Defending champions, Senegal, began their title defence at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Nigeria in a fiercely contested Group D clash at the Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar.
The match, played at high intensity, delivered the drama expected of two of Africa’s most storied footballing nations.
The lone goal came in the 75th minute, when Moctar Koïté burst down the right flank on a swift counter-attack and delivered a pinpoint low cross into the box.
Christian Gomis arrived unmarked and calmly slotted home with his left foot to seal the win for Senegal.
Despite late pressure from Nigeria—including a near miss by Vincent Temitope—the home-based Super Eagles couldn’t find a breakthrough.
Senegal, winners of the 2022 edition in Algeria, began the match composed but had to weather early Nigerian pressure.
Both teams had chances in a cagey first half: Sikiru Alimi tested Senegal’s goalkeeper Marc Diouf, while Daouda Ba and Koïté launched long-range efforts that troubled Nigeria’s defence.
Coach Éric Chelle of Nigeria remained optimistic after the match: “We’ll take each game as it comes,” he said, with matches against Congo and Sudan still to follow in the group.
Senegal’s coach Souleymane Diallo, who had dismissed suggestions of pressure before the match, reiterated his side’s ambition: “We’re not here to defend a trophy; we’re here to win a new one.”
This win extends Senegal’s unbeaten run against West African opponents at CHAN and marks their sixth 1–0 victory in the tournament’s history—further evidence of their trademark defensive solidity.
The tournament, which features players active only in their domestic leagues, opened with exactly the kind of tightly contested fixture expected from these regional heavyweights. (Punch)
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has gifted Super Falcons defender, Tosin Demehin, the sum of N30m and a house at Sunshine Estate in Oba-Ile, Akure, for her outstanding performance at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Nigeria emerged champions.
The Governor announced on Monday, during a civic reception in Akure held in honour of the defender and other Ondo State indigenes who were part of the victorious Super Falcons squad at the tournament.
Alongside Demehin, Governor Aiyedatiwa also gifted the team’s media officer, Mary Akinsola, the team’s media officer, and Mary Oduboku, the team’s secretary, the sum of N15m each in recognition of their roles in Nigeria’s historic win.
“This is a proud moment for us. Tosin Demehin has made Ondo State proud on the continental stage. As a token of our appreciation, the state government is awarding her N30m and a house at Sunshine Estate, Oba-Ile,” Governor Aiyedatiwa announced.
Demehin, who hails from Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State and played a crucial defensive role throughout the tournament, was described by the Governor as a shining example of talent, discipline, and resilience.
“I am extremely delighted to welcome home our brave daughters. Their dedication, hard work and team spirit helped secure this victory. You have not only brought glory to the nation, but you have honoured Ondo State,” the Governor said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development and youth empowerment in the state.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for honouring the Super Falcons team at the national level, noting that such gestures have far-reaching impacts on the morale of athletes across the country.
Demehin, a former Sunshine Queens player, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Governor and the people of Ondo State for the warm reception and generous reward.
“Receiving this honour from my home state means the world to me. As a former Sunshine Queens player, I know there is massive potential in women’s football here. This support gives hope to many young girls with dreams like mine,” she said.
Demehin also called on stakeholders to rally behind the development of women’s football in the state, stressing that the growth of Nigerian football, both male and female, is a collective responsibility. (Punch)
President Bola Tinubu has honoured Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with a reward package that includes $100,000 for each player, $50,000 for every member of the 11-man coaching and technical crew.
Tinubu also rewarded all team members and staff with a three-bedroom flat at the Renewed Hope Estate.
In addition, the President conferred on the players and their technical crew the prestigious national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger.
This was announced by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the presidential reception in their honour at the State House Banquet hall, Abuja.
The triumphant D’Tigress alongside their officials, were warmly welcomed by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, supported by the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, at the New Banquet Hall in the Presidential Villa at 5:05 pm.
On behalf of President Bola Tinubu, Shettima received the team in recognition of their outstanding achievement.
Also in attendance at the reception were Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youths and Sports Development, Garba Maidoki; and Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Kabiru Amadou.
The D’Tigress arrived after clinching their historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket title, outplaying Mali 78–64 in the final held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
This win marks their seventh overall championship, reinforcing their supremacy in African women’s basketball.
The ceremony at the Presidential Villa mirrors a similar reception President Tinubu hosted a week earlier for the national female football team, the Super Falcons, who recently secured their tenth WAFCON title in Rabat, Morocco.
