Sport - Women Times

“We Won’t Repeat Super Eagles’ Mistake” — Madugu, Oshoala Vow to Fight for World Cup Spot

by Women Times on August 13, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu and captain Asisat Oshoala say the team is determined to avoid the same fate that befell the Super Eagles and secure Nigeria’s place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Speaking after Nigeria’s 1-0 quarterfinal loss to Cameroon on Sunday, the duo admitted the defeat was painful but insisted the team will give everything in the playoffs to keep Nigeria’s World Cup streak alive.

The loss ended the Super Falcons’ defence of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title and cost them one of Africa’s four automatic tickets to Brazil 2027.

A Second Chance in the Playoffs

The 10-time African champions now face a tougher path. As one of four losing quarterfinalists, Nigeria will enter the WAFCON playoff round starting Thursday against South Africa. The winners of two knockout games will advance to FIFA’s Intercontinental Play-Off Tournament for a chance at one of three remaining World Cup slots.

It’s a route the Super Eagles took last cycle after failing to win their group. They reached the CAF playoff in Morocco but were eliminated by DR Congo, and subsequently missed out on the FIFA Intercontinental Play-Off.

That failure is fresh in the Falcons’ minds.

“We have a second chance and we will give it our all,” Madugu said.

“We do not want to disappoint, and go the same way as the men. We’ll do our best to make sure we go through the playoffs. I quite understand the pains everyone is going through. I apologise and take responsibility for that.”

Six-time African Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, echoed her coach, saying the team needs Nigerians behind them now more than ever.

“The World Cup ticket is at stake, so this is the time when we really need everyone to support the team,” Oshoala said.

“We already know the Super Eagles didn’t qualify so we know what is at stake and we know how Nigerians feel about this. We are sorry we lost this one, but the next game we will put in more effort and try to win the game.”

The situation is unfamiliar for the Super Falcons. Nigeria is one of only seven nations to have played at every Women’s World Cup since 1991 and has never failed to reach the WAFCON semifinals. That record is now under threat.

The defeat also highlights a shifting landscape in African women’s football. After losses to Malawi and Cameroon, Oshoala said Nigeria can no longer rely on history alone.

“Smaller nations are closing the gap for sure, but it’s also a wake-up call for us to put in effort knowing that there are other people who actually want to win this trophy. So we have to work harder now,” she added.

With the playoff against South Africa up next, the Super Falcons have one clear mission: keep Nigeria at the World Cup.

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Sport

Super Falcons Crush Egypt 6-2 to Reach WAFCON 2026 Quarterfinals Against Cameroon

by Women Times on August 6, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are into the WAFCON 2026 quarterfinals after a dominant 6-2 win over Egypt in Rabat on Wednesday, August 6.

The nine-time champions finished second in Group C on six points and will now face Cameroon in the last eight on August 9. Six different players found the net in a performance that showed Nigeria’s attacking depth.

Needing a result after a loss to Malawi and a win over Zambia, the Falcons came out firing. Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring in the 21st minute, converting a penalty after VAR spotted a handball. Gift Monday doubled the lead with a close-range finish before Nadine Ghazi pulled one back for Egypt from the spot just before halftime. Nigeria led 2-1 at the break.

Asisat Oshoala in action for the Super Falcons against Egypt during their WAFCON 2026 Group C match in Rabat.

The second half was all Nigeria. Substitute Uchenna Kanu restored the two-goal advantage in the 57th minute, finishing off a brilliant assist from Rinsola Babajide. Christy Ucheibe made it 4-1 from the penalty spot in the 81st minute, before Ghazi struck again to make it 4-2 three minutes later.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade then converted a 91st-minute penalty for 5-2, before turning provider for substitute Joy Omewa, who wrapped up the 6-2 win in stoppage time.

It wasn’t all good news. Oshoala was forced off with an injury and will be assessed ahead of the Cameroon clash. But the positives were clear — six different goalscorers and two assists from Woman of the Match Rinsola Babajide.

