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Ajibade, South Africa Coach Talk Tough Ahead Of Super Falcons Vs Banyana WAFCON Semifinal

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Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, said Nigeria are ready for a fierce battle against arch-rivals South Africa in the semifinals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking ahead of the showdown at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Ajibade said the Super Falcons are embracing the pressure and living for big-match moments.

“These are the kind of games we want to play,” she told CAFonline. “Getting to the semifinal shows the effort the team put into every game. We try to improve ourselves in each match.”

After an unconvincing start to the tournament, the nine-time champions turned up the heat in the quarter-finals, spanking Zambia’s Copper Queens 5-0.

The result not only sent a warning to the rest of the continent but also reinforced the Super Falcons’ status as the tournament’s most dangerous side, with nine goals scored and none conceded so far.

Tonight’s clash will reignite one of African football’s fiercest rivalries, as Nigeria and South Africa meet again with everything on the line.

Banyana Banyana won the last WAFCON final between the two sides, edging the Falcons 1-0 in 2022, and head coach Desiree Ellis insists her team doesn’t need any extra motivation.

“The technical team has been really busy behind the scenes and leaving no stone unturned,” Ellis said. “I think you don’t need motivation for a semifinal, and we are ready for the game.”

South Africa, who are hoping to defend the title they won in Morocco three years ago, made it through to the semifinal after surviving a tense quarter-final against Senegal. They advanced 4-1 on penalties, having had only one full training session in the lead-up.

Despite the tight schedule, Banyana midfielder Gabriela Salgado remains confident in her team’s preparation.

“We know we’re going into the semifinal game, it’s going to be a challenge, but we are physically and mentally prepared,” she said.

The winner of the Nigeria Vs South Africa clash will face either Morocco or Ghana in Saturday’s final at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.

Note that the Semi-final clash will kick off at 5 p.m. later today, July 22.

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Super Falcons star Tosin Demehin signs new Galatasaray deal

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Super Falcons defender Tosin Demehin has extended her stay with Turkish club Galatasaray Women after an impressive debut season that showcased her as one of Nigeria’s emerging defensive stars.

The 23-year-old centre-back joined Galatasaray in the summer of 2024 from French side Stade de Reims and quickly established herself as a key figure in the team. She featured in 26 matches across all competitions, scoring once, and helped anchor the club’s defense, contributing to a fourth-place finish in the Turkish Women’s Super League and Galatasaray’s first-ever appearance in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Demehin’s breakthrough season coincided with her international rise. She played every match for the Super Falcons at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, helping Nigeria secure a record-extending 10th title. She also scored her first international goal during Nigeria’s 5-0 quarter-final victory over Zambia. “It was a dream tournament for me; playing every game, scoring for my country, and lifting the trophy with my teammates,” Demehin said following the triumph.

Her contract extension also highlights a growing Nigerian presence at Galatasaray, joining Victor Osimhen, who leads the men’s team, as the only Nigerians representing the Istanbul club.

As Galatasaray prepare for the 2025/26 season, Demehin’s composure, aerial ability, and tactical awareness will be vital as the club aims for stronger domestic and European campaigns.

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Super Eagles’ Eric Chelle Defends Oyowah Call-Up, Admits Regret Over Sudan Defeat In CHAN

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Super Eagles B coach, Eric Chelle, has revealed that he was criticised for selecting midfielder Alex Young Oyowah in Nigeria’s squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in the Ivory Coast.

It was reports that Eric Chelle and his Home-based Super Eagles players bowed out of the 2024 CHAN on Tuesday despite a 2-0 win over Congo in their final Group D fixture, with goals from Anas Yusuf and Sikiru Alimi sealing the victory. Oyowah, who was named Man of the Match, emerged as one of the few bright sparks of the campaign.

Speaking after the game, Chelle revealed that Oyowah’s inclusion was widely questioned.

“For example, the player who won the Man of the Match award against Congo, Alex, I put him on our list for the tournament a week before we left, and everyone said, ‘Why did you call him up when he’s not known?’” he said via CAF’s official website.

The coach admitted the team was far from fully prepared for the tournament.

“We were not ready to participate in this tournament. Whoever attends our training sessions will notice that our players were not mentally prepared to participate in this version of the tournament,” Chelle explained.

Despite finishing with three points, the Super Eagles placed third in Group D behind Sudan and Senegal, who advanced to the knockout stage. Chelle admitted Nigeria’s heaviest blow was their 4-0 defeat to Sudan.

“Our deep regret stems from our heavy defeat to Sudan, but that’s football,” the coach added. “We will carefully analyse the Sudan match to make up for what happened in the future.”

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Brown Ideye Announces Retirement From Professional Football

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Former Super Eagles forward, Brown Ideye, has officially retired from professional football after a career that spanned nearly two decades across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Brown Ideye, 36, made the announcement on Wednesday, August 21, in a statement shared via his 𝕏 handle.

It was reports that Brown Ideye announced his retirement from professional football after Nigeria Premier Football League club, Enyimba listed him among the players who were released from the side.

“After much thought and consideration with mixed emotions, I’ve decided to retire from professional football,” he wrote. “I will first like to thank God for the talent and the long career I’ve enjoyed. I thank my family and friends for their unwavering love, support and understanding till this day.”

Brown Ideye, who earned 28 international caps and scored six goals for Nigeria, was a member of the Super Eagles team that lifted the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 under the late coach Stephen Keshi.

At club level, Ideye featured in several top leagues, including the English Premier League with West Bromwich Albion, the Greek Super League with Olympiacos, and the Chinese Super League with Tianjin Teda. He also had spells in Spain and Ukraine, establishing himself as a well-traveled and respected professional.

In his farewell note, Ideye hinted that his journey in football was not over despite hanging up his boots. “Football will always be a part of my life as I enter my next chapter,” he added.

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