Sports
Super Falcons’ Determination Shines Ahead Of 2023 Women’s World Cup Clash
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
The Super Falcons, Nigeria’s formidable women’s football team, are brimming with confidence and determination as they set their sights on the highly anticipated 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Led by coach Randy Waldrum, the team finds themselves in Group B alongside Olympic champions Canada, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland.
In a display of sheer prowess, the Super Falcons delivered an astounding 8-1 victory over Australian side Queensland Lions FC in a recent friendly match.
This resounding win not only showcased the team’s attacking prowess but also served as a testament to their readiness for the challenges that lie ahead.
The players’ exceptional skills, tactical acumen, and cohesiveness on the field bode well for their campaign in the upcoming World Cup.
Toni Payne, a talented midfielder who plies her trade for Spanish club Sevilla, exudes confidence in the Super Falcons’ capabilities.
She firmly believes that the team is on par with formidable opponents like France and Australia.
Payne emphasized the team’s growth and continuous improvement in their playing style, attributing their progress to rigorous training sessions.
With each passing day, the Super Falcons are fine-tuning their strategies and gearing up for their much-anticipated first match against Canada.
The Super Falcons approach the 2023 Women’s World Cup with an unwavering determination to make their mark on the tournament.
Through hard work, resilience, and an indomitable spirit, they aim to defy expectations and surpass previous achievements.
The players’ shared vision and relentless pursuit of excellence create an atmosphere charged with anticipation, leaving fans eager to witness their extraordinary journey unfold.
The Super Falcons’ campaign at the World Cup commences with a highly anticipated clash against Canada at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Friday, July 21.
As the team meticulously prepares, anticipation and excitement build among supporters worldwide.
The chances of four key players of the Super Eagles playing in the upcoming friendly game against Ghana at the four-team tournament in England are looking very slim, as revealed by OwnGoalNigeria.com.
The first match of the Super Eagles in the four-team tournament comes up on the 29th of May against the Black Stars of Ghana, a day after the game opener, which will be Trinidad and Tobago vs Jamaica.
The date of the game is too sudden for four key members of the team, who will at that time still be involved with their clubs, raising the possibility of missing the game and probably the tournament.
The players who may be absent from the game are Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Maduka Okoye, and Samuel Chukwueze.
Osimhen will play his last game of the season on the 1st of June, two days before the Super Eagles’ first game of the tournament, which means he won’t be available until he is released by Galatasaray.
Also, Lookman will play his last club game for the Italian side, Atalanta, on the 25th of May, four days before the start of the tournament, and the earliest he can arrive will be around the 26th or 27th. More so, his club also wants the player to take the summer off and be fit for the next season, as he is presently battling to be at his best due to injuries.
Due to club loyalty, goalkeeper Okoye of Udinese and Chukwueze of AC Milan are also said to be considering not featuring in the tournament.
Tragedy struck in Ilorin, Kwara state capital following a 30-minute rainstorm which occurred on Monday.
An Ilorin-born Taekwondo coach and champion, identified as Musa Ismail, has been killed in a rainstorm at a badminton court in the Lower Niger River Basin Authority, in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital.
According to eyewitness accounts, a section of the newly renovated Badminton court executed by the former administration collapsed and fell on the coach.
The badminton court was completely destroyed by the 30-minute rainstorm.
Ismail, who was described as an upcoming and amiable badminton coach by some of his trainees, was said to have been crowned as the 2025 MKA Taekwondo Championship held in Ede, Osun state.
He was said to have been married for more than a year and was survived by a child.
Our correspondent gathered that Ismail played and trained at the facility with friends before the incident occurred.
Findings at the agency in Ilorin on Tuesday showed that the court had been sealed with the collapsed section visible from outside the structure.
Employees of the agency were not forthcoming when approached on the development.
Efforts to reach the leadership of the agency on the incident also proved abortive as of press time.
A member of staff, who pleaded anonymity, said that the incident happened on Monday, though the victim was not an employee of the agency.
“The incident is very tragic, it happened unfortunately during the rain on Monday but no one can speak on it except the managing director who is not around now.
“The MD will be in the office tomorrow and if you come, you will be able to speak with him,” the employee said.
Former Super Eagles Striker and Coach, Samson Siasia is set to lead the fitness program, Walkers & Joggers Lifestyle Groove which is set to take center stage at the mainbowl of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja in May.
The event, aimed at promoting regular physical activity for participants to improve the overall well-being will have the Nigerian 1994 Nations cup winner, headlining the event. Alongside the football legend is Dr. Adeline Shuri, a renowned expert in mental health.
According to the organisers of the event, walking and jogging are two of the most accessible and effective ways to improve physical and mental health.
“One of the SYDA mandates is to promote sporting activities while assisting the government in maintaining and upgrading our sports facilities.
“The program is for every fitness enthusiast in the city of Abuja. We are looking to use this event to introduce a healthy lifestyle while making it entertaining for everyone.
This event will promote physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and community engagement,” said Segun Maku, the CEO of SYDA Lounge.
“While Mr. Siasia handles the physical aspect of things, Dr. Shuri will provide valuable insights and guidance on maintaining good mental health, which is essential for overall well-being,” he added.
The Walking and Jogging Initiative is an intiative of the Sports and Youth Development Academy (SYDA) to prioritise physical and mental health, towards creating a healthier, happier, and more productive society.