馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie emphasizes focus for WAFCON 2026
via Punch Nigeria8 min read
Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has stated that Nigeria cannot afford to lose focus at any point during the 2026 Women鈥檚 Africa Cup of Nations. The defending champions are in Morocco for their final preparations for the tournament. Nnadozie, a Brighton goalkeeper and the reigning African Women鈥檚 Goalkeeper of the Year, was among the first players to arrive at the team鈥檚 training camp in Casablanca. She highlighted that the Super Falcons will approach the competition one game at a time, aiming for a record-extending 11th continental title and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women鈥檚 World Cup. Nnadozie noted that the expanded WAFCON format, featuring 16 teams for the first time, will make the competition more competitive but will not change Nigeria's focused approach. Preparations intensified with players reporting to camp in Casablanca for a week-long training program in Mohammedia. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, and several other players were among the early arrivals. The training camp will allow head coach Justine Madugu to refine tactics and build team chemistry before the tournament, which runs from July 26 to August 16 in Morocco. The Super Falcons are drawn in Group C and will begin their title defense against Malawi on July 28, followed by matches against Zambia on August 1 and Egypt on August 5.
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Built environment professionals are urging a thorough technical audit of the new Gombe State House of Assembly Complex construction site after a section of its cantilevered entrance canopy collapsed, resulting in one fatality and seven injuries. Experts from engineering and architecture, including Engr. Suleiman Abba of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and Engr. Musa Achindo of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, emphasized the need for an independent assessment to determine the cause and strengthen safety standards. Arc. Mustapha Adamu of the Nigerian Institute of Architects advocated for a multidisciplinary investigation. The Gombe State Government has initiated an immediate investigation, confirming eight workers were involved, with one death and seven injuries. Governor Muhammadu Yahaya expressed condolences and directed that all injured workers receive medical care at the government's expense. The Ministry of Works, Housing and Transportation, along with other agencies, has been instructed to commence safety and accountability procedures. The contractor and supervising consultant are required to submit an incident report within 24 hours, followed by preliminary and comprehensive technical reports. The government assured the public that the investigation's findings would guide future actions and reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing safety and quality standards in public infrastructure projects.
British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua stated that the challenges in his career have reinforced his strength as he prepares to face Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on July 25. Joshua, who holds a record of 29 wins, four losses, and 26 knockouts, reflected on his decade-long career, which includes a second-round knockout of Charles Martin in 2016 for his first world title and a victory over Wladimir Klitschko in 2017. Despite significant highs, he has also faced lows, such as a knockout loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019 and a one-sided knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. A recent knockout win over Jake Paul in December boosted his American profile, but this was followed by a car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two friends. Joshua, 36, remains determined to return to the top and anticipates a long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury later this year, provided both win their upcoming fights.
Nigeria's U-18 men's basketball team, the Junior D'Tigers, have qualified for the 2026 FIBA U-18 AfroBasket championship after an unbeaten performance at the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Qualifiers in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The team won all four of their matches, securing their spot in the continental championship to be held in Ivory Coast from August 3 to 16. This qualification means both Nigeria's male and female U-18 teams will compete in the tournament. The Junior D'Tigers concluded the qualifiers with a 100-54 victory over hosts Burkina Faso, having also defeated Benin twice 96-35 and 101-43 and Burkina Faso once before 98-54. The tournament featured Nigeria, Benin, and Burkina Faso, following Liberia's withdrawal. The National Sports Commission, through its Director-General Bukola Olopade, congratulated the players and encouraged their continued development. Nigeria Basketball Federation President Musa Kida also lauded the team's success, attributing it to the federation's focus on grassroots development.