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Onome Ebi explains joining NWFL again after 15 years away

Nigeria defender, Onome Ebi has explained her reasons for joining Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiership side, Naija Ratels FC for the upcoming 2023/24 season.

Following her exit from Spanish Liga F side, Levante Las Planas last November, the 40-year-old veteran defender returned to the Nigerian league after 15 years she left the domestic sense in 2008.

She made history by becoming the first female African football player to compete in six different FIFA Women’s World Cup competitions.

On Saturday, October 14, 2023, the former FK Minsk player gave details of her decision to return home, via her official social media page.

“My joining Naija Ratels is beyond playing football,” she posted on her Instagram.

“It’s about inspiring young upcoming female players from the grassroots to thank and believe that if they dare like I did, they can make history like I did in a climate where a woman have to do twice as much work to achieve success.

“I strongly think my story won’t be complete if I don’t accomplish the goal of giving back to the Nigerian league, which nurtured me to stardom.

“When I was much younger, I never had the opportunity to see or train with great legends like Florence Omagbemi and others who were my idols back then.

“Today, I’m a legend, making it in life as a Footballer in one of the most difficult climates.

“Any girl could possibly hope to ply a trade like football. I believe my joining Naija Ratels FC, with very young sets of players, is the best way to share my story of success and inspire female youngsters across Nigeria and Africa.

“I believe if I retire now like a lot of critics have suggested, without first impacting the Nigeria Women’s Football ecosystem, I would have failed a nation that gave me an opportunity to become a legend and through which I made history.

“My goal is to continue to promote women’s football at all levels and inspire grassroots female players to aspire to be better than me and my colleagues.

“With Naija Ratels FC, I’ll continue to shine the light as a source and be a source of encouragement and beacon of hope to other players. MY STORY IS COMPLETE AND ACHIEVED.”

AFCON 2023: Ivory Coast vs Nigeria preview as the Eagles search for first victory

In a highly anticipated game, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set for what is looking like the first unmissable match as Nigeria takes on the hosts, Cote d’Ivoire in their second group match on Thursday.

The two powerhouses will face off at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Riding on a winning start the hosts sit comfortably atop Group A with three points while the Super Eagles are third with one point earned from their 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea.

The Elephants are unbeaten in their last six matches dating back to October 2023 while their West African opponent registered one win in that period with six matches played also.

Backed by a passionate home crowd, Jean-Louis Gasset’s side are a force to be reckoned with and have now scored 19 goals in their last five games, having hit the Seychelles for nine in a World Cup qualifier in November and also put five past Sierra Leone in their first warm-up friendly for AFCON.

Although both sides are no strangers to each other as they have met on several occasions since 1967, the rivalry has been one to keep an eye on over the last 20 years, especially in an AFCON tournament.

These two sides haven’t met for nine years, but it’s Nigeria who will have the fonder memories of their last AFCON encounter in 2013 — the Super Eagles were on the winning end of a close 2-1 in the quarter-finals, on their way to lifting the trophy.

In six AFCON encounters with Cote d’Ivoire, the Super Eagles have prevailed four times, two of which have been by penalties, and the other two have gone to the home team, with both sides scoring five goals apiece.

At the 2006 edition, Didier Drogba’s 47th-minute goals sent the Eagles to a third-place finish. Then in 2013, Sunday Mba scored the winner to make it 2-1 in the 78th minute helping Nigeria advance to a semifinal and become the eventual winner, which was the last time they won it.

However, the last time they both met was in 2015 in an international friendly in Abu Dhabi where Salomon Kalou’s 84th-minute strike made the difference.

Both sides have injury worries heading for their next meeting, as Ivory Coast were without Sebastien Haller against Guinea-Bissau, with the Borussia Dortmund striker still struggling with an ankle injury.

As for Nigeria, midfielder Alhassan Yusuf was stretchered off against Equatorial Guinea and has been ruled out for this match as a result. The Royal Antwerp midfielder who was handed a late call-up as Ndidi’s replacement enjoyed a strong debut that ended prematurely by injury.

Although, Nigeria still boasts a very strong squad despite seeing another continental campaign impacted heavily from the outset by injuries, they very much flattered to deceive against Equatorial Guinea.

