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)
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)
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)
Nigeria produced a sensational second-half comeback to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 and seal a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.
The Atlas Lionesses led 2-0 at the break in Rabat through Ghizlane Chebbak’s fine curling effort and a scuffed shot from Sanaa Mssoudy.
But Esther Okoronkwo inspired the West Africans after the break, pulling a goal back from the penalty spot in the 64th minute after Nouhaila Benzina handled Folamide Ijamilusi’s cross.
Okoronkwo burst into the Morocco box and squared for Ijamilusi to equalise in the 71st minute, then teed up substitute Jennifer Echegini to score the winner with two minutes of the game remaining.
The 21,000-capacity Olympic Stadium was stunned into silence as the Super Falcons players collapsed to the turf in celebrations at the final whistle after producing a seemingly unlikely revival that will live long in the memory.
Nigeria billed their campaign as Mission X and have achieved their target, reclaiming the title they last won in 2018 and preserving their 100% record in Wafcon finals.
Morocco, meanwhile, had hired 2023 Women’s World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda after he parted company with Spain in a bid to land their first continental crown, but have now lost back-to-back Wafcon finals.
The Super Falcons pick up $1m in prize money – which has been doubled since the last edition – and become the first side to lift the new-look Wafcon trophy.
However, the stadium had largely emptied out by the time Fifa president Gianni Infantino and Confederation of African Football counterpart Patrice Motsepe took to the stage for the presentation.
The 2024 edition of the tournament had been delayed because of scheduling issues last year, which included the participation of the West Africans and Zambia at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Nigeria had not been shy in expressing their intentions of winning their 10th Wafcon, with players consistently asked about that target in media engagements.
The Super Falcons have certainly backed up their off-field talk in their performances in Morocco this month as coach Justin Madugu found the right blend in the knockout phase.
Yet the top-ranked side in Africa made a poor start and Nigeria were unable to match Morocco’s level in the first half.
The North Africans went ahead in the 13th minute when Halimatu Ayinde gave the ball to Chebbak, who sent a fine shot just inside the left-hand upright, and doubled their lead 11 minutes later when Mssoudy shot across goal.
Okoronkwo was composure personified after the intervention of VAR to make it 2-1 from the spot, and then kept her head when she burst through the Morocco defence to control, pause and put the ball on a plate for Ijamilusi.
Another big moment came when Morocco were awarded a penalty in the 79th minute when Imane Saoud helped a cross onto the hand of Blessing Demehin, who was barely two yards away.
Chebbak had the ball on the spot when Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa was called to the VAR screen and overturned her decision almost four minutes later.
And the comeback was completed when Okoronkwo provided a pin-point free-kick delivery and Echegini got ahead of centre-back Benzina to sweep home from six yards out.
The West Africans have now beaten a third host nation in a Wafcon final following successes over South Africa and Cameroon in 2000 and 2016 respectively. (BBC)
Nigeria’s Super Falcons, on Tuesday, secured a spot in the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in a tense semi-final clash.
The match, played with high intensity, saw the Super Falcons take the lead in the first half through Rasheedat Ajibade, who calmly converted from the penalty spot in the 45th minute to give Nigeria a 1-0 advantage heading into the break.
Earlier in the game, South Africa were forced into a substitution in the 26th minute after striker Hildah Magaia was withdrawn due to injury, with Thubelihle Makhubela coming on in her place.
South Africa responded strongly in the second half and levelled the score in the 60th minute when Linda Motlhalo converted a penalty to make it 1-1.
With the game seemingly headed for extra time, Nigeria found the winner deep into stoppage time.
Michelle Alozie struck in the 90+4th minute after a setup from Esther Okoronkwo, sealing a dramatic win for the Falcons.
Substitutions from both sides added to the pace and physicality of the match, with the Super Falcons showing greater composure in the final moments.
The victory sees Nigeria book a place in the WAFCON final, continuing their dominance on the continental stage and putting them within reach of another title. (Punch)
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has faulted United Kingdom Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, over her claim that she cannot pass Nigerian citizenship to her children because of her gender.
During an interview with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria on Sunday, Badenoch asserted that she cannot pass on her Nigerian citizenship to her children because of her gender. She suggested that it is easier for Nigerians to acquire British citizenship than for foreigners to become Nigerians.
She said, “It’s virtually impossible, for example, to get Nigerian citizenship. I have that citizenship by virtue of my parents. I can’t give it to my children because I’m a woman.
“Yet loads of Nigerians come to the UK and stay for a relatively free period of time, acquire British citizenship. We need to stop being naive.”
Reacting in a statement issued on Monday, Falana described Badenoch’s statement as “a display of utter ignorance” and accused her of misinforming the British public to score political points.
Falana said, “In her desperate attempt to impress the British electorate, Kemi Badenoch keeps running down Nigeria.
