Latest news with #Wafcon2024
BBC News
28-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Tinubu shower victorious Super Falcon players wit money, house and national awards
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu don shower di Super Falcons of Nigeria wit plenty money, houses and national honours for winning di 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations trophy. Di President receive di players and dia technical crew for di Aso Rock Presidential Villa on Monday evening. For di ceremony, di Super Falcons captain Rashedat Ajibade present di Wafcon trophy to Tinubu, and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie also present her golden glove award for di best goalkeeper of di tournament. President Tinubu narrate how e bin no wan watch di final match bicos tension bin hold am, but e praise di girls for "making Nigerians very proud". "On behalf of a grateful nation, I hereby confer di players and di 11-man technical committee wit di National honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)," Tinubu tok. "Additionally, I hereby direct di allocation of one three-bedroom apartment to each of di players and di technical crew in our Renewed Hope Housing Estate. "Lastly, I also announce di cash award of di naira equivalent of $100,000 each to di 24 players, and di equivalent of $50,000 each to di 11-man technical team." Also for di event, di Chairman of di Nigeria Guvnors Forum and di Govnor of Kwara State, Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman, also announce a donation of N10 million each to di players and dia coaching crew on behalf of di NGF.
BBC News
26-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Nigeria seal 10th Wafcon title after incredible comeback v Morocco
Update: Date: 23:23 BST Title: Post Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria The trophy goes up, the confetti flies! Nigeria are the Wafcon 2024 champions! Update: Date: 23:23 BST Title: Post Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria Rasheedat Ajibade is primed for the trophy lift, winner's medal around her neck. Update: Date: 23:22 BST Title: Post Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria Morocco are up to receive their runners-up medals after becoming the first country to lose two successive Wafcon finals. The manner in which they did so must make it even more painful, but should provide some consolation in time. They scored twice as many goals against Nigeria as the rest of the champions' opponents here put together. Jorge Vilda and his squad pose for an obligatory podium photo but it's a glum scene after another fine campaign. Update: Date: 23:16 BST Title: Captain fantastic Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria Nigeria skipper Rasheedat Ajibade succeeds Ghizlane Chebbak as the winner of the player of the tournament award. Update: Date: 23:15 BST Title: Clinical Chebbak Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria Ghizlane Chebbak claims the top scorer trophy, with five goals - including that memorable opener in the final. Update: Date: 23:13 BST Title: Safe hands Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria Nigeria goalkeeper and Brighton newcomer Chiamaka Nnadozie is out to receive the Golden Glove from the assembled dignitaries. Update: Date: 23:11 BST Title: Get Involved Content: #bbcfootball on X, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply) Junaid: Clash of the giants. A thrilling Wafcon final. Emeka Ulor: Breathtaking, dramatic, emotional and boomastic! Update: Date: 23:07 BST Title: Post Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria Tears on the Morocco bench. Hugs and dancing around the centre circle for Nigeria. The new-look Wafcon trophy is being brought out, although the usual ceremonials mean it will be a while until the winners get their hands on it. Update: Date: 23:01 BST Title: Post Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria Morocco icon Ghizlane Chebbak is consoled as she makes her way off. The forward struck a wonderful 13th-minute opener and must have thought her side were on course for victory when Sanaa Mssoudy doubled the advantage 11 minutes later as part of a serene first half for the Atlas Lionesses. Nigeria came out on the attack and, eventually, turned the game around - via that late overturned handball decision that would have given Chebbak a chance to make it 3-2 to her side with minutes remaining. Update: Date: 23:01 BST Title: For Nigeria, the spoils Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria What a comeback. This stadium is emptying out quicker than I'd imagined at half-time. Nigeria head over to that small pocket of loyal supports in celebration. Esther Okoronkwo is named as player of the match and it's no surprise after her incredible role in that comeback. She ends the tournament with two goals and six assists. There is a four-minute countdown to the presentation. There won't be many left to watch it. Update: Date: 22:58 BST Title: Post Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria Nigeria's small band