Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is mourning the loss of her brother, who passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2025.

The Nigerian international shared her grief in a heartfelt social media post, writing:
“Forever in my heart, big brother. Your laughter echoes in my soul. The bond we shared can’t be broken by time or distance. Your spirit guides us. Losing you is a pain like no other, but I’ll honor your life by living mine with courage. Every star holds your light; every memory, a treasure. My rock, my friend, my guide. Rest easy, my brother.”

Nnadozie, who has been a key figure in Nigeria’s women’s national football team, expressed the depth of her sorrow while celebrating the bond she shared with her late brother.

Her tribute highlights both the pain of loss and the enduring memories that loved ones leave behind.

Friends, family, and fans have extended their condolences, recognizing the difficult time for the goalkeeper as she continues to honor her brother’s memory.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons dropped one spot in the latest women’s ranking released by the Federation of International Football Associations, FIFA, on Thursday.
Previously ranked 36th, the Super Falcons dropped to 37th but remain the top team of the continent.

The Super Falcons were inactive during the last FIFA women’s international break which contributed to their current position in the monthly ranking.

South Africa, Ghana, Zambia and Morocco complete the top five highest-ranked countries in Africa.
Globally, Spain retained the highest-ranked team, with the United States of America, Germany, England and Sweden completing the top five. (NAN)

Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie has been named CAF Goalkeeper of the Year (Women) for 2025, securing the prestigious award for the third consecutive year.
The 24-year-old shotstopper received the accolade on Wednesday at the 2025 CAF Awards held in Rabat, Morocco.

Nnadozie beat Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi and South Africa’s Andile Dlamini to the honour, reaffirming her dominance as Africa’s top goalkeeper.

Nnadozie enjoyed a stellar year for both club and country. At Paris FC, she helped lift the Coupe de France Féminine, while internationally, she played a key role in the Super Falcons’ record-extending 10th WAFCON title, keeping four clean sheets and earning the tournament’s best goalkeeper award.

Following WAFCON, she joined Brighton & Hove Albion in the Women’s Super League, making an immediate impact with a Player of the Match debut, and earning multiple nominations including the WSL Save of the Month and PFA Fans’ Player of the Month award.

Nnadozie’s latest CAF honour adds to her growing legacy, cementing her status as one of the most exciting talents in women’s football today.

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have qualified for the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers to be held in Morocco.

The 10-time African Women champions earned a place in the tournament as they advanced on a 3-1 aggregate – a two nil victory in the first leg of the tie, held at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo, last week, and a 1-1 draw today at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.

The Super Falcons appeared ready to replicate their impressive performance in the second leg after taking the lead in the 12th minute. Ashleigh Plumptre was at the extreme end of the goal area when Esther’s long corner kick went over everyone else.

‘It’s the first time the left-back is scoring a goal for the Super Falcons’

The ball was diverted back into the net by the defender’s booming header.

But Benin, who had moments of fortitude during the first leg, refused to give up. After Nigeria’s backline made a defensive error, they valiantly retaliated and equalised at the hour mark.

However, the Falcons’ overall control of the game was not threatened by that goal.

Nigeria will defend the title they won earlier in the year in the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco as a consequence of the outcome.

The team’s remarkable record of being the only country to participate in every tournament since its start is further enhanced by the qualification.

Nigeria, the 2022 bronze medallists, were eliminated from the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup on Tuesday after a 4-0 defeat by Italy, who took their tournament tally to four wins in as many matches.

The Flamingos entered the game determined to prove that their passage into the Round of 16 was no fluke and could have been in front after 24 minutes.

However, Captain Shakirat Moshood saw her fierce shot from the left side of the penalty box pushed round the post by goalkeeper Matilde Robbioni.

Just before the close of the first half, Anna Copelli put Italy ahead when she danced round the Nigeria rearguard and then picked her spot to slot past goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu.

Nigeria thought they had drawn level 10 minutes into the second half when Nguemo Terlumun poked into the net after a battling effort by Queen Joseph, but the Video Support Review ruled that Joseph kicked the ball from Robbioni’s hands.

The Italians increased the tally three minutes later, through an audacious long-range strike by Caterina Venturelli that flew over Echefu and into Nigeria’s net.

It was 3-0 five minutes later, thanks to Giulia Robino, and in the 89th minute, the Video Support Review ruled that Rachelle Giudici was not in the offside position and had scored a legitimate fourth goal for the Italians.

The defeat ended Nigeria’s interest in the ongoing championship in Morocco.

However, Flamingos must immediately begin preparations for the qualifying series for next year’s edition of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals, which is now an annual event. (NAN)

Super Falcons head coach, Justin Madugu, has revealed that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has given him a new two-year contract, extending his stay until 2027.

Shortly after leading the 10-time African champions to qualify for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in a 1-1 draw with the Benin Republic in Abeokuta on Tuesday, which resulted in a 3-1 aggregate victory, Madugu disclosed the development in the post-match conference.

