBasket win. "Obviously, more facilities should be built around Nigeria. I feel like maybe, one year we should host the AfroBasket." Aisha Falode, an NFF official, meanwhile, called on the government to "invest in the facilities, invest in the leagues and the players, because the women's game can no longer be taken lightly". Despite the challenges, women's sports are still finding a foothold among younger fans. Justina Oche, 16, a player at a football academy in Abuja, told AFP that the exploits of the team inspired her to pursue a career in the sport. "They say what a man can do, a woman can do even better," said the youngster, whose role model is six-time African Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala.
Winnipeg Free Press
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Teenage forward Annabelle Chukwu already turning heads with Canada and Notre Dame
Just 18, Annabelle Chukwu is already turning heads The young forward has a Canadian record 39 goals in 42 international youth-level appearances, surpassing the previous Canadian youth record of 27 goals (set by former Canada captain Christine Sinclair) in September at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia. Sinclair scored her 27 goals in 19 youth international matches from the U-19 to U-21 levels from 2001 to 2002. On Friday, Chukwu made her senior debut off the bench in the 64th minute of Canada's 4-1 win over Costa Rica at Toronto's BMO Field and quickly made her presence felt. In the 74th minute, she rose above a Costa Rican defender at the far post to head a Jade Rose cross into the path of Vancouver Rise forward Holly Ward, who roofed a right-footed shot for a 2-1 lead. Canada coach Casey Stoney calls Chukwu 'incredibly technically gifted' and a striker who is 'unplayable at times.' 'Talent like that is quite rare,' she added. The current call-up is her third from the senior side. 'Every single time, I never know what to expect but I'm just grateful for the opportunity and grateful to learn, develop and grow. Be surrounded by players that I look up to,' said the soft-spoken Chukwu. Stoney likes what she sees. 'Annabelle's been great. She's a very exciting young player,' said the former England captain. 'She's definitely like a rare talent and I think has just got a real special quality. If you're a fan, you'd pay to come and watch her play.' Canada defender Jade Rose, a Harvard grad who just signed with England's Manchester City, says Chukwu is a handful. 'She is an incredibly skilful player,' said Rose. 'She is one of those players that surprisingly speeds up when they have the ball at their feet. She can hit some crazy stepovers. 'She is honestly an up-and-coming talent and I'm so grateful to have her in this environment. Not only to challenge me but I'm happy that she's on our team and not anyone else's.' Chukwu, whose twin sister Isabelle has also represented Canada at the under-15 and under-17 level, has been a force at youth level. On June 6, she led Canada to the CONCACAF Women's Under-20 Championship in Costa Rica, scoring the winning goal in the 122nd minute in a 3-2 win over Mexico after extra time. Chukwu beat two defenders at the byline and then, from an almost impossible angle, roofed the winner as the clock counted down in stoppage time. It was the fifth goal of the tournament for Chukwu, who plays collegiate soccer at Notre Dame. Chukwu, who turned 18 in February, is quick to deflect praise on the U-20 triumph. 'Credit to the team. I think we stuck together throughout the whole tournament. We learned, we grew from Game 1 to the end. It was a team effort,' she said.' Chukwu was named to the All-Atlantic Coast Conference third team and ACC All-Freshman team in 2024 with Notre Dame despite missing six games due to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia. She scored three goals and added two assists in 16 appearances for the Irish, including 12 starts. 'I love the school. I love the coaches, the team, the playing style,' she said. 'I think I've really been able to grow as a player and develop my game there. I'm excited for Year 2 Born in England, Chukwu was nine when her family moved to Ottawa for work. Both parents are of Nigerian origin, although her mother was born in England. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. As such, she also has British and Nigerian citizenship. She talked briefly with English soccer officials but says playing for Canada 'just felt right,' given that's where she started playing the game at age 10. Eight years on, she is trying to stay in the moment when it comes to soccer. 'I'm really not someone who looks too far ahead, but I'd love to play professionally. I'll see where the game takes me … I'm pretty happy being at school, but I'm not sure what the future holds. I'm open.' —- This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 30, 2025
Winnipeg Free Press
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Annabelle Chukwu, a prolific scorer at youth level, called up by Canada senior side
