IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

By Onyinyechi Nwankwo and Wilson Amaefule

Imo State athletes have expressed high spirits and strong optimism as preparations intensify for the second phase of the Niger Delta Games scheduled to hold from February 20 to 27, 2026, in Benin City, Edo State

The Games, organised by Dunamis Icon Limited and sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), will bring together athletes from the nine mandate states of the Niger Delta to compete across several sporting disciplines, in what is expected to be a keenly contested celebration of grassroots sports development.

Speaking on his readiness, Emmanuel Kelechi Kingsley, a 400 metres athlete in the male category, said preparations were in top gear, noting that the competition offers a valuable platform to showcase talent at a regional level.

“We are really preparing for the Niger Delta Games coming up in February in Benin City. We want the NDDC to give us a fair playing ground to show our best, and with the level of our training, I am hopeful of clinching the gold medal,” he said.

Also expressing confidence, Sophia Chika, who will compete in the 400 metres female athletics event, described the training sessions as intense but rewarding, adding that she is determined to make Imo State proud at the Games.

From the table tennis arena, Udeh Success Favour of Owerri West Local Government Area said she was optimistic about her chances, expressing faith that consistent training and discipline would translate into victory at the competition.

Basketball player, Chukwuka Onyeise Harrison from Ezinihitte Mbaise described the Edo Games as a unifying sporting platform, while appreciating the NDDC and Dunamis Icon for creating opportunities for young athletes to develop and pursue their passion.

For Precious Adindu from Obowo Local Government Area, the excitement is even more personal, as the Edo 2026 Games will mark her first appearance at the Niger Delta Games, an opportunity she described as both motivating and inspiring.

She expressed confidence in a strong outing, stating that she is determined to compete creditably and return home with honours for Imo State.

‎Bayelsa State was the surprise winner of top position on the medals table at the inaugural edition of the Niger Delta Games in Uyo, edging Delta State by an odd gold medal on the last day of competitions.

The state finished top with 46 gold, 29 silver and 15 bronze medals, a total 86 medals, and some of the athletes preparing to represent the state at the 2nd edition in Benin, Edo State have expressed confidence to successfully retain the pole position.

‎

In separate ‎interviews at their camp in Yenagoa, the state capital, some of the athletes spoke shortly after training, and didn't mince words in expressing their determination to dominate at the Games holding from February 20-27.

‎

One of those who spoke is wrestler, Emmanuel Okike, and he was adamant that the goal of Team Bayelsa is to retain the first position on medals count at the Niger Delta Games. Okike pegged his claims on the level and quality of preparations they have been undergoing, citing the wrestling team's drills.

‎

‎"I am very happy to be part of the Niger Delta Games, we have been doing well in all the competitions we have attended so far such that I can confidently say that Bayelsa has gone beyond participation to winning tournaments", Okike declared while trying to catch his breath after a bout with another team mate.

‎

Echoing the same sentiment is a 61kg freestyle wrestler, Ebiere Frank, who insisted that Team Bayelsa is going to Benin to affirm its dominance in wrestling. He pointed out that the State would use the games as preparatory championship for other competitions slated for later in the year.

‎

Like Okike, Ebiere commended the foresight of the Games originator, Dunamis-Icon Limited and the leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for their partnership that birthed the games for youths. Ebiere is of the firm conviction that the region stands to benefit from the continuous staging of the games in the area of discovery of talented sportsmen and women.

‎

‎Gonibo Jessica, a basketball player, asserted that Team Bayelsa would return with the gold medal in basketball, stating that the competition has become a stepping stone for young athletes to excel at national and international sporting events. 

‎

While describing the games as a laudable initiative, urged the Commission to sustain their sponsorship of the competition which has become a launch pad to the development of sports at the grassroots.

As per the rules of the games, Bayelsa State would be fielding male and female athletes in all the 16 sports events.

Photos:

1. Gonibo Jessica

2. Emmanuel Okike

3. Ebiere Frank 

Organisers of the Niger Delta Games say the competition will continue to be an integral part of the sporting calendar of the National Sports Commission for the overall objective to change the trajectory of Grassroots sports development in Nigeria.