“I have been given a new contract from October 1, 2025, till October 1, 2027,” said the head coach, who guided the Super Falcons to their 10th WAFCON title this year.

He also added his comments on the match, stressing that he was satisfied but not too happy with the performance in the second half as the Beninoise gained momentum after the equaliser.

“The draw didn’t come as a surprise because we knew it was going to be a tough game. It was not going to be an easy game based on what we knew about the Beninoise team,” Madugu said.

“However, I equally want to use this opportunity to apologise to Nigerians for not meeting their expectations. Each time the Super Falcons go out to play, there are always high expectations in terms of results and performance. Sometimes there can be off days, there can be bad days, and we want to consider today’s match from that perspective,” the 61-year-old added.

Ashleigh Plumptre gave Nigeria the lead with a strong header from Esther Okoronkwo’s corner in the 12th minute, scoring her first-ever goal for the Super Falcons. The Amazons scored the equaliser some minutes into the second half but the home team held on to the final whistle.

Nigeria’s spot in the 2026 WAFCON, which is scheduled to take place from March 17 to April 3, was confirmed despite the lacklustre draw.

On Tuesday, twelve countries, including the hosts Morocco, confirmed their spots at the biennial event, marking the conclusion of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON qualification process.

Nigeria, the reigning champions, easily defeated Benin 3-1 on aggregate to make a record 11 straight appearances.

Malawi and Cape Verde will participate in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for the first time next year after securing a spot alongside the defending champions Nigeria.

Kenya will be making their second appearance in the competition after their 4-1 victory over The Gambia.

Similarly, Burkina Faso, who defeated Togo 3-0 over both legs, will make their second appearance.

Algeria, Ghana, South Africa, Senegal, Tanzania and Zambia also join the train.

Four spots are still available to extend the participating teams’ number to 16.

This means that four of the 11 losing teams from the second round might still be able to qualify via playoffs, though information on that has not been announced or released.

However, the full list of the 12 countries include:

1- Morocco – Hosts

2- Nigeria- Defending Champions

3- South Africa

4- Ghana

5- Zambia

6- Algeria

7- Malawi

8- Cape Verde

9- Kenya

10- Tanzania

11- Senegal

12 – Burkina Faso

Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has awarded the Super Falcons a cash gift of ₦50 million as a way of motivating them.

Governor Abiodun made the announcement via his official Instagram page on Tuesday during the team’s courtesy visit to his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The reception was held on Monday ahead of the Super Falcons’ second-leg fixture against the Amazons of Benin Republic in the ongoing 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers.

In his address, the governor described the financial reward as a token of appreciation for the team’s consistent excellence and historic achievements in WAFCON tournaments, notably their record 10th continental title secured in Morocco.

He wrote, “While playing host to the Super Falcons yesterday ahead of their WAFCON 2026 qualifier against Benin Republic, we announced a ₦50 million support package in recognition of their inspiring performance and to further motivate them. This gesture reflects our administration’s unwavering commitment to sports development and youth empowerment.

“From modernizing the MKO Abiola International Stadium to establishing a world-class sports hub, we are investing in facilities and opportunities that nurture champions and elevate Ogun State as the true Gateway to Excellence.”

Legendary Super Falcons defender, Onome Ebi, has officially retired from professional football, closing the curtain on a remarkable career that spanned over two decades with Nigeria’s women’s national team.

Ebi announced her decision in a post on her X account on Wednesday.

She wrote: “Today, I officially retire from professional football. The journey has been filled with challenges, victories, and lessons that shaped me into who I am today.

“Though I hang up my boots, my purpose in the game continues, to give back, to guide, and to be a voice for players.”

Widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest female footballers, the 42-year-old centre-back boasts an illustrious record at both continental and global levels.

Since making her Super Falcons debut in 2003, Ebi has gone on to earn 109 caps — the most by any Nigerian female player. She won four African Women’s Championship titles in 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018.

In 2019, she made history as the first African footballer, male or female, to feature in five FIFA World Cup tournaments. She later extended that record in 2023, when at age 40, she appeared in her sixth World Cup, coming off the bench in Nigeria’s 3–2 win against co-hosts Australia.

Ebi also represented Nigeria at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and featured in multiple African Women’s Championship campaigns throughout her career.

A British-born Nigerian teenager, Kasisochukwu Nwulu, is fast emerging as one of the brightest young female football prospects in England, where she currently plays for Sittingbourne Ladies FC.

At just 15, Kasisochukwu has already impressed with her skills and performances, earning recognition as a rising talent to watch.

She was born in the United Kingdom to Nigerian parents, Mr. Vincent and Mrs. Chito Nwulu, from Umuode, Nsulu in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State.

In addition to her club career, she is part of the Crystal Palace Girls Performance Squad — a programme designed to groom young female players with elite training and development opportunities. Her progress within the squad places her on the pathway to the Crystal Palace feeder team, a step that could lead to professional football in the near future.

Kasisochukwu has also set her sights on representing Nigeria at the international level, reflecting the growing number of diaspora talents embracing their heritage while building football careers abroad.