Canada coach Casey Stoney has called up teenage forward Annabelle Chukwu, who has scored a Canadian record 39 goals in 42 international youth-level appearances, for games against Costa Rica and the U.S. in the upcoming FIFA international window. The eighth-ranked Canadian women host No. 43 Costa Rica on June 27 in a special Pride Celebration game at Toronto's BMO Field before heading south to face the top-ranked U.S. on July 2 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. 'This (international) window is an important step forward for our group as we continue building toward our goals,' Stoney said in a statement. 'Playing at home, especially during Pride Month, means a great deal to this team and gives us an incredible opportunity to connect with more of our fans and honour the values that matter most to us. 'Facing Costa Rica will be a true measure of our progress, and immediately after, we step up to a world-class challenge against the world's top-ranked team, the U.S.A., which is exactly where we want to be.' Chukwu, a freshman at Notre Dame, was called up twice before by former Canada coach Bev Priestman but has yet to win a senior cap. The 18-year-old, who was born in England but grew up in Ottawa, has been a force at the youth level. Chukwu's highlight-reel goal in the 122nd minute lifted Canada to a 3-2 win over Mexico in the championship game at the CONCACAF Women's Under-20 Championship earlier this month in Costa Rica. She surpassed the previous Canadian youth scoring record of 27 goals, set by former Canada captain Christine Sinclair, in September at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia Stoney's 23-woman roster includes two Northern Super League players in AFC Toronto's Emma Regan and Vancouver Rise FC's Holly Ward. Other collegiate players are Harvard's Jade Rose and Michigan State's Kayla Briggs. In all, there are eight players aged 24 or younger. Veterans include captain Jessie Fleming, Vanessa Gilles, Julia Grosso, Jordyn Huitema, Ashley Lawrence, Adriana Leon, Nichelle Prince, Kailen Sheridan, Janine Sonis and Shelina Zadorsky. Zara Chavoshi, a 22-year-old Orlando Pride defender who made her senior debut June 3 in the 3-1 win over Haiti in Montreal, gets another call-up. So does 28-year-old Montpellier defender Marie Levasseur, who ended a 33-month absence from the senior side when she earned her 11th cap in the game against Haiti. Vancouver Rise veteran midfielder Quinn, who has won 106 caps for Canada, was not selected. Canada has won all 17 previous meetings with Costa Rica, outscoring the Central Americans 53-6. But they needed a 104th-minute goal to dispatch Costa Rica 1-0 the last time they met, in March 2024 in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF W Gold Cup in Los Angeles. Canada also needed a spectacular save from Sheridan, who had been a spectator for most of the match, in second-half injury time to preserve the win. The Canadian No. 1 kicked out her right foot to deny substitute Alexa Herrera in a rare Costa Rica attack. Canada had blanked Costa Rica 3-0 in the group stage at the tournament. Canada is 4-53-9 all-time against the U.S. in a rivalry that dates back to 1986 when the Canadian women's program was established. The Canadian women have not won on American soil since Nov. 11, 2000 (a 3-1 friendly win in Columbus, Ohio). In their most recent meeting, last April at the SheBelieves Cup in Columbus, Ohio, the two teams played to a 2-2 draw before the U.S. won a penalty shootout 5-4. The Americans also won by penalty shootout in the game before that, the CONCACAF W Gold Cup semifinal in March 2024. Canada's last win over the U.S. was a 1-0 decision in the Tokyo Olympic semifinal in August 2021. That was the Americans' first loss to their northern neighbours since March 2001, in the group stage of the Algarve Cup. The Canadian women are 5-1-1 under Stoney and are coming off a pair of wins over No. 50 Haiti in the May-June international window. Unavailable due to injury are defenders Kadeisha Buchanan, Sydney Collins and Jayde Riviere, and forwards Olivia Smith and Cloé Lacasse. Canada Roster Goalkeepers: Sabrina D'Angelo, Aston Villa (England); Lysianne Proulx, Juventus (Italy); Kailen Sheridan, San Diego Wave (NWSL). Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. Defenders: Gabrielle Carle, Washington Spirit (NWSL); Zara Chavoshi, Orlando Pride (NWSL); Vanessa Gilles, Bayern Munich (Germany); Ashley Lawrence, Chelsea (England); Marie Levasseur, Montpellier HSC (France); Jade Rose, Harvard University (NCAA); Shelina Zadorsky, West Ham United (England). Midfielders: Marie-Yasmine Alidou, Portland Thorns (NWSL); Jessie Fleming, Portland Thorns FC (NWSL); Simi Awujo, Manchester United FC (England); Kayla Briggs, Michigan State University (NCAA); Julia Grosso, Chicago Red Stars (NWSL): Emma Regan, AFC Toronto (NSL). Forwards: Annabelle Chukwu, University of Notre Dame (NCAA); Jordyn Huitema, Seattle Reign (NWSL); Adriana Leon, San Diego Wave (NWSL); Nichelle Prince, Kansas City Current (NWSL); Janine Sonis, Racing Louisville (NWSL); Evelyne Viens, AS Roma (Italy); Holly Ward, Vancouver Rise FC (AFC). — This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 18, 2025