Tinubu’s remarks, delivered by Shettima at the reception noted, “Beyond being ambassadors of our nation and symbols of excellence, you have reminded us all of the power of sports to unite a diverse nation. Your victory is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. You have brought home not just a trophy, but valuable lessons for all Nigerians.
“It is a great honour, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, to welcome our formidable D’Tigress to the State House. Once again, you are continental champions and now the top African team to qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup pre-qualifying tournament. You conquered Africa with a score of 78 to 64—showcasing not just tactical skill, but remarkable determination and resilience. The entire nation stands behind you with pride and support.
“My dear daughters, you faced challenges bravely, especially in the final quarter, responding not with panic but with poise. When you wore the green and white, it was more than just a uniform—you wore it with purpose, and now you wear the crown of African basketball for the fifth consecutive time.”
The President hailed Rena Wakama’s strength and inspiring young girls in the country.
“Coach Rena Wakama, you embody the evolution of leadership in Nigerian sports. Your quiet strength and remarkable achievements have shattered ceilings and inspired countless young girls across Nigeria. You truly deserve your accolades as the best coach in Africa and beyond.
“To Amy Okonkwo, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and Ezinne Kalu, the top scorer in the final, your brilliance lifted the whole team, but most importantly, you played for Nigeria and made us all proud.
“Let us reflect on one profound truth: Nigerian women have never failed the nation in sports. From the Super Falcons on the world stage, to record-breakers on the track, and now a basketball dynasty, our women have consistently been a source of pride and have proven that where preparation meets opportunity, Nigerian excellence prevails.”
Tinubu said the administration is prioritizing sports as a crucial driver of national development and economic growth, viewing it as more than entertainment but also infrastructure, education, diplomacy, and a tool for youth employment and transformation.
He also recognised the National Sports Commission, led by Mallam Alabi, for its efforts in athlete welfare, institutional reform, grassroots support, and performance-driven development, with visible positive results.
“Special appreciation goes to the National Sports Commission, under Mallam Alabi, for renewed focus on athlete welfare, institutional reform, grassroots support, and performance-based development. The results are evident, and we are proud of you. The Nigerian Basketball Federation, led by Malam Ahmadu Musa Kida, also deserves recognition for consistent team development and dedication to Nigeria’s sporting glory.
“Our government will ensure that D’Tigress, their technical team, and sports leadership in Nigeria are appropriately recognized and rewarded. You have made us proud, and we will stand by you as you prepare for the global stage.
“To all Nigerian youth, let the story of D’Tigress inspire you. Greatness stems from hard work, discipline, and belief. Nigeria belongs to those who dare to dream and are willing to give their all to realize those dreams.
“D’Tigress: you are champions, role models, pathfinders, and true daughters of this land. It is my honor and privilege, on behalf of President Tinubu, to announce national honors for the team, coach, and technical staff; $100,000 for each player; $50,000 for the coach and technical team; and more rewards to come.
“This is true leadership—recognizing and rewarding those who have excelled for our nation. May God bless you all, may God bless Nigerian sports, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he concluded. (Punch)
Brazil clinched their ninth Women’s Copa America title Saturday, edging Colombia 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a dramatic 4-4 draw in the Quito final.
The decider at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado saw Colombia take the lead three times, only for Brazil to respond on each occasion.
Brazil great Marta forced extra time with a late equalizer and the veteran struck again in the 105th minute to seemingly seal the victory.
But a resilient Colombia found yet another equalizer to send the encounter to penalties, where Brazil’s experience ultimately prevailed.
“I think women’s football has been growing a lot. I think the trend is for it to be more competitive. Everyone here deserved a match like this. Congratulations to Colombia too,” Brazil’s Amanda Gutierres said.
“This means a lot. I think it’s Brazil’s job. It’s that mentality of never giving up. That’s a source of pride for Brazil. I think it means a lot to Brazilians.”
Both teams created early chances, but the breakthrough came in the 25th minute when Colombia’s Linda Caicedo capped off a tidy passing move with a composed low finish from close range.
Brazil got the equalizer in the dying moments of the first half when Angelina stepped up to calmly convert a penalty after VAR confirmed a foul by Jorelyn Carabali on Gio Garbelini.
Colombia regained the lead in the 69th minute via a Brazil own goal, defender Tarciane attempting a routine back pass to goalkeeper Lorena but unaware that she had already charged off her line to collect the ball.