This is according to Mr Malik Ikpokpo, chairman of Dunamis Icon , organisers of the Niger Delta Games during a courtesy visit to the Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade.

Mr Ikpokpo said his visit to the NSC is to formally brief the Director General on the preparations towards the successful staging of the games this year in Edo state.

He stated that the successful organisation of the first edition of the games last year in Akwa Ibom state was largely due to the strategic support of the NSC under the leadership of Mallam Shehu and Hon Bukola Olopade.

” We are very excited at the Niger Delta games that we have a very cordial relationship with the NSC and they have been very supportive in providing us with every form of technical and logistic assistance.

” This is why I am here to let the DG know our level of preparation as regards what our sponsor, NDDC are doing and how far we have gone with our host, Edo state, in their readiness to welcome the entire nine Niger Delta states”.

He added that the Niger Delta Games is not just another competition but a sustainable breeding ground to discover and nurture Nigeria’s future talents.

” The Niger Delta games align perfectly with the new vision of the NSC to have a vibrant and sustainable sports economy that works through organisation of regular domestic competitions of international standard”, he concluded.

The 2026 Niger Delta games is scheduled to hold from February 20th to 26th in Edo state. 

Imo State is wearing a new glow of confidence and optimism as it prepares for the 2nd edition of the Niger Delta Games. Across the state, the atmosphere is charged with excitement, unity, and renewed belief in the power of sports to inspire, heal, and transform communities. From grassroots athletes to seasoned administrators, there is a shared determination to showcase Imo State as a hub of talent, discipline, and sporting excellence.

The government’s sustained investment in sports infrastructure and youth development has begun to yield visible results. Training facilities are being upgraded, athletes are better motivated, and technical crews are working tirelessly to ensure a smooth and memorable outing. Beyond competition, the Niger Delta Games represent a platform for cultural exchange, regional unity, and the discovery of future champions who will carry the nation’s colours with pride.

For Imo State, this edition is more than a sporting event; it is a statement of readiness and ambition. It reflects a people eager to compete with honour, embrace teamwork, and project a positive image of resilience and progress. As the countdown continues, Imo State stands upbeat and prepared, ready to make a strong impression and reaffirm its place as a leading force in sports development within the Niger Delta and beyond. 

Some athletes from Rivers State have spoken excitedly about opportunities and potentials for a brighter future ingerent in the Niger Delta Games (NDG)

Some of these athletes who will participate in athletics, basketball, table tennis and others have taken to their social media accounts promoting the games and speaking of their expectations.

ThecRivers State basketball players, seen training for the second edition of the NDG coming up in Benin, Edo State, said they are excited at the prospect of defending the gold medal won in the event at the last edition of the NDG in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. 

At the Basketball Court on Niger/ Bende Streets in Port Harcourt township, the players said they have been training hard to ensure that they defend their title.

Dalhati Wealth expressed confidence that his team will emerge victorious as they are learning new techniques and tactics to ensure victory.

“As you can see every player is putting in good effort to be mentally and physically fit, including learning new tactics to be ready and maintain the level that saw us go all the way at the last Games.

”We started our preparation early because we want to achieve success at the end of the day. You know that if you don’t train and do not prepare early, you can’t perform when the chips are down “, Wealth said.

He used the opportunity to commend the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC) for initiating the sports programme with the vision to develop, empower and provide and enduring platform for youths in the region.

”This competition will no doubt discover talents in the region, and it will equally expose us to both local and foreign scouts because you can never tell.

“You know we only have one Youth Games every year but this has added to the calendar towards sports development and the engagement of young people, especially, at the grassroots level” he stated.

A very young looking Kelvin Harrison was seen in a promotional social media post boasting that his team would win gold for Rivers State.

"Hello Rivers people, my name is Kelvin Harrison, a handballer for Rivers State. I'll be joining over 3000 other athletes participating in the 2nd Niger Delta Games in Benin, Edo State from February 20-27. I am so excited and can't wait to be there. See you there as I go for gold", Harrison said in the viral video.

Ebenezer Obas, added drama and fun when he rallied other basketball players on their training ground to add a psychological war dimension in a video. After introducing himself and speaking of their determination to retain the gold medal from the last edition, he invited others who stood behind him as they chorused "let's go Rivers" as they broke into an opponent daring chant.