“Contrary to her misleading claim, her children are Nigerians because she is a Nigerian. Her assertion that she cannot give Nigerian citizenship to her children because she is a woman is not in consonance with Section 25(b) and (c) of the Nigerian Constitution which provides that every person born in Nigeria after independence, either of whose parents or grandparents is a citizen of Nigeria, or any person born outside Nigeria to a Nigerian parent, is a citizen.
“Furthermore, by virtue of Section 42(2) of the Constitution, no citizen shall be subjected to any disability or deprivation merely by reason of circumstances of birth, gender, or class. Therefore, her two children are Nigerian citizens. The fact that she may not want them to claim it is irrelevant. For now, they are dual citizens of Britain and Nigeria.”
Falana also faulted her assertion that Nigerian citizenship is impossible for foreigners to obtain, noting that “Sections 26 and 27 of the Constitution clearly state that foreigners can acquire Nigerian citizenship through naturalisation or registration once they meet the legal conditions.”
He, however, acknowledged gaps in the law, saying that “A woman married to a Nigerian man can be registered as a citizen, but the same privilege is not extended to a man married to a Nigerian woman, which reflects the patriarchal nature of the law. This should be urgently amended.” (Punch)
Nigeria set up a quarter-final showdown with Zambia at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a 0-0 draw with Algeria secured the Super Falcons top spot in Group B.
The result in Casablanca also meant the North Africans progressed to the last eight, where they will face the second-placed finisher in Group C.
Elsewhere, Botswana came from behind to beat Tunisia 2-1 and boost their chances of going through as one of the two best-ranked third-placed sides.
Yesmin Khanchouch’s 12th-minute effort put the Carthage Eagles ahead before Lesego Radiakanyo equalised midway through the second half.
Both teams would have been eliminated by a 1-1 draw and it was Botswana who grabbed a dramatic winner in the sixth minute of stoppage time through Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse.
Sunday’s results mean defending champions South Africa and Mali are both assured of a place in the quarter-finals before Group C culminates on Monday (19:00 GMT).
Banyana Banyana face the West Africans in Oujda, while Ghana take on Tanzania in Berkane with both of those sides needing to win to progress.
Nigeria are chasing a record-extending 10th Wafcon title and topped Group B on seven points without conceding a goal.
Yet, as the West Africans turn their attention to their meeting with Zambia on Friday, questions will be raised about their attacking sharpness.
Super Falcons dominated possession against Algeria and created far more chances than their opponents, but were frustrated by a compact and resilient defence which was content to soak up pressure.
Rasheedat Ajibade and Jennifer Echegini offered the most threat from wide areas and midfield runs. Clear-cut chances were rare, and when they came Nigeria could not convert.
The match ended with Nigeria pressing for a late winner, with Echegini sending a curling effort just wide in the 89th minute.
For Algeria, the draw marked a milestone performance as they reach the knockout stages at a Wafcon finals for the first time.
Their progress has been built on a solid defence, having also progressed without conceding a goal.
Ghoutia Karchouni’s winner against Botswana was their only goal of the group stage but has proved enough to extend their stay in Morocco until their quarter-final tie next Saturday. (BBC)
The Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nigeria’s immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari.
In a statement released through his media aide, Paul Mumeh, Mark noted that Buhari died at a crucial moment when his fatherly guidance was greatly needed to help steer the nation through its challenging leadership landscape.
President Bola Tinubu, through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and former presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu, announced the death of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday.
The former President reportedly died in London at about 4:30 p.m. after battling a prolonged, undisclosed illness.
Buhari served as Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023 and was also the country’s military Head of State between January 1984 and August 1985.
In response to his passing, President Tinubu directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the UK to bring Buhari’s remains back for burial. He also ordered all national flags to be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect.
Mark, who served as the military governor of Niger State from 1984 to 1986 during Buhari’s tenure as Military Head of State, described the former President’s love for Nigeria as unmatched.
The ADC chieftain stated, “Nigeria has lost a hero, an uncommon patriot and a selfless leader who gave his all for the good of our nation.
“The greatest sacrifice which would be difficult to fault was his love for this country, particularly, her unity”.
“It is sad that President Buhari transitioned to the great beyond at this time but we are consoled that his legacy of keeping the nation united will endure.” (Punch)
President Bola Tinubu has announced the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing the development as a national loss.
This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari.
“President Buhari died today in London at about 4.30 pm, following a prolonged illness”, the statement partly read.
Onanuga added that Tinubu has since reached out to the bereaved family.
“President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs Aishat Buhari, the former President’s widow and offered his deep condolences”, he stated.
To facilitate preparations and arrangements for the return of the late president’s remains, Onanuga revealed that the President has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel immediately.
“President Tinubu has also ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany President Muhammadu Buhari’s body back to Nigeria,” he added.
The statement concluded that as part of the nation’s mourning, Tinubu ordered a symbolic tribute, stating, “President Tinubu has ordered flags at half-staff as a mark of respect for the departed leader.” (Punch)
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