The Jose Peseiro-led team will once again turn to Victor Osimhen for inspiration, with the Napoli striker equalizing to earn his side an opening draw.

The three-time champions face the crucial task of securing all three points to prevent their first group-stage exit since the 1982 edition of the AFCON.

Nigeria, however, can take confidence in the fact that they have advanced to the finals on four occasions out of the six editions where they have faced off against the hosts.

A victory for the Elephants against Super Eagles would qualify them for the tournament’s second round.

In contrast, the Super Eagles must avoid a loss in this encounter as it could jeopardize their AFCON journey, pushing them perilously close to elimination.

AFCON 2023: Afrobeat star Odumodu Blvck picks potential Super Eagles lineup

Nigerian singer, Tochukwu Gbubemi Ojogwu has shared his potential Super Eagles starting lineup for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The “Odumodu Blvck” as the Afrobeats star is fondly called, has been known to be a big football fan, often bringing his liking for the game into his music as evident in his smash hit, ‘Declan Rice’, named after the English midfielder

Jose Peseiro has released his final 25-man list and the team will depart for a one-week training camp in Abu Dhabi before proceeding to Abidjan.

However, the ‘Declan Rice’ crooner has suggested a starting lineup ahead of their opening match against Equatorial Guinea on January 14, 2023, as Nigeria will be looking to scoop their fourth African crown in the Ivory Coast.

In his selection, there is no goalkeeper. However, he fixed Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, and Zaidu Sanusi, in the defensive sector.

In midfield, the artist has Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Ademola Lookman. Then, he chooses Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface to lead the attack.

Nigeria are in the same group as the host nation, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea who they will play first, and Guinea-Bissau.

Super Falcons star Echegini set to join Juventus

Nigeria international, Jennifer Echegini is set to join Italian giants Juventus following a successful college campaign.

The 22-year-old has had an excellent time at Florida State soccer side Seminoles, where she has been for two seasons.

Her stellar 2023 campaign was highlighted by her recognition as the Honda Sport Award winner for women’s soccer, an accolade she received in December.

She played a pivotal role in the Seminoles’ triumphant journey to becoming the 2023 National Champions, contributing with a remarkable career-high and ACC-leading 16 goals.

The Nigerian international earned the title of ACC Offensive Player of the Year and was crowned ACC Tournament MVP, underscoring her impact on the pitch.

Following Echegini’s excellent campaign, she is a nominee for the prestigious MAC Hermann trophy, the winner of which will be announced on January 5.

Born and raised in London, England, Echegini’s early years in youth football were with Arsenal and she was a key member of the Super Falcons squad during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The Super Falcons star is now seen as the perfect player to strengthen Juventus as coach Montemurro looks to strengthen his team ahead of a busy schedule.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, the Super Falcon has said her goodbyes to Seminoles ahead of the expected switch to Italy.

“Juventus Women’s first coup in this January transfer window will be Nigerian Jennifer Onyi Echegini, who has just returned from a couple of excellent seasons with the Florida State Seminoles in the United States,” the report stated.

“The footballer born in 2001 has in fact said goodbye to the university club and will soon be announced by the Bianconeri with whom she has already found an agreement,” it added.

Coach Madugu explains Ashleigh Plumptre’s absence from Falcons’ invite

The interim manager of the senior women’s national team, Justin Madugu has provided an update on the absence of star defender Ashleigh Plumptre from the team.

The English-born has not featured for the Super Falcons since the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand where she played a pivotal role as Nigeria finished the group unbeaten for the first time in history.

The Nigerian defender is however having a fine start to life at Al Ittihad where she has won the Player of the Month and Best Goal of the Month after scoring a hat trick on her debut.

The 25-year-old was a notable omission when the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) released the list of 23 players for the decisive WAFCON qualifier against Cape Verde in Abuja.

However, Madugu has cleared the air concerning the absence of the player who recently moved from the English Women’s Super League (WSL) to the Saudi Women’s Premier League on the completion of her contract with Leicester City

“Ashleigh has been having a lot of injuries,” the coach said in a video posted on Instagram.

“She has been picking some knocks and has not fully recovered – that is the truth about it.