Also speaking, another athlete, Hector Tobogu

also commended NDDC for the initiative, saying that the tournament has discovered hidden talents in the area.

“This competition has helped many youths develop interest in different sporting activities and is another way to showcase talents. As an athlete if you don’t compete in tournaments or competitions, you will not know your strength and improvement would be very difficult”, Tobogu said.

Pictures: Ebenezer Obas and his team mates 

About 3,000 athletes and officials from nine oil-producing states are expected in Edo State for the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, scheduled to hold from February 20th – 27th, 2026.

The multi-sport event, sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), will feature 17 sports. These include football, basketball, boxing, badminton, among others. The event will also feature a cultural night designed to showcase the region’s rich heritage.

The organiser of the event, Itiako Ikpokpo, told sports journalists in the State capital, Benin City, that the games were strictly designed for young talents.

Ikpokpo said participating athletes must be indigenous to the competing states and must not exceed 20 years of age.

According to him, meaningful sports development must begin at the grassroots, as the local government level is the true foundation for talent discovery.

“We must go back to school sports to discover more young talents for the country,” he said.

Ikpokpo, however, decried the poor commitment of state governments to sports development.

He said low budgetary allocations for sports across states had continued to undermine growth in the sector, while weak administration had prevented sports from becoming a viable economic venture.

“There is a need to elevate the conversation on sports in this country,” he added. “The reason sports has not become a money spinner is the way it is being managed by administrators.”

Ikpokpo also condemned the prevalence of age cheating in sports, describing it as “shameful” and called for collective action to end the practice.

He further urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to look beyond Uyo for the hosting of international matches, arguing that the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City meets global standards.

“Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium is as good as the Uyo Stadium and should be considered for international fixtures,” he said. 

Thomas Tuchel spoke like a man who knew the best night of his England reign was coming from the moment he landed in Belgrade. The German heard questions about his methods after the dire World Cup qualifier win against Andorra on Saturday - a fourth successive competitive victory, but one that ended with thousands of supporters at Villa Park voting with their feet long before the end.

"I see what I see. I feel what I feel. I am convinced we will improve, then get better and better," said Tuchel before England's qualifier against Serbia. He echoed that message as he basked in the elation of Tuesday night's 5-0 triumph. Tuchel's side delivered on that promise - and then some - with a masterclass that swept Serbia aside in their own Belgrade fortress, the predicted hostile crowd silenced from virtually the first whistle by a performance of total domination.

And, on what was the perfect night for Tuchel, he not only got the emphatic victory that puts England only five points away from World Cup qualification with three games left, he left Belgrade with the most pleasant of selection headaches to resolve. England finally showed attacking flair, doing it without Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham and Arsenal's Bukayo Saka - regarded as certain starters by most observers. Chelsea forward Cole Palmer was also missing, as was Phil Foden, hoping to rebuild his international career through his Manchester City performances.

In their absence, Noni Madueke excelled with a goal and a fine individual display. He has now made five goal contributions in nine England appearances. Elliott Anderson built on the good impression he made on his debut against Andorra, while Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers was an increasing influence, looking at home at this elite level. Bellingham is always regarded the natural for England's number 10 position, but Rogers staked his claim and showed Tuchel he has alternatives should he want to utilise them. 

Former Leicester striker Jamie Vardy said "age is just a number" as he opens a new chapter of his career with Italian side Cremonese. The 38-year-old, who is regarded among Leicester's greatest players, left the club at the end of last season, calling time on a 13-year spell at the club where he scored 200 goals in 500 appearances.

He notched 24 of those in their Premier League title-winning 2015-16 season. Vardy signed for newly-promoted Serie A side Cremonese on a free transfer earlier this month and he could make his debut for the northern Italian side on Monday, against Verona. Asked if he, and other veterans such as Kevin de Bruyne and Luka Modric who have also moved to Serie A this summer, are still motivated to perform at the highest level, he replied: "You must be one of the doubters. You're one that I'll have to prove wrong.

