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Serena Williams Announces Tennis Comeback Nearly Four Years After Retirement

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Serena Williams has officially announced her return to professional competition at age 44, nearly four years after her emotional retirement following the 2022 U.S. Open.

The WTA Tour confirmed on Monday that Williams has accepted a wild-card invitation to compete in doubles at next week’s HSBC Championships, a WTA 500 event at the prestigious Queen’s Club in London. The grass-court tournament serves as a key warm-up for Wimbledon.

Williams, widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time, last competed at the 2022 U.S. Open, where she bid farewell to the sport in a tearful ceremony after a career that redefined women’s tennis with power, athleticism, and unapologetic excellence. Her 23 Grand Slam singles titles rank her among the all-time leaders, and her influence extends far beyond the court through fashion, business, and advocacy.

The comeback has been building quietly. Williams re-entered the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s (ITIA) registered testing pool months ago, fulfilling the mandatory six-month requirement for a return. Reports of her interest in a grass-court appearance surfaced last week, with speculation she would pair in doubles with rising Canadian star Victoria Mboko.

In a sport where comebacks at advanced ages are rare, Williams’ decision at 44 shows her enduring competitive fire. Tennis fans and analysts have reacted with a mix of excitement and awe.

“The GOAT is officially back. Tennis is saved,” one fan posted on X shortly after the announcement.

The HSBC Championships begin on June 8, 2026. While Williams’ entry is for doubles, many observers wonder if this marks the start of a broader return that could include singles play or even a Wimbledon appearance.

Williams has not yet issued a detailed personal statement, but her acceptance of the wild card speaks volumes. The tennis community now turns its eyes to Queen’s Club, where one of the sport’s most iconic figures will step back onto the grass.

Whether this is a one-off doubles appearance or the beginning of a new chapter remains to be seen. What is certain is that Serena Williams’ mere presence will electrify the 2026 grass-court season.

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Coco Gauff Begins French Open Title Defence with Dominant Straight-Sets Win Over Taylor Townsend

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Defending champion Coco Gauff launched her bid for a second consecutive French Open title with a commanding 6-4, 6-4 victory over fellow American Taylor Townsend in the first round at Roland Garros on Tuesday.

The world No. 4, who claimed her first Roland Garros crown in 2025 by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final, overcame an early setback to dispatch Townsend 6-4, 6-0 in one hour and 20 minutes on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Gauff found herself down 1-3 in the opening set but reeled off 11 of the final 12 games to seize control. She broke her opponent six times overall, showcasing the precise movement, powerful returns, and baseline dominance that have defined her clay-court resurgence.

The match carried extra emotional weight as the two Americans are close friends off the court. They shared a warm embrace at the net following the contest, with Gauff acknowledging the challenge of facing a familiar opponent in the opening round.

“Taylor and I have known each other for so long,” Gauff said afterward. “This is I think our first match on tour. So, we know each other off the court, but on the court, not so well.”

The victory extends Gauff’s winning streak at Roland Garros and highlights her strong recent form on the surface. Conditions were notably challenging, with temperatures in Paris approaching 100°F (nearly 38°C), yet the 22-year-old American said the heat ultimately aided her performance.

Gauff will now prepare for a second-round matchup against Egyptian qualifier Mayar Sherif on Thursday as she seeks to become the first woman to successfully defend the French Open title since Justine Henin in 2007.

Townsend, known for her crafty left-handed game and doubles prowess, pushed Gauff early but could not sustain the momentum against the defending champion’s superior athleticism and consistency.

Gauff’s successful title defence opener signals her intent to build on last year’s breakthrough, where she became the first American woman to win the French Open singles title since Serena Williams in 2015.

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Sport

Shakira and Burna Boy Team Up for “Dai Dai,” the Official 2026 FIFA World Cup Song

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Colombian superstar Shakira has once again become the voice of the World Cup, this time teaming up with Nigerian Afrobeats giant Burna Boy for “Dai Dai”, the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The track was released on May 14, 2026, and quickly generated massive buzz across global charts and social media.

Key Details in the song

Genre fusion: The song blends Afrobeats, reggaeton, dance-pop, and world beats into an upbeat, energetic anthem. It features a catchy multilingual chorus with phrases like “Dai, dai, ikou, dale, allez, let’s go,” celebrating football, unity, resilience, and global culture.

Shakira’s Role: She not only performs but also produced, composed, and wrote lyrics for the track. This marks her return to World Cup anthems after hits like “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” (2010) and others. Fans are already calling her the “Queen of the FIFA World Cup.”

Music Video: Filmed at Rio’s iconic Maracanã Stadium, the official video dropped around May 23, 2026. It includes star-studded cameos from football legends like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, making it one of the most-watched World Cup-related videos on YouTube.