Nigeria finished behind Malawi on goal difference in Group C. A win over Cameroon in Rabat would send the Falcons to the semifinals and secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Sport

Serena Williams and Venus Williams to reunite for doubles at Cincinnati Open after Wimbledon injury setback

by Women Times on August 4, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Serena Williams will return to the court alongside her sister Venus at the Cincinnati Open, with the pair receiving a wild-card entry into the women’s doubles draw.

The appearance will mark their first doubles partnership since the 2022 US Open and comes weeks after a knee injury forced Serena to withdraw from a planned reunion at Wimbledon.

The WTA 1000 event in Mason, Ohio, runs in mid-August (with the main draw beginning around August 11–13).

Serena, 44, will team with 46-year-old Venus in what tournament organizers and reports describe as a potential stepping stone toward a possible US Open appearance later in the summer—the final Grand Slam of the year, where Serena has not competed since 2022.

Serena’s highly anticipated comeback began earlier in the grass-court season. After nearly four years away from professional competition, she played doubles at Queen’s Club (partnering Victoria Mboko) and in Berlin before receiving a singles wild card at Wimbledon. There, she lost in the first round to Australia’s Maya Joint in three sets. During the match she tweaked her right knee, which later required fluid drainage. She withdrew from the sisters’ scheduled doubles match, posting that she was “heartbroken” and that her knee “just isn’t ready to compete,” while noting the opportunity to play with Venus had meant the world to her.

The Williams sisters rank among the most successful doubles teams in tennis history. Together they have captured 14 Grand Slam titles, including six at Wimbledon and three Olympic gold medals. Their last joint appearance came in the opening round of the 2022 US Open. Venus has also been awarded a singles wild card for Cincinnati.

Cincinnati serves as a key hard-court tune-up before the US Open, which begins in late August. Serena has not yet confirmed broader plans beyond doubles in Ohio, but the entry keeps open the possibility of further competition this summer.

Sport

Goodness Nwachukwu Smashes Own World Record to Win Commonwealth Gold for Nigeria in Glasgow

by Women Times on July 30, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Nigerian para-athlete Goodness Nwachukwu delivered the performance of the Games on Wednesday, smashing her own world record to win gold in the women’s discus F42-44/F61-64 event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The 27-year-old launched the discus 39.66 metres with her final throw — a massive 3.10m improvement on her previous mark — to claim the top spot and secure Nigeria’s seventh gold medal of the Games.

It was a masterclass in composure and power. Nwachukwu improved steadily through the rounds before unleashing 39.66m in the sixth and final attempt to rewrite the F42 world record and take gold.

The throw bettered her own previous world record of 36.56m, set at Birmingham 2022, the same Games where she won her first Commonwealth gold. With back-to-back Commonwealth titles now to her name, Nwachukwu has firmly stamped her authority on the event.

Posing beside the official Longines scoreboard after the event, the Team Nigeria star let the numbers do the talking: 39.66m, World Record.

Born October 6, 1998, Nwachukwu competes in both discus and shot put in the F42 classification for athletes with lower limb impairments. Competing requires exceptional balance and technique in the throwing circle — a challenge she has turned into strength.

“Walking into the stadium and seeing thousands of people waiting to watch me compete was something I will never forget,” Nwachukwu said ahead of Glasgow 2026. “It brought me so much joy. Winning a medal was a big achievement for me. It opened many doors in my life.”

On Wednesday, she opened another one, straight into the history books.

Nwachukwu’s gold takes Nigeria’s tally to 7 golds at Glasgow 2026.

Nigeria’s Gold Medalists So Far:

– Para Powerlifting: Esther Nworgu, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, Riluwan Idris

– Weightlifting: Edidiong Umoafia, Onome Didih, Rafiatu Folashade Lawal

– Para Athletics: Goodness Nwachukwu

Team Nigeria has also added bronze medals through Kanyinsola Ajayi in the men’s 100m and Temitope Adeshina in the women’s high jump.