"For me age is just a number. As long as my legs are doing exactly what they used to and still feel as fresh as they do then I will carry on. "At the moment there are no signs of them slowing down so I'll keep going and I will be giving my all for this club. "I will learn Italian, but [for now] it is not a problem: football has its own language, with the ball," he said. Cremonese have enjoyed an impressive start to the season, opening their campaign with a surprise 2-1 win over AC Milan before beating Sassuolo 3-2.

"The main task is making sure we stay in the league, and that's how it was when I was at Leicester," Vardy said. "It was never any, 'we are going to go for this', it was always, 'we need to stay in the league', that's the main thing. So all you do, you go out, you take each game one-by-one, give your all, what will be will be." 

The city of Asaba came alive on Friday as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, officially declared open the 9th National Youth Games, with athletes from 33 states and the FCT Abuja set for ten days of thrilling competition, Jazzy News can exclusively report.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sports as a tool for unity, empowerment, and global competitiveness, President Tinubu said the Games remain a breeding ground for future champions.

“From these young athletes, future national and international stars will emerge. Our government is committed to nurturing them with the right structures, facilities, and policies. Sports is not just recreation; it is a unifying force and a driver of national pride,” the President said.

The opening ceremony was a spectacle of color and culture, with a vibrant parade of athletes lighting up the Stephen Keshi Stadium. Nigerian music star Victor AD set the crowd buzzing with an electrifying performance that got fans on their feet.

Welcoming the participants, Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, hailed the Games as a symbol of unity through healthy rivalry.

“The National Youth Games have produced stars now flying Nigeria’s flag globally. Delta is proud to host again, and we are ready to give athletes a safe, competitive, and memorable experience,” he said.

Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, urged the athletes to embrace fair play and give their best.

“This is where greatness begins. Compete with heart because you carry the hope of your states and the pride of Nigeria,” he charged, vowing that no raw talent will be left undiscovered.

The ceremony also featured the traditional athletes’ and officials’ oath-taking, led by Obiagu Faith and Comrade Obioha George respectively.

Over the next ten days, 37 sports will be contested as Delta—the defending champion of all eight previous editions—hunts for a record ninth straight title.

Asaba is now set for a festival of youthful energy, raw talent, and national pride, with the National Youth Games once again proving that sports is Nigeria’s greatest unifier.

After Chelsea's star man Cole Palmer was ruled out in the warm-up of the Premier League encounter at West Ham, teenage sensation Estevao Willian stepped up to show why Blues fans have been so excited about his arrival.

The 18-year-old replaced England international Palmer for his first Premier League start, but gave the ball away with a flick for Lucas Paqueta's stunning sixth-minute opener for the hosts. Yet that didn't faze the Brazilian forward as he proved why Chelsea were willing to pay £29m to bring him to Stamford Bridge, most notably with his first-half assist for Enzo Fernandez as the Fifa Club World Cup winners eventually cruised to a 5-1 victory.

That smart run and pull-back for Fernandez's close-range finish made Estevao, at the age of 18 years and 120 days, the youngest Chelsea player to assist a goal in the Premier League. "He needs to adapt, he needs to make many mistakes to understand how the Premier League is different to Brazil," Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca told BBC Sport.

"We conceded after he did the flick. He needs to understand, but he is a fantastic player." 

This season is set to be the most important in Mikel Arteta's five and a half years in charge of Arsenal. They have revamped their squad with £190m worth of signings as they look to win the Premier League for the first time in 21 years.

The Gunners have finished second for the past three seasons in a row but have now made a big push over the summer to end that drought.

Arsenal have added two important cogs to the spine of their team with the signing of midfielder Martin Zubimendi and striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Arsenal - who begin their campaign away to Manchester United on Sunday (kick-off 16:30 BST) - believe they are now ready to win the league this season. 

D’Tigress secured their fifth straight FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title with a 78–64 win over Mali, extending their unbeaten run to 29 games since 2015.

With seven titles, Nigeria now ranks second behind Senegal (11 titles) in the tournament’s history. 

Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, has congratulated Nigeria’s women basketball team, D’Tigress, for their outstanding triumph at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship in Abidjan. The commissioner praised the team for their commitment, resilience, and unity in securing yet another continental title for Nigeria.