of fans rejoice wildly. Their players drop to the turf, then return to their feet to begin the party. Morocco and the home nation fans are stunned after a cruel defeat. It's a record-extending 10th continental title for the team who have dominated this competition. Update: Date: 22:57 BST Title: FULL-TIME Content: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria Mission X is accomplished - Nigeria are the Wafcon champions with a sensational comeback! The Super Falcons were firmly on track to lose a Wafcon final for the first time after a whimper of a first-half display, deservedly going in 2-0 behind. Three goals inside 22 minutes seal an astouning end to these finals - the last coming two minutes from time from Jennifer Echegini, who had been on the pitch for less than 30 minutes. Update: Date: 90+4 mins Title: Post Content: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria Nigeria are doing the attacking. Deborah Abiodun thunders a long-range shot just wide. Update: Date: 90+2 mins Title: Post Content: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria Nigeria's Michelle Alozie and Esther Okoronkwo make way for Sikiratu Isah and Shukurat Oladipo. The starters are asked to leave the field more quickly. Nigeria are closing in on glory - but Morocco want to change the course of history. Update: Date: 22:51 BST Title: INJURY TIME Content: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria Six minutes of added time. Morocco were 2-0 ahead in the 63rd minute. They'll be desperate to add an even later twist to this astonishing final. Update: Date: 22:48 BST Title: GOAL - Morocco 2-3 Nigeria Content: Jennifer Echegini Nigeria have turned it around with a late goal that could just win the Wafcon title! This is remarkable. Esther Okoronkwo whips one of her trademark inviting crosses in from the left, and the substitute arrives with her right leg in front of goal. It's not the cleanest of connections from Jennifer Echegini but it's a firm one, beating Khadija Errmichi by steering the ball into the right-hand corner of the goalkeeper's net. Minutes after Morocco thought they had a penalty to make it 3-2, Nigeria are in front! Update: Date: 87 mins Title: Post Content: Morocco 2-2 Nigeria Morocco goalkeeper Khadija Errmichi comes out to punch a cross and connects with the unfortunate Ashleigh Plumptre, who was challenging for Nigeria and takes a substantial whack. Both are OK after initially going to ground. Update: Date: 85 mins Title: Post Content: Morocco 2-2 Nigeria Oluwatosin Demehin clenched her fists and dropped to her knees in relief after that initial penalty call was overturned. Imagine how she must have felt. Morocco, now, are the ones reeling, having spurned a two-goal lead and thought they'd have a chance to go ahead again from the spot with full time looming. Update: Date: 83 mins Title: Post Content: Morocco 2-2 Nigeria The question is likely to be about how much chance Oluwatosin Demehin of avoiding the ball hitting her right hand at such close quarters to the flick on. No penalty! Update: Date: 82 mins Title: Video Assistant Referee Content: Morocco 2-2 Nigeria High drama. Breaths held. Antsino Ndemugwanitha is heading over to the pitchside monitor for the second time since half-time.
BBC News
21-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Continental giants clash in Wafcon 2024 semi-finals
There are two intriguing semi-final clashes in store at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) in Morocco on up, nine-time champions Nigeria have a mouth-watering tie against defending champions South Africa in Casablanca at 16:00 in Rabat, hosts Morocco face Ghana, the lowest-ranked side remaining, at 19:00 is still a chance we could see a repeat of the 2022 final, when Banyana Banyana beat the Atlas Lionesses 2-1, back in the capital on Saturday and expectation would point towards a meeting between Nigeria and Morocco, while an all-West African affair could add an extra element to a tournament that has already provided plenty of talking and Ghana would be first-time winners, while the Confederation of African Football has doubled the prize pot for the victors to $1m and also unveiled a new trophy. A rivalry renewed Nigeria delivered a statement to the rest of the continent when they thrashed much-fancied Zambia 5-0 in Casablanca in the last Super Falcons striker Desire Oparanozie described the scoreline as "unexpected" but saw a vast improvement from their outings from the group stage."The Super Falcons have that winning mentality - they show up for big games," she told Sportsworld on the BBC World Service."They showed who the African giant really is."The onus is now on the West Africans to back up that comprehensive performance against another of the continent's top sides when they return to the Larbi Zaouli Stadium."We hope to keep this mentality," goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie told the BBC World Service."Big games define Nigeria."While they are yet to concede in their quest for a record-extending 10th Wafcon crown - a bid that has been dubbed