Gutierres equalized for Brazil again 10 minutes from time with her sixth goal in the tournament, a fierce strike off Garbelini’s pass, but striker Mayra Ramirez restored Colombia’s lead by netting after a quick counter-attack eight minutes later.
“Las Cafeteras” were within touching distance of their first continental title until Marta, introduced as a late substitute, delivered a moment of magic with a stunning equalizer six minutes into stoppage time, forcing the game into extra time.
Marta struck again in the 105th minute when she tapped in a fine cross from Angelina, but Colombia turned things around again as Leicy Santos’ brilliant free kick sailed into the top corner in the 115th minute.
The penalty shootout mirrored the drama of the match, with Colombia taking the early advantage after Angelina’s miss.
However, when Manuela Pavi failed to convert and goalkeeper Lorena saved Leicy Santos’ effort as Brazil held the advantage.
Marta had the chance to seal victory, but Katherine Tapia’s save sent the shootout to sudden death, where Carabali’s miss finally handed Brazil their ninth continental title. (DailySabah)
Nigeriaextended their dominance in African women’s basketball on Sunday, defeating Mali 78-64 in Ivory Coast to win a record fifth consecutive FIBA AfroBasket Women’s title, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The triumph not only cemented their dominance over the continent but also broke Senegal’s four-in-a-row streak from 1974 to 1981, establishing Nigeria as the first side in history to win the championship five times consecutively.
Nigeria, who have now won seven African titles, wasted no time asserting themselves. D’Tigress surged to a 12-0 scoring run early in the game, establishing a rhythm that Mali struggled to disrupt.
However, it was the Malians who claimed the first quarter 26-21.
Coach Rena Wakama’s side recovered from the five-point deficit to clinch the second quarter 20-15, as both teams went into the half-time interval level at 41-41 apiece.
The third quarter also went the way of D’Tigress, who clinched it by another 20-15 scoreline.
In the fourth quarter, Nigeria began to run down the clock as they tried to cling to their advantage. The last 10 minutes of the quarter finished in favour of D’Tigress 17-8 as Nigeria powered to yet another continental title.
The win saw Nigeria extend their unbeaten streak at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament to 29 games, stretching back the last 10 years.
Also, they have secured an automatic spot at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria’s Amy Okonkwo was named the Most Valuable Player, winning the award for a second consecutive tournament.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu congratulated the D’Tigress for the feat, hailing their performance as a source of national pride.
“You did it, girls! D’Tigress Superb performance to become 5x consecutive Champions of Africa and seventh overall. Well done, Coach Rena and the team. You have made Nigeria proud. I am expecting you all, along with the trophy,” the president wrote in a post on X.
Key to Nigeria’s success was a balanced offensive performance and clinical execution. They shot 49.18 per cent from the field, outclassing Mali’s 37 per cent. The inside game was particularly telling, with Nigeria converting 59.46 per cent of their two-point attempts compared to Mali’s 44.12 per cent.
In contrast, both teams were less efficient from long range, with Nigeria making 8 of 24 from beyond the arc, while Mali hit just 7 of 26.
Leading the scoring for Nigeria was guard Ezinne Kalu, who poured in 20 points on 53.85 per cent shooting, also registering five assists, four rebounds and a perfect 4/4 from the free throw line.
Amy Okonkwo, who played the full 40 minutes, contributed a crucial double-double with 19 points and nine rebounds, shooting a superb 63.64 per cent from the field and registering an efficiency rating of 26.
Murjanatu Musa dominated the paint, grabbing 12 rebounds alongside nine points and three steals. Veteran point guard Promise Amukamara was the engine of Nigeria’s fluid offence, dishing out a game-high 11 assists and finishing with a +16 plus-minus despite scoring just eight points.
Victoria Macaulay added 10 points off the bench, offering Nigeria much-needed depth. In contrast, Nigeria’s bench contributed 22 points overall, slightly outscored by Mali’s 26, but it was Nigeria’s starting five that made the difference.
Collectively, Nigeria totalled 24 assists and committed 14 turnovers, a figure Mali could not exploit fully despite Nigeria’s occasional lapses.
Defensively, Nigeria were disciplined. They managed eight steals and conceded only 13 personal fouls, keeping Mali’s offensive threats at bay. The rebounding battle was narrowly lost, with Mali edging it 37 to 36, but Nigeria’s 27 defensive rebounds were vital in limiting second-chance points.
Despite grabbing fewer offensive rebounds (nine to Mali’s 13), Nigeria still outscored their opponents in the paint with 40 points to Mali’s 26.