Hon. Onyeocha expressed excitement over the team’s success, noting that their victory came just a week after the Super Falcons also made the nation proud by winning the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco. He described the back-to-back international feats as a golden moment for Nigerian sports and a major source of national pride.

He further applauded the contribution of Imo-born players Sarah Ogoke and Promise Amukamara, who were part of the D’Tigress squad. Onyeocha said their inclusion made the state proud, and revealed that the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, along with all Imolites, are thrilled by their achievement and will continue to support the growth of sports across all levels. 

In a thrilling display of appreciation for sporting excellence, the Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, has rolled out a heroic reception for eight indomitable Super Falcons players and officials from the state, rewarding them with ₦30 million each and a plot of land in Owerri. 

The celebratory gesture follows the Falcons’ sensational run at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where Nigeria clinched the continental title in dominant fashion.

The honourees include top-performing stars: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Tochukwu Oluehi, Osinachi Ohale, Chiwendu Ihezuo, Jennifer Echegini, Michelle Alozie, assistant coach Ann Chiejine, and former Super Falcons captain Desire Oparanozie — all hailing from Imo State.

Speaking during a grand ceremony held at the Government House in Owerri, Governor Uzodimma hailed the players for flying both the Nigerian and Imo State flags high on African soil.

“We are gathered here to celebrate our national pride,” the Governor said. “When the history books are written, it will be recorded that the core of that victorious team came from Imo State. This is more than just a trophy — it’s about legacy, pride, and results.”

Governor Uzodimma emphasized that his administration is results-driven and committed to promoting excellence, particularly among women in sports. He further declared that the players will now serve as ambassadors for the state, setting the pace for upcoming talents.

“These girls deserve to be promoted because of this achievement. I’m not a sycophant or a mediocre — I pursue results. We want more of our girls in national camps bringing more trophies to Nigeria,” he said.

In a move reflecting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s precedent of rewarding sports heroes, the Governor announced the state’s reward package — ₦30 million in cash and a choice plot of land in the Imo State capital for each athlete and official.

Earlier, the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Obinna Onyeocha, highlighted the role of the state’s long-term investment in sports development.

“Your Excellency, I present to you our girls who went to Morocco and conquered every other African nation. Their triumph is proof that your investment in grassroots sports has paid off.”

The atmosphere was charged with pride and celebration as the athletes were individually presented and honored before a cheering audience of dignitaries, family members, and sports enthusiasts.

This victory marks a historic milestone for Imo State in women’s football and sets a new standard for state-level support for national athletes. As Nigeria continues to dominate women’s football in Africa, the contributions of these Imo-born champions will long be remembered.

Kun Khalifat FC President/CEO, Mr Michael Chukwudi Amaefule, has expressed the team’s readiness for the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League, (NPFL) season.

The Pride of Imo State will kick off their first ever NPFL campaign against Enugu Rangers away from home as the new season will commence on August 22, 2025.

"We are optimistic about this new season, our maiden one, as we take on Enugu Rangers in our first game,” Amaefule told the club’s media after the fixtures unveiling.

"The technical crew and players are working hard, and we believe we can build on the momentum from last season in the NNL to achieve even greater success in the NPFL. The club's mentality is centred around achieving dreams with humger, clarity of purpose, and fearless ambition that will set us apart from our opponents”, he further stated.

"We are well prepared for this historic milestone, and we charge our teeming fans across the globe to give us even stronger support as we thank them for their outpour of love and solidarity," he concluded.

Overall, Kun Khalifat FC seems poised to make a mark in the NPFL, driven by their strong tram dynamics, effective leadership, and bold mentality. Their performance will be closely watched as they take on the best teams in Nigerian football.

By Ndukaihe Macharles U, Owerri, Imo State. 

Okeoshishi FC of Oguta has etched their name in history by clinching the inaugural Imo State U13 Football Championship title, following a thrilling 1–0 victory over Captain Marvel FC of Owerri in a fiercely contested final at the Main Bowl of the Township Stadium, Owerri.

