🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Super Falcons camp expands with arrivals of Ucheibe, Ordega, and others for Senegal friendlies
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Benfica midfielder Christy Ucheibe and Al-Ittihad forward Francisca Ordega have joined the Super Falcons camp in Ikenne, Ogun State, for Nigeria’s upcoming two-legged friendly matches against Senegal. They arrived on Wednesday morning with Glory Ogbonna, Blessing Nkor, Comfort Erhabor, and Sikiratu Isah. Eight other players, including Joy Omewa, Tosin Demehin, Toni Payne, Blessing Ilivieda, Folashade Ijamilusi, Anderline Mgbechi, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, and Omorinsola Babajide, arrived on Tuesday evening. These new arrivals join early attendees Shukurat Oladipo, Kafayat Shittu, and six-time CAF Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, bringing the total number of players in camp to 17. The Super Falcons will play both matches against Senegal at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne. These friendlies are part of Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations WAFCON in Morocco, where they aim for an 11th WAFCON title and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. More players and officials are expected to join the camp.
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The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board NCDMB, in partnership with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, has initiated a 12-month Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Programme for 300 young Nigerians. This program aims to equip graduates in mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation engineering with technical and professional skills for careers in the petroleum industry. The training includes three months of classroom instruction followed by nine months of on-the-job experience with partner oil and gas service companies. Of the 300 participants selected through a competitive process, 240 will train in Lagos and 60 in Port Harcourt. Felix Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, stated that the initiative aligns with the Board's mandate to build local capacity, increase Nigerian participation in the oil and gas sector, and create employment. He emphasized that specialized skills in automation, instrumentation, and engineering operations are crucial for the safe and efficient exploitation of Nigeria's petroleum resources. Olarenwaju Olawuyi, General Manager, Nigerian Content Development, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, reaffirmed the company's commitment to developing indigenous capacity through human capital investment. Ranti Omole, Chief Executive Officer of Radial Circle, the lead training provider, noted that participants were rigorously screened from thousands of applicants. The program's objective is to produce industry-ready professionals w
Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal is set to play in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final against Argentina, having scored in every major final of his professional career. The 29-year-old has found the net in all six of his senior career finals and has the chance to score another decisive goal when Spain faces Argentina in New York New Jersey. FIFA reports that Oyarzabal is bidding to become the first Spain player to score six goals at a single World Cup and no other Spain player has achieved two braces in one World Cup. His 30 international goals are still short of David Villa’s national record of 59, but he has broken the record for most goals by a Spain forward in a single season with 14. Oyarzabal has scored in two Copa del Rey finals with Real Sociedad, two UEFA Nations League finals, a UEFA EURO final, and an Olympic final. His latest World Cup goal came from a penalty in Spain’s semi-final victory over France. While Oyarzabal has scored in all six finals, his teams have a 4–2 record in those matches, with two losses despite his goals. His victories include the 2019/20 Copa del Rey, EURO 2024, 2024/25 UEFA Nations League, and 2025/26 Copa del Rey. His defeats were in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2020/21 UEFA Nations League.