As of late May 2026, the song is performing strongly:

Over 23 million views on the official YouTube video shortly after release.

Strong streams on Spotify (reaching #104 on Global charts), YouTube Music (35M+ plays), and Apple Music in various countries.

Fans praise the cultural fusion and party vibe, though some online discussions note debates about cultural representation and stereotypes in the visuals and promotion.

Part of the song’s royalties will support a $100 million initiative for children’s education and soccer access programs, tied to the 2026 tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico (June 11 – July 19, 2026).

Shakira is also set to perform at the World Cup final halftime show, potentially with Burna Boy and others (including mentions of Uganda’s Ghetto Kids).

This collaboration highlights the growing influence of Afrobeats on the global stage while continuing Shakira’s legacy in football anthems. The song has fans worldwide hyped for the upcoming tournament.

You can find the official video and track on major platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music.

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SportNews

𝗙𝗜𝗙𝗔 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

FIFA has introduced a landmark rule mandating female representation in coaching roles for all women’s football competitions under its governance.

The new regulations, approved by the FIFA Council on Thursday, March 19, 2026, require every team participating in FIFA women’s tournaments to include at least one female head coach or assistant coach on the bench. Additionally, teams must have a minimum of two female staff members in their backroom setup overall.

This policy applies immediately and covers all levels of FIFA-organized women’s competitions, including youth events such as the upcoming U-17 and U-20 Women’s World Cups, the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, senior national team tournaments, and club-level events. It will also extend to the next FIFA Women’s World Cup, scheduled for 2027 in Brazil.

The move aims to boost the number of women in high-level coaching positions and address longstanding gender imbalances in the sport. For context, at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, only 12 out of 32 head coaches were women.

FIFA’s decision is part of broader efforts to promote gender equality and increase female representation in leadership roles within women’s football. The regulations were described in reports as a step toward reshaping the future of the game by ensuring greater visibility and opportunities for female coaches.

This requirement is expected to encourage national associations, clubs, and federations to invest more in developing and hiring qualified women coaches, potentially creating a pipeline for more diverse technical staffs in the years ahead.

The announcement has been welcomed as a progressive step in advancing women’s football, though implementation details, such as compliance monitoring and potential sanctions will likely be clarified in the coming weeks.

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NewsSport

Five Iranian Women Footballers Granted Asylum in Australia, Says Donald Trump

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

In a development amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, five members of Iran’s national women’s football team have reportedly been granted asylum in Australia, according to statements from US President Donald Trump.

The players, part of the Iranian squad competing in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup hosted in Australia, left their team hotel and sought protection following their elimination from the tournament. Sources indicate the athletes are now in a safe house under Australian Federal Police protection, fearing severe repercussions upon return to Iran.

The incident gained international attention after several players remained silent during Iran’s national anthem before a match, an act interpreted as protest amid heightened tensions from the US-Israel war with Iran. Iranian state media labeled the team “wartime traitors,” raising alarms over potential persecution, arbitrary detention, or worse if they returned home.

President Trump weighed in forcefully on Truth Social, initially warning that Australia would be making “a terrible humanitarian mistake” by forcing the players back, where they “will most likely be killed.” He urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to grant asylum, offering: “The US will take them if you won’t.”

In a follow-up post, Trump announced he had spoken with Albanese, stating the Australian leader was “on it” and that “five have already been taken care of, and the rest are on their way.” Trump praised the handling of the “delicate situation.”

The five players reportedly include Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi, with some linked to support from figures like Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last shah, who confirmed their alignment with opposition movements.

Australia’s government has remained cautious, with officials citing privacy reasons for not commenting on individual cases. Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Matt Thistlethwaite emphasized no “preferential treatment” or “special circumstances” apply, though human rights groups and Iranian-Australian communities have urged protection for those at risk.

Protests erupted outside the team’s accommodations, with supporters chanting “save our girls” and surrounding buses in calls for the players to stay.

While details of the asylum grants remain unconfirmed by official Australian channels, Trump’s announcements have amplified global scrutiny on the players’ fate.

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NewsSport

‎ ‎𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 ‎ ‎

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are gearing up for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco with a pair of high-stakes friendly matches against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the two sides will clash in a double-header in Yaoundé, Cameroon’s capital. The first encounter is scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026, followed by the second on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

These friendlies fall within the FIFA Women’s International Window (February 24 – March 7, 2026), providing the Super Falcons—reigning WAFCON champions and 10-time winners, an ideal opportunity to sharpen their tactics, test squad depth, and build momentum ahead of the continental showpiece.

The matches revive a classic African women’s football rivalry. The Super Falcons previously defeated Cameroon 2-0 in a pre-tournament friendly before last year’s WAFCON (also in Morocco), underscoring Nigeria’s dominance in recent head-to-heads.

NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi emphasized the federation’s commitment to thorough preparation, stating that these games are crucial for ensuring the team is in top form to defend their title.

 

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SportNews

Falconets Coach Aduku Unveils 26-Player Squad for Crucial Senegal Clash in 2026 U-20 World Cup Qualifiers

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, are intensifying preparations for their crucial third-round qualifiers against Senegal in the race to qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.

Head coach Moses Aduku has announced a 26-player squad, primarily drawn from the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), to face the Lionesses de Téranga in this two-legged tie. The squad features standout talents such as Bayelsa Queens forward Janet Akekoromowei, Nasarawa Amazons midfielder Joy Igbokwe, and several players promoted from the national U-17 setup, including Shakirat Abidemi Moshood.

Coach Aduku expressed satisfaction with the team’s commitment and progress in camp, emphasizing the need for a strong performance in the home leg to build momentum ahead of the away fixture.

The first leg is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta . Kick-off is set for 16:00 local time. The return leg will take place on Saturday, February 14, 2026, in Dakar, Senegal, at the Stade Lat-Dior.

The winner of this tie will advance to the final round of African qualifiers, with only the top teams securing spots at the global finals in Poland.

Full Squad List as announced:

Goalkeepers:

Uzoma Christiana Ijeoma (Edo Queens)

Opara Onyinyechi Jacklin (Delta Queens)

Jane Bubemi Ijirigho (Nasarawa Amazons)

Defenders:

Ezekwugo Chiamaka Esther (Bayelsa Queens)

Sandra John Nwibe (Rivers Angels)

Yusuf Mistura Motunrayo (FC Robo Queens)

Abdulwahab Farida Opeyemi (Nasarawa Amazons)

Ohaegbulem Oluchi (Nasarawa Amazons)

Ayoade Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies)

Adeshina Tumininu Fatimoh (Edo Queens)

Adegbemile Rebecca (Edo Queens)

Iheoma Chinyere (Bayelsa Queens)

Midfielders:

Afolabi Taiwo Tewogbola

Otubo Patience (Rivers Angels)

Igbokwe Joy (Nasarawa Amazons)

Nkwocha Favour Chiamaka (FC Robo Queens)

Kafayat Oluwatosin Mafisere (Edo Queens)

The Falconets, two-time silver medalists at the U-20 World Cup, remain confident under Aduku’s guidance as they aim to overcome Senegal and keep their qualification dreams alive.

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Super Falcons Rally Support for Super Eagles Ahead of AFCON Semi-Final

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

In a show of national unity and solidarity, Nigeria’s Super Falcons have released a morale-boosting video message rallying behind the Super Eagles as they gear up for a high-stakes Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semi-final clash against hosts Morocco tonight.

The heartfelt video, posted on the official Super Falcons X account earlier today, features players including captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Michelle Alozie, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and others delivering messages of encouragement, faith, and unwavering support. “Hello Super Eagles, this is from Super Falcons wishing you good luck in your game. We believe in you, we trust you, and we are praying for you,” Ajibade begins in the clip, setting the tone for the collective rallying cry.

The nine-time African champions emphasized the backing of over 250 million Nigerians, urging the men’s team to “trust each other, fight for one another,” play an “injury-free game,” and “fly high Eagles.” Other players chimed in with calls like “Go crazy guys, do your thing,” “Congratulations in advance,” and “Let’s go to the end, come on brothers!” The video, captioned “Let’s go, @NGSuperEagles! We’re right behind you all the way. #Naija4TheWin,” has garnered thousands of likes and reposts, amplifying the spirit of camaraderie across Nigerian football.

This gesture comes at a pivotal moment for the Super Eagles, who have been unbeaten throughout the tournament under head coach Éric Chelle, topping their group and dispatching Algeria 2-0 in the quarter-finals to reach the semis for the first time since 2019. They face a formidable Morocco side, the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists and tournament hosts, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off slated for 9:00 PM WAT. The winners will advance to the final on January 18 against the victor of tonight’s earlier semi-final between Senegal and Egypt, where Senegal prevailed thanks to a Sadio Mané winner.

Adding to the wave of support, the Federal Government has also rallied behind the team. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, posted a stirring message on X, praising the Eagles’ “discipline, courage, and belief” and reminding them: “You carry the hopes of millions of Nigerians… Play with the confidence of champions.”

As Nigeria dreams of a record fourth AFCON title, the Super Falcons’ endorsement underscores the growing synergy between the country’s men’s and women’s football teams, inspiring fans nationwide to unite behind the green-white-green flag. All eyes are on Rabat tonight, Naija no dey carry last!

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NewsSport

Okeke Secures Bronze Medal Glory with Club América at World Sevens Football Tournament

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

Nigerian international Chidinma Okeke played a pivotal role in Club América’s gritty 1-0 victory over Flamengo, clinching third place and a $700,000 prize at the prestigious World Sevens Football (W7F) Tournament in Fort Lauderdale.

