An accurate toe-poke by forward Adriana Leon coupled with a touch of fortune allowed Canada to secure a 2-1 victory against Ireland on Wednesday, their first of this year’s Women’s World Cup, in wet and windy conditions at Perth Oval.

Fresh off a scoreless draw with Nigeria, Canada put themselves ahead in the match when Leon found the back of the net in the 53rd minute as her side increasingly exerted their dominance over a plucky Irish outfit.

In an exciting first half that had attacking play at both ends, Ireland captain Katie McCabe opened the scoring with a fourth minute corner that curled through the air and into the net, giving the girls in green their first-ever World Cup goal.

Canada worked diligently but failed to convert their first genuine chance in the 30th minute when Vanessa Gilles put too much on a chip within the six-yard box.

Some luck fell the way of the Olympic champions, though, when they equalised on the cusp of halftime, a powerful cross from midfielder Julia Grosso deflecting off Ireland’s Megan Connolly for an own goal in driving rain.

The second half grew into an arm-wrestle, but McCabe battled hard and created two opportunities late in the game which missed the target.

The 40-year-old Christine Sinclair, brought on after the break, found few chances near goal and will have to wait until Canada’s clash with co-hosts Australia in Melbourne on Monday to potentially become the first player to score at six World Cups.

Ireland, who cannot progress to the knockout stage having also lost their opener against Australia, play their final match against Nigeria in Brisbane.

Joint-hosts Australia got their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 campaign off to a promising start with an opening victory against the Republic of Ireland, and they will be looking to build on that against Nigeria as they bid to take a big step towards qualification for the knockout stage.

Nigeria claimed an excellent goalless draw against Olympic champions Canada in their tournament curtain raiser, a result that will give them plenty of confidence coming into this encounter.

That was the Super Falcons’ first scoreless stalemate in 27 FIFA Women’s World Cup outings, and they will be eager to produce another solid defensive display against the Matildas in Brisbane/Meaanjin.

The two teams have met once before – back in the group stage of the 2015 edition – and it was Australia who emerged victorious on that occasion thanks to two unanswered goals from Kyah Simon.

• Head-to-Head:12/06/2015, Australia 2-0 Nigeria, FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 group stage, Winnipeg Stadium, Winnipeg (Canada)

KEY FACTS

• Australia have won their last three FIFA Women’s World Cup matches against African opposition.
• Australia have won ten of their last 11 international matches (Win:10, Lost 1).
• The Matildashave kept seven clean sheets in their last nine international fixtures.
• Australia have only failed to score in one of their last 21 FIFA Women’s World Cup group matches.
• Nigeria have won only two of their last 18 FIFA Women’s World Cup encounters (Draw 3,Lost 13).
• At the age of 40 years and 80 days, Onome Ebi could become the second-oldest player to feature in a Women’s World Cup match, and the oldest African player. The oldest player to make an appearance in FIFA Women’s World Cup history is Brazil’s Formiga, who lined up against France in 2019 aged 41 years and 112 days.

AUSTRALIA TEAM FACTS

• Overall record: Play: 27, Win: 8,  Draw: 6,  Lost: 13, Goals For: 39, Goals Against: 50,  Goal Difference: -11
• Biggest win: Australia 4-1Ghana (12/09/2007),  Australia 4-1 Jamaica (18/06/2019)
• Biggest defeat: Australia 0-5Denmark (06/06/1995)
• Highest scoring match: 6 goals – Australia 2-4 China PR (08/06/1995)
• Most goals scored in a match: 4 – Australia 4-1 Ghana (12/09/2007)and Australia 4-1 Jamaica (18/06/2019)
• Most goals conceded in a match: 5 – Australia 0-5 Denmark (06/06/1995)
• Most goals scored at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 9 – 2007 and 2019 (4 matches)
• Fewest goals scored at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 3 – 1995, 1999 and 2003 (3 matches)
• Most goals conceded at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 13 – 1995 (3 matches)
• Fewest goals conceded at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 5 – 2015 (5 matches)

FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP STREAKS

• Successive wins: 2 (2011 and 2019)
• Successive defeats: 3 (1995 and 1999-2003)
• Successive draws: 2 (2007)
• Successive matches without a defeat: 4 (2007, 2015 and 2019-present)
• Successive matches without a win: 9 (1995-2003)
• Successive matches with a goal scored: 12 (1995-2007)
• Successive matches without scoring: 1 (1995, 2011, 2015)
• Successive clean sheets: 1 (2015, 2015 and 2023-present)