Perhaps the most telling statistic was points off turnovers. Nigeria converted 17 Mali turnovers into 17 points, compared to Mali’s 14 points off Nigeria’s 14 turnovers.
Fast-break points also tilted in Nigeria’s favour, 10 to 5, as did second-chance points, 8 to 5. These margins, although modest, collectively illustrated Nigeria’s efficiency and composure in key moments.
With this victory, Nigeria’s unbeaten streak in the competition now stands at an extraordinary 29 games, dating back to 2015. (Punch)
England’s triumphant squad had misgivings about how popular their Euro 2025 parade would be, but they need not have worried as 65,000 fans joined their celebrations in London – as well as members of the Royal Family.
The Lionesses held an open-top bus parade along The Mall after becoming back-to-back European champions with a dramatic win over Spain on Sunday.
Fans lined the route before gathering around a stage in front of the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace, where some of the players were interviewed by former Lioness Alex Scott.
“I’ve been crying all the way down The Mall,” said captain Leah Williamson.
“This is unbelievable, probably one of the best things we’ve been a part of.”
The 28-year-old Arsenal defender added: “We’re making history every single step. Stay with us, this story is not done yet.”
Chloe Kelly, who scored England’s winning goal at 2022 and the decisive penalty in Sunday’s shootout, said: “Pressure, what pressure?”
The 27-year-old Arsenal forward described how special the team’s support has been at home and at the Euros in Switzerland.
She added: “[It is] so good to stand side by side with every single one of these girls throughout the whole tournament, and the staff that you don’t see behind the scenes. It’s incredible.”
Princess Beatrice of York attended the parade and there was a surprise for England coach Sarina Wiegman as her favourite singer Burna Boy joined the squad on stage.
The Dutchwoman then sang and danced along as the Nigerian sang his hit For My Hand.
“Yeah, Sarina’s got rhythm,” Washington Spirit defender Esme Morgan told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“She absolutely loves Burna Boy. I can’t believe it. Her face when they brought Burna Boy out was a picture. None of us could believe it to be honest and, yeah, she was busting out some moves and singing away, so that was a special moment.”
The Football Association (FA) said at least 65,000 people attended the parade and Morgan added: “A few of us said the other day ‘we hope the parade is not the full length of The Mall because there might not be enough people to fill it’.
“We were like ‘what if that happens?’ – but we showed up today and it was absolutely packed, I can’t believe it. You don’t realise the scale of how many people watch and support us, and yeah, we feel so lucky.”
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It was funny, the players kept asking us ‘do you think people will really come?’
“And we were like ‘yeah, they definitely will come’. We’d seen crowds yesterday coming to meet them at the airport so we were really confident, but the British public are just incredible and really did us proud today.”
The England squad flew back to Southend airport on Monday before attending a reception at Downing Street.(BBC)
Nigeriancitizens have praised the Super Falcons for helping the nation momentarily forget its problems following the women’s national team’s stunning comeback victory to claim a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco.
The 3-2 victory against hosts Morocco in Rabat saw the Falcons stage a remarkable comeback from being two goals down on Saturday night, prompting celebrations across the football-mad nation.
President Bola Tinubu led the country in celebrating the women’s squad, telling the team in a post-match video call that their “spectacular performance exemplifies the determination that defines the Nigerian spirit.”
“You have lifted our spirits. You are a pride to your generation,” Tinubu said.
“You have achieved the mission the nation dreamed of and prayed for. Nigeria celebrates you.”
The triumph, dubbed Mission X, provided a welcome tonic for many Nigerians enduring the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation as the government carries out economic reforms.
Taye Stephen, a father of three, told The PUNCH, “I’ve stopped watching the national teams for a while, but I’m so happy I watched this final. They have made all of us so happy.
“Sometimes, this is what Nigerians need to forget the issues going on here and just enjoy togetherness and joy. Let’s hope the Eagles can do the same when it’s their turn.”
Muhammad Awwal, a taxi driver who relocated to the northern city of Kano to escape the violence of Borno state, the epicentre of the jihadist insurgency, hailed the Falcons for helping Nigerians to momentarily forget the problems.
“Everywhere, people erupted in celebration after the final whistle. All our problems were drowned in the frenzy of celebration of the spectacular win,” Awwal told AFP.
“Last night, all the problems tormenting us – the high cost of living, banditry and Boko Haram violence – disappeared. It was a great relief, thanks to the Falcons,” he said.