In a tense third-place showdown on December 7 at Beyond Bancard Field, América’s defender Okeke anchored a rock-solid backline that frustrated the Brazilian giants throughout the 30-minute encounter. The decisive moment arrived in the 22nd minute when midfielder Jana Gutiérrez unleashed a stunning volley, lifting the ball over advancing goalkeeper Flávia Mota before smashing it into the net, a strike already hailed as a contender for goal of the tournament.

The match was a cagey affair from the outset. Scarlett Camberos nearly opened the scoring early for América, while Flamengo’s Gláucia rattled the crossbar. Goalkeeper Vivi Holzel produced a fine save to deny Montserrat Saldivar as the first half ended goalless. Post-break, América hit the post through substitute Nancy Antonio, and Flamengo’s desperate late surge, including switching an outfield player into goal, yielded nothing as Sandra Paños and her defense, led by Okeke and captain Irene Guerrero, held firm.

Club América’s starting VII: Sandra Paños (GK), Chidinma Okeke (#4), Irene Guerrero (C), Scarlett Camberos, Sarah Luebbert, Jana Gutiérrez, with key subs including Antonio and Saldivar.

The bronze medal capped a strong showing for the Mexican Liga MX Femenil side, who finished with a 3-2 record across five matches. They had stormed through the group stage with convincing wins over Club Nacional (5-2) and Deportivo Cali (3-0), before drawing San Diego Wave FC on penalties. However, a heartbreaking 2-1 extra-time semifinal loss to rivals Tigres, thanks to Stephany Mayor’s brace, sent them to the podium playoff.

Meanwhile, NWSL outfit San Diego Wave FC claimed the $2 million top prize with a flawless 5-0 run, including a 3-0 final triumph over Tigres, while the Mexicans pocketed $1 million for silver. The $5 million prize pool underscored the event’s growing stature in women’s football.

For the 25-year-old Okeke, born August 11, 2000, in Nigeria, the podium finish marks another milestone in a jet-setting career. The centre-back rose through FC Robo Queens before stints at Madrid CFF (Spain), Hapoel Beer Sheva, and MyNavi Sendai (Japan). She joined Club América ahead of their 2025 Liga MX campaign and boasts senior Super Falcons caps, including the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and Paris 2024 Olympics, though she has been absent from recent national team call-ups.

This Fort Lauderdale edition, the second in the W7F series after Portugal’s inaugural in May-featured elite clubs from North, Central, and South America in a fast-paced 7v7 format designed to thrill fans with non-stop action. Backed by major investment, the tournament is poised for global expansion.

Okeke’s contribution highlights Africa’s rising influence in women’s club football, blending defensive steel with international pedigree on the world stage.

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Nnadozie Claims Historic Third Straight CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie has been crowned the 2025 CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, securing the prestigious accolade for the third consecutive season. The 24-year-old Super Falcons star received the honor at the glittering CAF Awards ceremony held here tonight, edging out formidable challengers Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi and South Africa’s Andile Dlamini.

Nnadozie’s latest triumph caps a banner year that has seen her elevate both club and country to new heights. With Paris FC last season, she played a pivotal role in lifting the Coupe de France Féminine in May, showcasing her shot-stopping prowess in high-stakes domestic action. Her move to England’s Women’s Super League side Brighton & Hove Albion has only amplified her global profile, where she has quickly become a cornerstone of the team’s defense.

On the international stage, Nnadozie was the undisputed hero of Nigeria’s triumphant 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign in Morocco. As the Super Falcons clinched a record-extending 10th continental title, she anchored the backline with four clean sheets across six matches, conceding just twice from open play, including in the thrilling 3-2 final victory. Her commanding performances earned her the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper award, a fitting prelude to this CAF hat-trick.

This three-feat following wins in 2023 and 2024, places Nnadozie in rarefied air, unmatched by any other African women’s goalkeeper in recent history. Her sustained excellence has not gone unnoticed beyond the continent; just weeks ago, she was shortlisted for the 2025 FIFA Best Women’s Goalkeeper award, positioning her alongside global elites like Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger and Spain’s Cata Coll.

Reflecting on her achievement via a post-ceremony statement shared on social media, Nnadozie expressed gratitude and resolve: “This is for every young girl in Nigeria and across Africa dreaming of standing tall in goal. Three in a row is special, but the work never stops. Thank you to my family, coaches, and the Super Falcons for believing in me.” Her words underscore a career defined not just by accolades, but by inspiring the next generation amid the growing momentum of women’s football in Africa.

As Nnadozie eyes upcoming challenges, including Brighton’s WSL title push and Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, her legacy as Africa’s premier custodian is firmly etched.

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