NIGERIA TEAM FACTS

• Overall record: Play: 27, Win: 4, Draw: 4, Lost: 19, Goals  For: 20, Goals Against: 63,  Goal Difference: -43.
• Biggest win: Nigeria 2-0 Denmark (27/06/1999), Nigeria 2-0 Korea Republic (12/06/2019)
• Biggest defeat: 0-8Nigeria 0-8 Norway (06/06/1995)
• Highest scoring match: 8 goals – Nigeria 0-8 Norway (06/06/1995)and Nigeria 1-7 USA (24/06/1999)
• Most goals scored in a match: 3 – Nigeria 3-3 Canada (08/06/1995),  Nigeria 3-4 Brazil (01/07/1999)and Nigeria 3-3 Sweden (08/06/2015)
• Most goals conceded in a match: 8 – Nigeria 0-8 Norway (06/06/1995)
• Most goals scored at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 8 – 1999 (4 matches)
• Fewest goals scored at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 0 – 1991 and 2003 (3 matches)
• Most goals conceded at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 14 – 1995 (3 matches)
• Fewest goals conceded at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 2 – 2011 (3 matches)

FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP STREAKS

• Successive wins: 1 (four times)
• Successive defeats: 4 (three times)
• Successive draws: 1 (four times, the last of which was 2023-present)
• Successive matches without a defeat: 2 (2011-2015)
• Successive matches without a win: 9 (1999-2011)
• Successive matches with a goal scored: 6 (1995-1999)
• Successive matches without scoring: 4 (1991-1995 and 2007-2011)
• Successive clean sheets: 1 (four times, the last of which was 2023-present)

In the last four games for the Falcons, Waldrum has deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation parading a double #6 and a standing striker upfront

The Super Falcons of Nigeria will be playing a crucial and tricky game against co-host Australia on Thursday by 11 a.m.

While the game means a lot for the Nigerian side to be in a comfortable position for a next round qualification, Randy Waldrum, must also be conscious of his lineup against the Aussie.

In the last four games for the Falcons, Waldrum has deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation parading a double #6 and a standing striker upfront. Moreso, the American also uses offensive fullbacks to support his six-woman attacking style.

As the build-up to Thursday’s game continues, here is a peep into the 11-woman squad expected to start against Australia on Thursday.

Chiamaka Nnadozie

The stand-in captain against Canada undoubtedly will start against Australia hoping for another clean sheet. She looks calm, especially under pressure and she’s an elite goalkeeper and her ball usage skills would be key for Nigeria to unlock the cryptic defence of the Australians.

Onome Ebi and Ohale partnership

After sitting out the first game against Canada, Waldrum may likely call on the experienced Ebi to start against the Australians. But the relationship between Ohale and Blessing Demehin looks perfect for a counter kind of team.

However, Waldrum from the history might be interested in banking the heart of the defence on his skipper Ebi and Ohale who both played against Australia eight years ago.

Ashleigh Plumptre and Michelle Alozie as fullbacks

Certainly, Pumptre will get her second start in the World Cup as a result of her quick adaptation to Randy Wadrum’s 4-2-3-1 formation. And the reason for both players is for quick stimulations into attack in an inverted format. They are also fluidic in their approach with ball.

Christy Ucheibe and Halimatu Ayinde

Halimatu is back from her suspension and Deborah Abiodun has gone for a red card offence, which means she will start alongside Ucheibe in the double-woman midfield of Waldrum’s formation. Ucheibe is very mobile and her impact closes loose ends especially for Alozie whenever she overlaps for a potential offensive drive.

For Ayinde, her experience and physicality will help to get the team compact against the Aussies. However, Ucheibe will miss the partnership of Abiodun whom they have both played a couple of games together.

Trio of Rasheedat Ajibade, Toni Payne and Ifeoma Onumonu

Ajibade is set to take Ordega’s spot and the reason is to utilise creativity both from the flanks and midfield with Toni Payne. The defensive-minded Onumonu might help the wing cover up when the Falcons put in an all-five-woman attack comprising both fullbacks.

Asisat Oshoala

Oshoala needs to double her hustle in front of goal, meanwhile, Ajibade in her team would be instrumental for her getting counters and making runs behind Australian defenders.

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday in Abuja extended his best wishes to the Super Falcons as they prepare to face Australia in their second group match at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023.

“He firmly believes that the upcoming match on Thursday will be a thrilling encounter that will culminate in victory for the Nigerian team,” a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, Dele Alake, revealed on Wednesday.

The statement is titled ‘Message to Super Falcons at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.’

Following a goalless draw against Canada, the Super Falcons will face co-host nation Australia in their second Group B match at the Lang Park Stadium on Thursday, July 27, at 11 a.m. (Nigeria time).

The Matildas of Australia currently top the group with three points, with Nigeria and Canada on one point apiece.

The Aussies defeated the Nigerian women when both teams met at the 2015 edition of the competition.

However, the nine-time African champions and their millions of fans expect victory in Thursday’s encounter.

Alake said Tinubu is confident that the blending of new talents with seasoned veterans will propel Nigeria’s success in women’s football to even greater heights in this tournament.