“She needed some rest and a break from the national team engagement so that she can recover fully.

“But she is still part of the team. When she is fully recovered, certainly we know what Ashleigh can bring – she will be part of the team going forward.”

Ashleigh Plumtre explains Super Falcons’ break for Al Ittihad

Super Falcons defender, Ashleigh Plumpre has explained taking a break from the national team for two international windows.

The 25-year-old has not featured for the Super Falcons in the two legged 2024 Olympic qualification against Ethiopia last month, and was also not part of the team for the double header WAFCON qualifiers against Cape Verde.

Plumptre, who recently joined Saudi club Al-Ittihad on a free transfer, having parted ways with Leicester City, opened up on her absence from the national team.

“I guess it has been a break,” she told NigeriaFootball.

“I haven’t been able to go to the upcoming, camp, like I said, it’s more of a personal decision while I take care of my body.

“But ultimately, I want to be fun with the team. It’s a privilege. And I want to be in the best physical condition to be able to go and compete in important games.

“And I feel like right now, I have complete trust and faith in the team.

“I’ll be watching the game while I’m here, but, I want to get to a point where I can compete maximally and provide as much as I can to the team in the best condition.

“So, yeah, I expect to be, I don’t know when. Hopefully as soon as possible.

“I’ve had to make the decision for the benefit of myself, but also the team as well.

“And I’m looking forward to some of the girls that have been called, and especially the younger girls that have been called in.

“It’s like the first or second time or they haven’t had much experience with the senior team.

“Hopefully give them a chance as well. And to be seen, at the top level, I think that’s really important. So, yeah, I’ll be supporting the girls from afar.

Paris 2024: Super Falcons in all-or-nothing situation

By: Oluwaseun Michael (Yotomimedia)

Nigeria’s Super Falcons battled to a 1-1 draw with Ethiopia’s Lucy in the first leg of their Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualifier

After their heroics at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Nigerians have shifted their energy to qualifying for the Olympics.

Official coach Randy Waldrum missed the game due to personal commitments in the United States as home-based coach, Justin Madugu led the charge.

However, Waldrum is expected to rejoin the team ahead of the second-leg encounter stated for Tuesday, Octor 31, 2023.

Nigeria have scored only four goals in their last five matches now, with three of them coming in a single game against Australia at the World Cup.

Birkie Amare gave the hosts the lead in the sixth minute after she capitalized on a goalmouth scramble before Rasheedat Ajibade equalized shortly after the halftime break with an excellent volley.

The nine-time African champions had another goal ruled out for offside as they settled for a share of the spoils with a team ranked 124th in the world.

The winner on aggregate will play the winner of the Cameroon/Uganda match for a spot in the qualification series’ final round.

With two slots available for CAF representatives, it is only a wise expectation that the most successful African team win their quest to compete for the first time at the Olympic Games since Beijing 2008 in China.

Nigeria must avoid defeat or a draw higher than 1-1 as CAF still uses the away goal rule that eliminated Nigeria in previous qualifiers.

Paris 2024: Four Super Falcons star players to miss qualifiers

The quartet of Gift Monday, Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Uchiebe and Regina Otu are doubtful for the second round Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers between Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Ethiopia.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has however named a replacement for Ayinde as youngster midfielder Esther Onyenezide will take her place in the team.

Meanwhile, the last time the Falcons featured at the Olympic Games was at Beijing 2008 in China.

Ethiopia will host the first leg at the Abebe Bekila Stadium, Addis Ababa on Wednesday while the return leg will be played at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja on Tuesday, October 31.

The winner on aggregate will confront the winner of the fixture between Cameroon and Uganda.

However, Ayinde who was pivotal at the 2023 FIFA women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, as Falcons reached the round of 16 before losing on penalty shootout to England announced her absence on X account.

“🚨 Update: I won’t be joining the Nigeria women’s national team for our upcoming match against Ethiopia due to circumstances beyond my control. Wishing my Super Falcons teammates all the strength and success on the pitch in Addis Ababa! 🇳🇬⚽ #SuperFalcons #Paris2024 #Olympics”

Also informing her fans about her absence was Christy Ucheibe who controlled the midfield at the last World Cup.