Abuja housewife Comfort Zamani agreed, saying, “Life has not been easy, but at least the girls helped us to forget the hardships, even if for only a few hours.
“They have given us some hope that we should keep fighting and not give up even when things are rough.”
The victory confirmed the West Africans as the queens of women’s football in Africa, having now won 10 titles in 13 editions of the continental championship, providing a rare moment of national unity and joy amid challenging times. (Punch)
Chloe Kelly converted the decisive kick as England beat Spain 3-1 on penalties to lift the Women’s Euro 2025 trophy after Sunday’s game had finished 1-1 at the end of extra time, allowing the Lionesses to avenge their defeat in the World Cup final two years ago and retain their continental crown.
It looked as though Spain would repeat their victory over England in Sydney in 2023 as they dominated the game at St Jakob-Park in Basel and led through Mariona Caldentey’s first-half header.
But England did not panic, having already trailed against both Sweden in the quarter-finals and Italy in the semis before finding a way to win.
Alessia Russo headed in their equaliser just before the hour mark, and no further goals meant a shoot-out in which Kelly — who once again had a huge impact off the bench — netted the winner.
“I was cool, I was composed. I knew I was going to hit the back of the net,” Kelly told the BBC of her penalty.
It was an agonising way to lose for Spain, but they failed to score three of their spot-kicks, with reigning Ballon d’Or Aitana Bonmati seeing her effort saved.
Sarina Wiegman’s England are therefore back-to-back European champions, with this triumph coming three years after they defeated Germany in extra time at Wembley to win a first women’s major tournament.
Defeating Spain here helps make up for the agony of losing that World Cup final in 2023, and the victory also confirms Wiegman’s place among the coaching greats.
She has now won three consecutive European Championships, having led her native Netherlands to victory in 2017 before doing the same with England three years ago.
“We said we can win by any means, and that’s what we have shown again today. I am so proud of the team and the staff. It is incredible,” said Wiegman, whose team lost to France in their first match at the tournament.
“Losing your first game and becoming European Champions is incredible,” she added.
Spain fell short in their quest to add a maiden European Championship title to the World Cup they won in Australia.
La Roja dominated possession as expected, but ultimately paid the price for not putting the game to bed against an England side who never know when they are beaten.
“I am in shock,” Bonmati told broadcaster TVE before apologising for falling from the spot.
“Football is cruel. Everything seems bad right now, but I think we played the best football during the tournament.” (Punch)
Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka said Monday that she has split with coach Patrick Mouratoglou after less than a year.
“Merci Patrick… it was such a great experience learning from you,” the former world number one said on X.
The Japanese star teamed up with the Frenchman, the long-time coach of 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams, in September last year.
Osaka did not play in 2023 after the birth of her daughter and has struggled for consistency after returning to the professional circuit a year ago and is currently ranked 49.
She exited this year’s French Open in the first round and Wimbledon in the third round. (Punch)
President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has described the Super Falcons’ stirring comeback win in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final as a source of motivation for the Super Eagles in their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Falcons overturned a two-goal deficit to defeat hosts Morocco 3–2 in Saturday night’s dramatic final at the Stade Olympique de Rabat, a feat Gusau believes reflects the resilient spirit required by the men’s team as they prepare for four crucial qualifying matches.
“I am very happy because our girls rose from the ‘dead’, as they say, and fought to victory. This was an extraordinary performance. I congratulate them for their resilience, doggedness, patriotism and the blatant display of the well-known Nigerian spirit,” Gusau said after the final.
“This victory, and the spirit behind it, will have positive implications for the men in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series. We have four more matches to turn the tables against our opponents, and watching the Super Falcons tonight, and how they turned things around, underscores again the wise saying that in sport and life, it is never over until it is over.”
Gusau hailed the Falcons’ impressive tournament form, in which they scored 14 goals and conceded just three en route to winning a record-extending 10th continental title.
He praised the team’s technical crew, captain and entire squad for a campaign that not only restored pride but rewrote their redemption story from the 2022 edition.
“From the coaching crew to the team captain and the players, we say thank you and well done. With a commanding triumph in the Women’s AFCON once again, what is left for us to target now is conquering the world at the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” Gusau added.
With Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign set to resume in September, against Rwanda at home and South Africa away, Gusau believes the Falcons’ resilience has laid down the blueprint for them.
“This triumph reminds us that no matter how dire the situation, belief and effort can turn things around. The Eagles must draw from this and fight for Nigeria,” he said. (Punch)
English