Like other football-loving Nigerians, the President “takes immense pride in the Super Falcons’ impressive performance in the opening match against Canada, a formidable opponent and the reigning Olympic Champion,” the statement revealed.

Tinubu assured the players and the coaching crew of the enthusiastic support of all Nigerians.

He also urged the team to continue exemplifying Nigeria’s spirit of determination and excellence both on and off the pitch, serving as worthy ambassadors of the nation

Despite being ravaged by injury ahead of their second game at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup against Nigeria, co-hosts Australia are still positive about their chances of grinding results in front of their fans.

Australia were hit by two more injury blows to Aivi Luik and Mary Fowler ahead of the clash against Nigeria after star captain Sam Kerr had been initially ruled out of the game.

Kerr also missed the co-hosts 1-0 win over Republic of Ireland and her direct replacement in the team, Fowler, is now on the sidelines too after suffering from concussion in training.

Luik also had a separate concussion incident in training.

Their goal scorer against the Re

public of Ireland, Stephanie Catley said the spirit in camp is high despite the injuries.

“Morale is high. There’s not too much I need to do to be honest, I think everyone’s very focused. Everyone knows we need to keep the morale high,” Catley said.

“Injuries are not what you want ever in a tournament and, in particular, this tournament. As Australian players, probably the biggest moment of our careers. But it’s football and it happens to every single footballer on the entire planet. It’s how the rest of the squad bounces back and performs in a high-pressure situation in the biggest games.”

Fowler replaced Kerr in the attack for the Ireland match at Sydney’s Stadium Australia, while Luik was an unused substitute. Football Australia said both had fully recovered but will not play against Nigeria due to Football Australia’s concussion protocol.

“When it’s concussion protocol as a coach, you have to have the biggest respect for a player’s health and if a player is ruled out, they’re ruled out,” said coach Tony Gustavsson.

“Two days out you always have high intensity (at training). We were unlucky. Unfortunately, two head knocks.”

Gustavsson said there will likely be no update on Kerr until Sunday, the eve of the Canada game.

Nottingham Forest are weighing up a move for Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.

According to The Telegraph, the top priority for Steve Cooper’s side is the signing of a new defensive midfielder, and Forest are prepared to break their transfer record to get the right player.

PSV Eindhoven’s Ibrahim Sangare is the club’s No. 1 choice but he has a £32m release clause and interest from bigger clubs including Paris Saint-Germain. Leeds’s Tyler Adams and Ndidi are both on a long list of potential alternatives.

Ndidi has one year left on his current deal at Leicester City.

Cooper’s side avoided relegation last season and are desperate to avoid a repeat of that this season by clever recruitment in this transfer window

Recently, the Tricky Trees added Super Eagles right-back, Ola Aina and Swedish forward Anthony Elanga to their ranks and are also hoping to sign a defensive midfielder, a left back and a goalkeeper before the end of the current transfer window.

With 192 Premier League appearances for Leicester City, the 26-year-old is experienced enough to fit into the Nottingham Forest side.

The former Genk midfielder’s existing contract with Leicester City expires next year and that could lead to him leaving the King Power Stadium this summer.

Meanwhile, Ndidi’s early goal was the difference as Leicester City defeated Bangkok side Port FC 1-0 at Alpine Football Camp Training on Wednesday.
The Foxes were ahead inside 10 minutes when Victor Kristiansen slid the ball through to Kelechi Iheanacho, with the Nigerian squaring it for international team-mate Ndidi to slot home from close range.
While the 26-year-old played the entire duration of the game, Iheanacho featured for 68 minutes before he was replaced by Patson Daka.
Liverpool are Leicester’s next opposition on Sunday, providing one final competitive fixture prior to the new Sky Bet Championship season commencing against Coventry City seven days later.

The Super Falcons will bid to record their fifth win in the history of the Women’s World Cup when they face co-hosts Australia on Thursday (today) morning (11am) at the Brisbane Stadium.

The nine-time African champions have recorded only four wins in the history of the competition – two at the 1999 edition (against North Korea and Denmark), against Canada in 2011 and at the 2019 edition, where they also recorded a 2-0 win over North Korea.

A win for both teams will boost their chances of reaching the round of 16 after Canada secured a 2-1 victory against Ireland on Wednesday.

Australia beat the Irish 1-0 in their group opener while Falcons held favourites 0-0 last Friday.

A defeat for either side today could put them on the verge of elimination.

In their opening match at the tournament, the Falcons displayed defensive prowess, including goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie saving a penalty, to secure a commendable point.

The odds seem to favour Australia, as they are placed 30 spots above Nigeria in the latest FIFA rankings.

Bayelsa Queens will seek a final ticket when Benin City hosts the WAFU-B qualification in August

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced Cote d’Ivoire as the host of the third edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League.