With one of Nigeria’s strongest Commonwealth Games campaigns in recent memory already underway, Goodness Nwachukwu’s world-record throw may just be its defining moment.

Sport

THE SUPER FALCONS ARE READY FOR WAFCON 2026! MEET THE SQUAD & SEE THEIR FIXTURES

by Women Times on July 28, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Nine-time African champions, the Super Falcons, have touched down in Morocco and say they are “locked in” for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations as they chase a record-extending 10th continental title.

The tournament, hosted by Morocco kicks off this weekend, and Head Coach Justin Madugu has named a blend of experience and youth for Nigeria’s campaign.

MEET THE SQUAD

Coach Madugu went with a 23-player squad featuring Europe-based stars and home-based talent. Key names expected to lead the charge include:

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Tochukwu Oluehi, Anderline Mgbechi

– Defenders: Osinachi Ohale, Ashleigh Plumptre, Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin

– Midfielders: Deborah Abiodun, Christy Ucheibe, Jennifer Echegini, Toni Payne

– Forwards: Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, Uchenna Kanu, Esther Okoronkwo, Gift Monday

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade will lead the team, with six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala also in the squad to provide firepower upfront.

The NFF said the final list was selected based on form, fitness and tactical needs after a 3-week camp in Spain.

SUPER FALCONS WAFCON 2026 FIXTURES – GROUP B

Nigeria have been drawn in Group B alongside Tunisia, Algeria and Botswana.

Here’s how the group stage looks:

1. Sunday, July 26: Nigeria vs Tunisia – 5:00 PM, Stade Père Jégo, Casablanca

2. Wednesday, July 29: Algeria vs Nigeria – 8:00 PM, Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca

3. Saturday, August 1: Botswana vs Nigeria – 8:00 PM, Stade Père Jégo, Casablanca

The top two teams from each group plus the two best third-placed teams will advance to the quarterfinals.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

Captain Ajibade said the team’s target is clear: “We are here to win it for Nigeria. The jersey is heavy, the expectation is high, but this squad is ready.”

Coach Madugu added that the Falcons are focused on “one game at a time” but are confident of going deep in the tournament.

The Super Falcons last won WAFCON in 2018 and reached the final in 2022, losing to hosts Morocco.

Sport

The Story Behind Nico Williams Giving His FIFA World Cup Winner’s Medal to His Mother

by Women Times on July 21, 2026

By Prosper Mene

For Nico Williams, the most valuable trophy from Spain’s FIFA World Cup triumph isn’t in a cabinet. It’s around his mother’s neck.

The Athletic Bilbao and Spain winger, 22, has revealed that immediately after lifting football’s biggest prize, he took off his winner’s medal and placed it in the hands of the woman who sacrificed everything for him and his brother: Maria Williams.

“This Belongs To You, Mama”

Speaking after Spain’s historic World Cup final victory, Williams fought back tears as he explained the gesture that has since gone viral.

“From the day we arrived in Spain with nothing, my mother worked 3 jobs to feed us,” Williams said. “She cleaned houses, she worked nights. She and my dad crossed the desert so that Iñaki and I could have a future. This medal is hers. Every sprint, every tackle, every goal — I did it for her.”

Footage from the dressing room showed the young forward hugging his mother tightly before draping the gold medal over her. Maria, visibly emotional, could be seen kissing the medal and whispering to her son.

A Journey From Accra to World Champion

The Williams brothers’ story is well known in Spain. Their parents made the dangerous journey from Ghana to Europe in the 1990s. Nico and older brother Iñaki were both born in Spain and came through Athletic Bilbao’s Lezama academy.

While Iñaki chose to represent Ghana, Nico opted for Spain and has become one of La Roja’s most explosive wide players. His pace and directness were key in Spain’s run to World Cup glory.

But for Nico, football was never just about fame.

“My mum never saw me play in a stadium until I was 18,” he said. “She was always working. So when I won this, the first person I thought of was her.”

The moment has struck a chord far beyond football.