From the onset, Okeoshishi FC showcased attacking intent and tactical discipline, pinning their Owerri-based opponents deep into their own half with wave after wave of pressure. Despite a resilient defensive display by Captain Marvel FC, the deadlock was finally broken in the 78th minute when Okeoshishi captain Chidubem Okoye capitalized on a clever through pass from teammate Chisom  Ndumuanya clinically finishing past the goalkeeper to send the Oguta fans into wild celebration.

Okoye nearly doubled the lead six minutes later with a dazzling solo run that saw him glide past three defenders, only to be denied by the Owerri side’s goalkeeper in a heroic save.

With the final whistle, Okeoshishi FC were crowned the first-ever champions of the Imo State U13 Football Tournament, a competition that kicked off three weeks ago with over 50 teams representing various communities across the state.

The final match drew a large crowd, including former international stars, dignitaries, and sports stakeholders. Among the notable attendees was former African Footballer of the Year and Heartland FC coach, Emmanuel Amunike, who praised the quality of football displayed by both teams, stating, “This tournament has opened a new window of opportunities for these young talents. The level of skill and discipline shown today is commendable.”

Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, commended both finalists for their spirited performances, while also acknowledging the efforts of grassroots sports investors. He gave special recognition to Ogbuagu Ifeanyi Ogbonna, sponsor of Okeoshishi FC, for his unwavering support and investment in youth football development across Oguta LGA.

The tournament finale also featured the presentation of individual awards and cash prizes, courtesy of the tournament organizers, as the event moves into its next phase focused on talent grooming and development.

Dignitaries in attendance included Hon. Chisom Ojukwu of the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Pastor Chris Mbaeri, Executive Chairman of Orlu LGA, representatives from the NDDC, former Ex-Iwuanyanwu FC player Mr. Isaac Mbika, Barr. Ifeanyi Dike, Chairman of the Imo State Football Association, Coach Nicholas Ukadike, Mr. Fred, and other stakeholders in the state’s football ecosystem.

With this victory, Okeoshishi FC not only lifts the historic title but also cements its place as a rising powerhouse in grassroots football in Imo State.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have arrived in Abuja after winning their 10th WAFCON title, and will hold a trophy parade across key districts in the capital.

They will also be hosted by President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa later today. 

Manchester City are set to re-sign English goalkeeper James Trafford for £27m, two years after he left to join Burnley. The 22-year-old City academy graduate signed for the Clarets in July 2023 in deal worth up to £19m with add-ons.

He impressed last season as Scott Parker's side won promotion back to the Premier League, keeping 29 clean sheets across 45 Championship games, and was named in the division team of the year.

City had a buy-back clause for Trafford but also matching rights, allowing them to match any offer from another club. They have done so following a £27m bid from Newcastle and Trafford has opted for a return to Manchester.

The England Under-21 international is expected to sign a five-year contract at Etihad Stadium with the option for another year. 

President Bola Tinubu has approved full allowances and bonuses for the Super Falcons ahead of their WAFCON final against Morocco.

National Sports Commission Chairman, Shehu Dikko, confirmed all entitlements have been disbursed, with similar support promised for D’Tigress ahead of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket. 

WAFCON 2024: Nigeria’s Super Falcons to play South Africa in mouthwatering semi-final

South Africa are into the semi-final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Their reward? A date with rivals Nigeria at the Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca, Morocco. 

The Banyana Banyana fought hard to beat Senegal 4-1 on penalties after normal, and extra time ended barren in Saturday’s quarter-final match up. Nigeria had a day earlier crushed Zambia’s Copper Queens 5-0, extending their unbeaten record in the tournament. 

With the last eight games done, attention now shifts to the semi-final, and Nigeria and South Africa headline the fixtures for the semi-final. The last time both sides met was at the 2022 edition, also in Morocco. Then, the South Africans got the better of the 2018 champions, courtesy of a 1-2 win. That victory came three years after the Banyana Banyana’s heartbreaking loss to Nigeria in the WAFCON final. 

The Super Falcons go into Tuesday’s game, riding on the heels of an impressive outing in Morocco. They have scored eight goals and are yet to concede in four matches so far, a testament to their impregnable defensive work.

The other semi-final game at the WAFCON will see Ghana’s Black Queens take on hosts Morocco. That match will be on the same day that Nigeria will play South Africa.