Analysts believe her early exposure in England’s competitive football environment, coupled with her development under Crystal Palace’s system, could make her a valuable addition to Nigeria’s women’s national teams, including the Super Falcons.

With determination, skill, and passion for the game, Kasisochukwu is steadily carving a name for herself as one to watch — both in English football and potentially on the global stage in Nigerian colours.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are ranked the best team in Africa and 36th in the world with 1630 points, according to the latest FIFA Rankings released on Thursday.

World champions Spain are ranked top in the world with 2066 points, followed by the U.S with 2065 points. In third place is Sweden with 2025 points, while Euro Champions England is fourth with 2022 points.

In Africa, South Africa is ranked second place and 54th in the world with 1,465 points.

Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finalists and hosts, Morocco, are third place with 1,407 points and 64th place in the world while Zambia are fourth with 1,402 points, and 65th at the global stage.

The next edition of the rankings will be published on Dec. 11.

Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has been nominated for the 2025 Women’s Yachine Trophy, the Ballon d’Or award for the best female goalkeeper.

The 24-year-old recently joined Brighton Women FC from Paris FC after helping the French side win their first major title in nearly two decades. Nnadozie delivered a heroic performance in the final of the 2025 Coupe de France Féminine, where Paris FC edged Paris Saint-Germain 5-4 on penalties following a goalless draw at Stade de l’Épopée in Calais.

She was also instrumental in Nigeria’s success at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where the Super Falcons secured a record-extending 10th continental crown against host nation, Morocco.

Her standout displays earned her the Best Goalkeeper award and a place in the Team of the Tournament.

Other nominees for the Yachine Trophy include Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC), Cata Coll (Barcelona Femeni), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea Women), and Daphne van Domselaar (Arsenal Women).

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has shared her inspiring rise from modest beginnings to becoming a continental football champion, recounting how she once sold items like Olive oil and local drinks like Kunu and Zobo within church grounds before gaining prominence in the sport.

Ajibade gave the testimony on Saturday during the August edition of the “Power Must Change Hands” programme at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries’ (MFM) Prayer City in Ogun State.

The Atletico Madrid forward, who captained Nigeria to its 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco, spoke candidly about her past experiences and spiritual discipline that have shaped her journey.

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade paid a special visit to the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State on Saturday, where she shared her Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) success with members of her faith community.

Appearing at the church’s monthly Power Must Change Hands service, Ajibade presented her championship medal and individual awards to the General Overseer, Pastor Daniel Olukoya, and his wife as an act of gratitude.

Ajibade attributed her team’s accomplishments to divine grace and protection, noting that the presentation was a token of thanks to God for His guidance and safety throughout the tournament.

Renowned for her outspoken devotion, the Super Falcons star was warmly welcomed by the congregation, who rejoiced in her victory with applause, songs, and heartfelt prayers.

Ajibade, who won three Woman of the Match awards at the just-concluded WAFCON, was named the Player of the Tournament. She scored once but was instrumental in Nigeria’s push for the 10th WAFCON crown.

Super Falcons Captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, has outlined what Nigeria must do to evolve from continental champions to FIFA Women’s World Cup winners.

‎Ajibade who Spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after the team’s reception by President Bola Tinubu at the State House on Monday, said there was need for structural support for the team.

‎NAN reports that the 10-time WAFCON champions have long dominated African football but have struggled to replicate that success on the global stage.

‎Their best World Cup result remain a quarter-final finish.

At the Olympics, they have also failed to break past the last eight.

‎Ajibade, a former Atlético Madrid Femenino star said the team’s recent WAFCON triumph in Morocco proved they can aim higher if given the right backing.

‎She called for urgent investment in facilities, professional conditions, and tournament preparation to elevate the team’s global standing.

‎”We want to be global contenders, not just local champions. We have dominated in Africa and it is time to take it to the world stage.

‎”So, all we need to do is just support and to keep promoting women football and set the platform for generations to come.

‎”When we talk of support, I am talking about proper preparations for tournaments and proper professional conditions for players,” she said.

‎Ajibade said that the warm reception from President Tinubu was a major morale boost that could inspire greater achievements.

‎”Our vision is bold. We want to become the best women’s football team in the world.

‎”We dream of standing at the top of the global stage, not just as competitors, but as champions.”

‎She emphasised the importance of world-class training infrastructure and player welfare to sustain success.

‎”To achieve this, we only seek the continued and enhanced support of the NFF, NSC and the Federal Government.

‎”With your partnership, we can have world-class training facilities, and we will be able to prepare in the best way possible, and create a pathway for the next generation of Super Falcons to score even higher.

‎”Together, we can show the world that Nigeria is not just a participant in global football, but a leader.” Ajibade said.

‎NAN reports that the Super Falcons have featured in every FIFA Women’s World Cup since 1991, reaching the knockout stage on three occasions – 1999 in (U.S.), 2019 in (France) and 2023 (Australia and New Zealand).

‎In their last outing in 2023, they stretched two-time European champions England to a penalty shootout in the second round.