Mission X - South Africa will pose the most difficult challenge holders squeezed past Senegal 4-1 on penalties after a 0-0 draw and have had 24 hours less to recover from those exertions – as well as travelling west from the city of Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis says her players will not use that as an excuse."One hundred and 20 minutes with a day less to prepare, with a day to travel, takes a lot out of you."But I don't have enough words to describe this team: the resilience, the courage, the never-say-die attitude, the willing to fight for each other."Nigeria got the better of South Africa in the Wafcon final in both 2000 and 2018, but Ellis' side triumphed 2-1 when they met in the group stage three years ago."They are the defending champions and the pressure is really on them," Oparanozie said."The rivalry has been on for years and the semi-final is going to be a tough one for Nigeria."The Mission X agenda has been pushed. South Africa seemed to be the only team that would actually prevent Nigeria from achieving that." Atlas Lionesses eye return to final The tournament hosts remain on track for a second successive appearance in the final after easing past Mali fervent home crowd at the 21,000-capacity Olympic Stadium is expected in the capital to cheer on the Atlas Lionesses."The public that has come to the stadium has helped us from the first moment," coach Jorge Vilda said."It has always been like that and we hope it will be the same in the semi-final. What we have in our head is the intention to reach the final."Ghana are back in the last four for the first time since 2016, having overcome Algeria on penalties after a scrappy 0-0 draw on coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren is not fazed by the likelihood of a partisan crowd and thinks his side could feed off any nerves amongst the home fans."It can help you if you have a good day as a home country, but I know it can be the opposite," the Swede said."I know how quiet it can be, even if you are 21,000 or whatever you will be. If we score a goal, the boost it will give us will be huge, and you can change how you think about the situation."We know they have quality, but like all teams they have their weaknesses as well."Vilda is aiming for his second major trophy after guiding Spain to the Women's World Cup in to Moroccan journalist Saad Moufakkir, the 44-year-old has added extra layers to the North Africans' game since his appointment in October 2023."He brings the Spanish vibe and now we are better as a unit," he said."We are confident we can finish games earlier. With this coach, especially on the tactical level, I think we have a lot of weapons."We can attack from the wings, we can go through the middle and we can press high or sit back and wait for the counters. We have got options and I think this is the biggest impact [he had on] the national team."
BBC News
11-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Wafcon return provides 'hope' in eastern DR Congo
After a surge in violence in the country this year, playing at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) has taken on a deeper meaning for players and supporters of DR to the tournament for the first time since 2012, the Leopardesses have provided a brief opportunity for the nation to forget about the devastating conflict that has afflicted its eastern provinces for offensive which M23 rebels launched in January garnered international attention, and their swift advance saw them take control of territory which holds deposits of valuable rare earth is overwhelming evidence that Rwanda, DR Congo's neighbour, is backing the M23 but the government in Kigali denies providing the group with financial or military support.A peace deal which DR Congo and Rwanda signed at the end of June has offered hope that the region can start a new chapter. This month in Morocco, Congolese footballers have also been looking to give their compatriots something to cheer."Seeing the victims - children, mothers, fathers who've lost loved ones, and families torn apart - was heartbreaking," midfielder Marlene Yav Kasaj told BBC Sport Africa."It's been hard to cope with."For me, the support I offer is simple: when I'm on the pitch I feel compelled to win, even if it's just to bring a small moment of happiness to our people."The peace deal, signed in Washington DC, demanded the "disengagement, disarmament and conditional integration" of armed groups fighting in the east of DR the government in Kinshasa remains in negotiations with the M23 about a in some of the worst-affected regions, a traumatised local population continues to search for Joseph, a supporter attending his country's first group game against Senegal in Mohammedia, told BBC Sport Africa that football "is a kind of hope for the people that live in this part of the country". Finding relief The United Nations says thousands of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands of civilians forced from their homes following the rebel offensive. The M23 disputes the figures, saying fewer than 1,000 people