The Nations Cup organising committee will use the tournament as a test event for the upcoming CAF AFCON 2023.

They have set the opening match for 5 November, with the final scheduled for 19 November.

The 2023 CAF Women’s Champions League, now in its third consecutive year, will be played in Cote d’Ivoire between 05-19 November.

This is as the country prepares to host the 34th CAF Africa Cup of Nations in January 2024.

The 2023 CAF Women’s Champions League promises to be a perfect platform for Cote d’Ivoire not only to showcase its state of readiness in infrastructure but also to mobilise the country ahead of the Nations Cup in January 2024.

The competition brings together the top clubs across Africa–part of CAF’s commitment to grow Women’s Football in Africa.

ASFAR of Morocco won the 2022 edition by upsetting defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the final. South African side Mamelodi Sundowns won the inaugural edition in 2021.

Nigeria’s Bayelsa Queens won the bronze medal in the last edition, defeating Simba Queens of Tanzania 1-0 to become the first-ever Nigerian women’s team to earn a podium finish at the women’s Champions League, which started in 2021 in Egypt.

This aligns with CAF’s commitment to making African Football competitions globally competitive. CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced the prize money of USD400,000 for the winners this year.

Prize money breakdown:

Winners: $400,000.

Runners-up: $250 000

Semi-finalists (2): $200,000

Third of Group (2): $150,000

Fourth of Group (2): $100,000

Road to Qualification:

The road to the CAF Women’s Champions League 2023 final tournament will continue in most parts of the continent.

Three-time Nigeria Women Premier League champions Bayelsa Queens will be at the WAFU-B qualifiers from 18-31 August in Benin City as they seek a ticket to the final.

In most parts, the qualified clubs will be confirmed by August.

Qualifiers schedule:

WAFU A (5–13 August): Monrovia, Liberia

CECAFA (12-31 August): Njeru & Kampala, Uganda

WAFU B (18–31 August): Benin City, Nigeria.

UNAF (24–30 August): Oran, Algeria

COSAFA (8–16 September): Durban, South Africa

Seye Ogunlewe’s dream of running in an individual event at World Athletics’ flagship event, the World Championships, has received a boost following the recent update of the 100m ranking scores for the competition which holds next month in Budapest, Hungary.

The 31 year who ran in the 4x100m relay team that got disqualified at the 17th edition of the Championships in Doha in 2019 put himself in a strong position to make Nigeria’s team to Budapest after coming second at the selection trials held earlier this month in Benin City, Edo state.

Ogunlewe, son of a very influential Nigerian politician, will however need to either make the automatic entry standard or get in a good ranking position to get a looking in as far as selection is concerned.

The former school boy track star gave his chances a boost with his impressive three runs inside 10.10 seconds in the three of his five races under consideration viz the 10.04 performance in Graz, Austria on June 16 and the 10.08 and the lifetime best-setting 10.03 he ran at the Lagos Athletics Series League Finals at Yabatech Sport Complex in Lagos about a forthnight ago.

Ogunlewe has now chalked up 1205 points ranking score to move 62nd in the ranking against Alaba Akintola who is 72nd with a 1197 points ranking score.

As it stands now (Tuesday July 25, 2023), Ogunlewe will be in the team to Budapest as those who rank above him and reigning Nigeria champion, Ushoritse Itshekiri are Americans, Britons and Jamaicans who are ineligible because their respective countries have filled up the mandatory three athletes (except USA with a wild card for four) per the event allowed by World Athletics.

If the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, sticks to its vow of not rewarding athletes who snubbed the World Championships trials with slots, the next two athletes according to their ranking scores will be Itshekiri (whose score looks unassaibale) and Ogunlewe (who will need to run at least one more race to secure the spot.

Interestingly, there are a number of countries holding their national championships this week while all eyes will be on the Japanese duo of Yuki Koike and Abdul Hakim Sani Brown who are just five and six points behind Ogunlewe with Germany’s Julian Wagner the closest with 1203 ranking score.

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, has charged the new Nigeria Professional Football League board members to reposition the league.

Gusau disclosed this during his opening remarks at the inauguration of the elected members of the NPFL in Abuja.

He reminded the NPFL board that their appointment is based on their track record of success, which must be replicated in the league.

Gusau assured them of maximum support and urged them to roll out policies to grow the league.

The newly inaugurated NPFL Board members are Mr Gbenga Elegbeleye (as Chairman), Messrs Dominic Iorfa and Daniel Amokachi, Dr Okey Kpalakwu, Mallam Suleiman Umar, Barrister Poubeni Ogun, and Mallam Muhammed Nasiru Sa’idu.

Others are Prince Davidson Owumi as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Barrister Ibrahim Danlami as Secretary/Legal Adviser.

The new board is expected to serve a two-year term in office.