Sport

Former Super Falcons Goalkeeper Succumbs to Breast Cancer

By Web News 717

Former Super Falcons goalkeeper, Bidemi Aluko-Olaseni, is dead.

Aluko-Olaseni died after an eight-year battle with cancer.

The Nigerian Football Federation announced this in a post via its X account, @thenff late Saturday night.It read, “We are sad to hear of the passing of former @NGSuper_Falcons goalkeeper, Bidemi Aluko-Olaseni after an eight-year battle with cancer.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.“May her gentle soul rest in peace.”

During Aluko-Olaseni’s stint as a goalkeeper for the Super Falcons, she showcased remarkable skills.

Additionally, she contributed her talents to teams such as Rivers Angels and Sunshine Queens.

In 2019, PUNCH Online reported that the cancer, according to her, developed in 2017 while still playing for Rivers Angels in the Nigerian Women’s Premier League.

She explained that immediately after the cancer was detected, she was asked to undergo surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, which she did.

The retired keeper told our correspondent then that she was forced to quit football because of the ailment.

Aluko-Olaseni, who was in goal for the Falcons between 2012 and 2013, said she needed about N5m for treatment in Nigeria.

Punch/Olaolu Fawole

Sport

Uzodimma Gifts Super Falcons Goalkeeper, 3 Others Land, Cash

By Web News 524

Governor Hope Uzodimma has described Imo talents as resourceful to the nation.

He made this known while receiving Super Falcons of Imo origin: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Desire Oparanozie, Osinachi Ohale and Tochukwu Oluehi at the Government House Owerri.

The Imo governor commended the Super Falcons of Nigeria for their outstanding performance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which was an impressive outing. He, therefore, urged them not to be deterred by the outcome of the competition.

As an encouragement to the quad, the Governor graciously approved the allocation of one plot of land to each within the city of Owerri. According to the Governor, this is the little way by which the Government shows appreciation for their patriotism and support for their career.

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Sport

Gov. Adeleke Celebrates 2 Super Falcon Members

By Web News 697 Post a comment

By Funmi Adekoya

The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has celebrated two members of the Nigeria Female National Team, the Super Falcons over their performance in the just concluded FIFA Female World Cup.

The Governor who played host to the two players Rasheedat Ajibade and Rofiat Imuran in his Ede country home expressed happiness over what he described as their sterling performance in the competition.

Rasheedat Ajibade hails from Ikirun in Ifelodun Local Government, Rofiat Imuran is a native of Ile-Ogbo in Ayekire local Government areas of Osun State.

Governor Adeleke said his decision to host the football stars was based on his resolve to celebrate every significant contribution of an Osun individual to the state and the nation.

Earlier in a telephone conversation with Rasheedat Ajibade, where the Governor formally invited her, Senator Adeleke said losing the last to a penalty kick was a gallant one for the country.

Responding, Rasheedat Ajibade appreciated the Governor for taking time to celebrate them on behalf of the people of Osun state, with a promise that they would continue to make the nation proud.

The two players presented their branded jerseys and another customized jersey in the Governor’s name to the Osun Governor as gifts.

Sport

Super Falcons in Make or Mar Turf War with England Monday

By Web News 675

By Oluwakayode Banjo

Super Falcons of Nigeria will today (Monday) face European Champions England in the round of 16 stage of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia.

The game will kick off at the Suncorp Stadium, Milton, Australia at half past eight in the morning.

The second match of the day will see Co-host Australia battle Denmark at the Stadium Australia at half past eleven in the morning.

Meanwhile, defending Champions United States of America yesterday crashed out of the tournament, losing 5-4 on penalties to Sweden.

Also, African Champions Bayana Bayana of South Africa got eliminated yesterday after they were beaten 2-0 by Netherlands.

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Sport

2023 WWC: Super Falcons Qualify for Round of 16

By Web News 488

By Oluwakayode Banjo

Super Falcons of Nigeria have qualified for the round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia.

The Super Falcons played a goalless draw against the Republic of Ireland in their final Group B match to end the group in second position with five points.

Co-Host Australia finished top of the Group after thrashing Canada 4 nil.

Earlier in the day, Japan demolished Spain by 4 goals to nil, while already eliminated Zambia defeated Costa Rica by 3 goals to one.

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Sport

Super Falcons Begin FIFA Women World Cup with Draw against Canada

By Web News 617

By Oluwakayode Banjo

Super Falcons of Nigeria began their FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign with a goalless draw against Canada.

The match, which kicked off in the early hours of today at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, saw Canada dominate possession, but neither team could find the back of the net as the game ended 0-0.

However, in the 98th minute, Super Falcons midfielder Deborah Abiodun received a red card as Nigeria finished the game with ten players.

The Super Falcons next game will be against Co-host Australia next week Thursday.

Meanwhile, the second match for today between Phillipines and Switzerland is currently ongoing, while Spain will tackle Costa Rica in the last game of the day at half past eight this morning.

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Sport

2022 WAFCON: S. Falcons Falter as Debutants Botswana Top Group C

By Web News 799

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have lost their opening match at the ongoing 2022 Women’s African Cup of Nations, WAFCON, holding in Morocco.

The Super Falcons fell by 1-2 to perennial rivals South Africa in the Group C match while Burundi were hit 4-2 by Botswana.

Two quick-fire goals from the South Africans through Jermaine Seoposenwe in the 61st minute and Hildah Tholakele Magaia only two minutes proved too much of an hurdle for the Super Falcons to scale.

Rasheedat Ajibade scored deep in stoppage time but it was too little too late.

The win extends South Africa’s dominance over Nigeria in recent years as the Super Falcons had not won or scored against South Africa in the continental showpiece since 2016.

In the other Group C match, Botswana registered the biggest win of the tournament so far when they saw off fellow debutants Burundi 4-2 at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

The Mares opened their scoring through Karabo Dithebe a minute to the halftime mark.

With the lead, Botswana went into the break with their heads held up high while looking to extend their lead.

A minute into the second half, Lesego Radiakanyo did just that as she doubled Botswana’s lead to 2-0.

Sandrine Niyonkuru scored to keep Burundi’s hopes of winning the game alive, but it was Botswana’s Tholakele who scored a quick brace in the 55th and 59th minutes to hand the Mares a 4-1 lead to knock the stuffing out of the Burundians.

The Burundians found the back of the net in the 81st minute with a fine finish to make the score 4-2.

Botswana, who are now Group C table leaders, face Nigeria in their next game on Thursday, July 7 at 2000Hrs GMT while Burundi will be up against South Africa at 1700Hrs GMT.

CAF/Maxwell Oyekunle