have the capital of North Kivu province, bore the brunt of some of the worst fighting at the start of this year and remains under rebel resident of the city told the BBC their experiences have had a "profound psychological impact"."The traumatic events we witnessed in January, with bodies lying in the streets, military effects scattered everywhere, people being killed indiscriminately and the stench of decomposing corpses, left us disturbed," the contributor, who chose to remain anonymous, alongside having to deal with the consequences of the presence of troops in Goma, they said the chance to cheer on their team at Wafcon offered "an opportunity to regain national pride and glory"."It would be a chance for us to marvel and momentarily escape the trauma that Goma has endured," they Kasaj, who plays for Lubumbashi-based TP Mazembe, the country's biggest club, has been personally affected by the conflict."Hearing about it from afar is one thing, but when family and friends are caught up in situations like this, you can't ignore it. You feel out of sorts," the 22-year-old midfielder admitted."I lost a friend there; she was a war victim. We're committed to fighting for the joy of everyone in Goma." 'Our sympathies are with them' The situation in eastern DR Congo has fallen down the international news agenda, with the war in Ukraine and the Israel-Gaza conflict garnering more lack of focus is something that has previously inspired the nation's footballers to use their platform to push for Congo's men made a high-profile appeal to end the violence at last year's Africa Cup of Nations, making a unified gesture when lining up for their national anthem ahead of a semi-final defeat against hosts Ivory Leopardesses, however, do not look likely to repeat that on-field success and have also had to deal with a dispute over pay and lost their opening two games to Senegal and hosts Morocco, conceding four goals in both matches, but forward Olga Massombo says the side remain motivated to perform."Our parents, our sisters back home are going through war, men and women there are still fighting," she said."Us coming here is an honour. Obviously losing these matches we know we might have let them down, but the goal is to progress."When I'm talking about progress, it is not just about us a team but [for] the whole country to get better."Our sympathies are always with them and we represent everyone back home. We know what they are going through. It is only right for us to give everything we have." 'The pain of loss lingers' Celia, another fan who has been in attendance, believes the players have been unable to switch off from the many problems both at home and in the build-up to Wafcon."They've put all their efforts into the game, but they haven't been able to focus on that," she said after the 4-2 defeat by Morocco in Rabat."We know there is a problem in the east. We had to do our best for the blood that flows over our country."In December, the men's team will make their own journey to Morocco to take part in the 2025 Nations says the fans in the stadiums will continue to make themselves heard."As a country we are giving all our energy behind our national teams, both women and men," he said."With the recent accord that has been signed between the United States, Rwanda and DR Congo we hope that things are going to be better and we can get a ceasefire and open a humanitarian corridor for the people that are suffering."DR Congo must win their final Group A fixture against Zambia – and by a large margin given their goal difference of minus six – to stand any chance of reaching the quarter-finals as one of the best-ranked third place of the tournament, Yav Kasaj said the team had "done what we can" by qualifying."While some might say the DRC has won, the pain of loss lingers," she explained."We're growing up in a reality where people are dying, and we're constantly troubled."
The Guardian
08-07-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Spain's fireworks and Portugal's Euro 2025 lifeline – Women's Football Weekly
On the podcast today: Spain continue to show why they are favourites with another goal-fest, this time putting six past Belgium. The panel ponders potential defensive frailties in the Spain team and how they will approach their final group game, and asks whether Belgium can take anything from their spirited performances. Also in Group B, Portugal are held Italy to a dramatic 1-1 draw in Geneva, keeping their quarter-final hopes alive. Over in Group A, Norway become the first team to book their place in the last eight, while hosts Switzerland kept send their fans wild by knocking out Iceland. Finland remain a dark horse, and a huge winner-takes-all clash with Switzerland looms. Plus: the panel looks ahead to must-win matches for both England and Wales on Wednesday, delves into the latest from Wafcon 2024, and identifies the difference between fondue and raclette. Sign up for our weekly women's football newsletter – all you need to do is search 'Moving the Goalposts sign up' or follow this link. Support the Guardian here.