“I am honoured as always to be called up to represent the Super Falcons of Nigeria but I unfortunately will not be able to take part in the games against Ethiopia due to circumstances beyond my control. See you all the next camp 🙏”

Onome Ebi fulfills long-life dreams with NWFL return

Newly unveiled Naija Ratels FC player, now captain, Onome Ebi, has continued to express her joy in returning home to retire in the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL).

The record-breaking skipper who has participated in six FIFA Women’s World Cups was unveiled at a colourful ceremony on Saturday in Abuja by the management of Naija Ratels.

Having not played any club matches since 2022 and with five international appearances with Randy Waldrum’s Super Falcons, Ebi has decided to give back to the girl-child from her wealth of experiences.

Ebi’s football career has seen her demonstrate her prowess on the field while representing clubs in various countries, including Sweden, Turkey, Belarus, China, and Spain.

The 40-year-old defender who captained the Super Falcons at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand said she is fulfilled to return to the home league, after more than a decade abroad.

“After almost 13 years of playing football outside the shores of Nigeria, I have come to realize that one of the best decisions I’ve ever made is coming back to play in the Nigerian Women’s Football League. I’m feeling extremely happy,” she wrote on her Facebook page.

“The slogan of my new team is ‘One Day At A Time’. Here I am, fulfilling my lifelong dream of coming back to play in the Nigerian League one day at a time, and it is all adding up gradually.

“My desire to beam the light on young girls is being fulfilled effortlessly. For the first time in my life, I feel fulfilled that I’m bringing all that I’ve ever achieved as a footballer back to where it all started, back to the Nigerian league.

“I’m fulfilling my lifelong dream of being a part of another young girl’s life, an opportunity I never had with my football idols like Florence Omagbemi and many others whom I would have loved to train with, take pictures with, and play in the same league with them.

“The calls and messages have confirmed that my decision was received with open arms across the globe.

“My lifelong dream of giving back to our own league where I played for 10 good years before travelling is finally being achieved.

“Seeing the joy on the faces of these young ladies who want to be like me is very reassuring.

“Certainly, this is just the starting point for me and the beginning of greater things in my quest to change the narrative in the women’s league in Nigeria.

“In addition to the value my presence is adding to Naija Ratels players, my ultimate goal is to make my presence felt by players in other teams🤗. The joy in my heart is priceless ♥️😊”

Onome Ebi set to become highest paid NWFL player

The President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), Barr. Paul Edeh has announced that the club’s new signing Onome Ebi will earn ₦1.5 million monthly.

The 40-year-old Super Falcons veteran defender confirmed her move to the NWFL side, Naija Ratels on Saturday via her social platforms.

This will mark her return to the domestic league since leaving in 2008 as she returned as a history maker becoming the only player (men or women) to feature at six World Cups.

According to reports, Ebi was given land at Life Camp, one of the highbreed areas in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, in addition to the salary she would earn.

However, Barr. Edeh confirmed her package and why they identified with Onome at this stage of her career.

“I’m particularly elated today because what Onome brings to the club is beyond just playing football,” he told media during the unveiling.

“Her presence will also motivate other players of the club to bring out their best and aspire to be the best, play for Super Falcons, and so on.

“The best way to celebrate a woman who has not only made Nigeria but Africa proud is to name one of the stadia after her.

“For us at the RSDF, we have been at the forefront of developing Women’s football for almost five years now.

“We are not only going to celebrate Onome, we will do what is required to celebrate the legend. And that is why today on behalf of RSDF, we will be announcing a parcel of land at Life Camp Abuja for Onome.

“In addition to that, the Foundation will also take the burden of paying Onome’s salary off Naija Ratels.

“We are doing this for three reasons. One is to show that we have able-bodied men and women out there who can reach out and celebrate such a phenomenal woman.

“It takes courage to make such a sacrifice that Onome has made because we live in a country that instead of seeking to celebrate a legend like Onome, we vilify her.

“In addition to our commitment, Onome Ebi is one Nigerian player who hasn’t doctored her age. Otherwise, today she would’ve been 29. But instead of telling lies, she has maintained her true age right from on set.”