Sports

FULL LIST: Oshoala, Ajibade Make Super Falcons Squad For Paris

Published

1 year ago

March 25, 2024

Editor

Coach Randy Waldrum has revealed the list of players invited to represent the Nigerian women’s national team, the Super Falcons, in the upcoming Paris Olympics final qualifying fixture against South Africa.

Among the 22 players called up are captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Soccernet.ng reports.

Saudi Arabia-based defender, Ashley Plumptre, veteran Osinachi Ohale, and midfielder Deborah Abiodun also made the list.

Notable returns include 2019 World Cup standout Chidinma Okeke and forward Chiwendu Ihezuo. U20 defender, Shukurat Oladipo, receives her maiden call-up.

The Super Falcons are set to take on South Africa in a two-match series, with the initial encounter slated for April 5 at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

The return leg is slated for April 9 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.

The winner of the tie will clinch one of Africa’s two tickets to the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament.

Regulars like wing-back Michelle Alozie, midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Halimatu Ayinde, and forward Gift Monday in the squad were also retained.

The invited players are listed below:

Goalkeepers:

Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC)

Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia)

Linda Jiwuaku (Bayelsa Queens)

Defenders:

Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico)

Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia)

Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens)

Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA)

Nicole Payne (Portland Thorns FC, USA)

Chidinma Okeke (Mynavi Sendai Ladies, Japan)

Midfielders: Deborah Abiodun (University of Pittsburgh, USA)

Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosengard, Sweden)

Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)

Jennifer Echegini (Juventus Ladies, Italy)

Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid FC, Spain)

Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain)

Forwards:

Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain)

Esther Okoronkwo (Changchun FC, China)

Ifeoma Onumonu (SLC Utah, USA)

Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA)

Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA)

Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain)

Chiwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico)

Sports

Full List: Maresca No Longer Needs Nine Players At Chelsea

Published

6 hours ago

June 19, 2025

Editor

Chelsea are preparing for another major squad overhaul this summer, with as many as nine players set to leave Stamford Bridge.

New manager Enzo Maresca is keen to trim the squad further, targeting players who no longer fit into his long-term plans.

According to BBC Sport, the Italian tactician has identified nine players who are now available for transfer.

The players reportedly on the exit list include Raheem Sterling, Axel Disasi, Djordje Petrovic, Armando Broja, João Félix, Renato Veiga, Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu.

Sterling and Félix were both omitted from Chelsea’s squad for the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Sterling, who spent last season on loan at Arsenal, struggled to make an impression at the Emirates and failed to secure a permanent move.

Félix, meanwhile, was on loan at AC Milan from January until the end of the campaign, but the Serie A club have reportedly decided against making the deal permanent.

Sports

NPFL: Go For Victory, Enabulele Tasks Bendel Insurance FC

Published

1 day ago

June 18, 2025

Editor

The Executive Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has charged Bendel Insurance Football Club to go for victory.

His charge follows the official announcement of the commencement of the 2025/26 season by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Board Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye.

Announcing the commencement in Abuja, Elegbeleye said the season will run from August 22, 2025, to May 24, 2026.

He emphasized that maintaining a stable football calendar is critical to Nigeria’s improved performance in continental tournaments.

Reacting to the announcement, Enabulele commended the NPFL leadership for the consistency in scheduling.

The Edo Sports Commission Boss who spoke through his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, called on players, coaches, and the entire management of Bendel Insurance FC to approach the new season with renewed vigor and a winning mentality.

“We are aware that the league calendar has been stabilized. This means every club must be better prepared. For us at Bendel Insurance, this is a fresh opportunity to compete strongly, win games, and aim for the top. The people of Edo State deserve nothing less,” he said.

Enabulele also pledged continued support for the team’s technical crew and urged the players to maintain discipline, focus, and unity both on and off the pitch, he also appreciated His Excellency, Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa for their unwavering commitment and support in elevating the team.

Sports

JUST IN: Cristiano Ronaldo Confirms Al Nassr’s Stay, To Sign New Deal

Published

1 week ago

June 9, 2025

Editor

Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to extend his stay with Saudi pro side Al Nassr and is even ready to sign a new deal.

According to Fabrizio Romano’s post on X on Monday, the Portuguese have dismissed rumours of leaving Al Nassr.

The post read, “Cristiano Ronaldo confirms plan to stay at Al Nassr by signing a new deal.

“My future? Basically, nothing is gonna change. Staying at Al Nassr? Yea.”

Recall that the 40-year-old on Sunday helped his national team to secure the Nation’s League for the second time four years after the Nation’s League was unveiled.

Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in December 2022 on a record-breaking deal, has played a transformative role both on and off the pitch.

His arrival marked a turning point for Saudi football, drawing global attention to the Saudi Pro League and triggering a wave of high-profile signings across the league.

During his time at Al Nassr so far, Ronaldo has delivered impressive performances, scoring consistently and helping the club remain competitive at the top level. His presence has not only boosted the club’s visibility but also played a key role in the league’s growing popularity worldwide.

The announcement of his continued stay is seen as a significant boost for Al Nassr and the Saudi Pro League as a whole. It also signals Ronaldo’s long-term commitment to the ambitious football project unfolding in the region.