On social media, fans called it “the greatest goal Nico will ever score” and “a reminder of what football is really about.”

Athletic Bilbao also paid tribute, posting: “Lezama made the player. Maria made the man. Zorionak, Nico & Maria.”

Spain’s FA President called the gesture “the perfect image of this World Cup — talent, humility, and family.”

Williams says he will get a replica for himself. The original, he insists, stays with his mother.

“She kept us alive,” he said. “She believed in us when we had nothing. A medal is just metal. What she gave me is forever.”

For Spain, it was a World Cup win. For Nico Williams, it was a chance to say thank you to the one person who made it all possible.

Sport

COUNTDOWN TO WAFCON 2026: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW AS MOROCCO HOSTS EXPANDED TOURNAMENT

by Women Times on July 16, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Lagos, Nigeria – April 2026

The curtains are closing on the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, and attention now shifts to Africa as the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON 2026, gets set to kick off in Morocco.

Scheduled for July 25 to August 16, 2026, this year’s edition promises more drama, more teams, and higher stakes as Africa’s best women’s teams battle for continental glory and a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

BIGGEST WAFCON YET: 16 TEAMS FOR THE FIRST TIME

For the first time in history, WAFCON will feature 16 nations, up from 12. The expansion means more matches, more stories, and wider representation across the continent.

Host nation Morocco will also make history as the first country to host three consecutive editions of the tournament. Matches will be played in world-class venues across three host cities: Rabat, Casablanca, and Fes.

SUPER FALCONS EYE RECORD 11TH TITLE

All eyes will be on Nigeria’s Super Falcons, the defending champions. Africa’s most successful women’s team will be chasing an unprecedented 11th WAFCON title.

The nine-time champions have been drawn in Group C and will play all their group games at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca:

Nigeria vs Malawi – July 28, 2026 | 9:00 PM WAT

Nigeria vs Zambia – August 1, 2026 | 9:00 PM WAT

Nigeria vs Egypt – August 5, 2026 | 9:00 PM WAT

Debutants Malawi, nicknamed the “Scorchers,” are expected to be Group C’s wild card.

Beyond the trophy, WAFCON 2026 doubles as Africa’s qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for Brazil 2027, while two additional teams will advance to the inter-continental play-offs.

THE GROUPS IN FULL

Group A – Rabat: Morocco, Algeria, Kenya, Senegal

Group B – Rabat: South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Tanzania

Group C – Casablanca: Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi

Group D – Fes: Cameroon, Ghana, Mali, Cabo Verde

From powerhouse clashes to debutant dreams, WAFCON 2026 is set to be a celebration of athletic excellence, representation, and the rapid growth of women’s football in Africa.

With the Super Falcons leading Africa’s charge, Nigerian fans will be watching closely as the queens of the continent aim to defend their crown and book their ticket to Brazil

Want me to also make a *shorter social media version* + *catchy headlines* for this story?

Sport

Super Falcons Players Arrive Camp Ahead of 2026 WAFCON

by Women Times on July 13, 2026

By Prosper Mene

ABUJA, Nigeria

The atmosphere in the Super Falcons camp is already picking up as players begin to arrive ahead of Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON.

Several key players were seen checking into the team’s Abuja base on Sunday evening, with more expected to join in the coming days as the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, intensifies plans for the continental tournament.

The 9-time African champions are looking to reclaim the WAFCON title after missing out in the last edition. Head coach Justin Madugu is expected to use the early camp period to assess fitness levels, work on team chemistry, and fine-tune tactics before the qualifiers and final tournament.

Speaking on arrival, some of the players expressed excitement about wearing the green and white again.

“We are happy to be back together. The target is clear – to win the trophy for Nigeria,” one of the players said. “We know what it means to Nigerians and we are ready to give our best.”

The NFF said the technical crew will conduct medicals and training sessions this week, with a full squad expected before the end of the month. Friendly matches are also being lined up to keep the team in shape ahead of WAFCON.

The 2026 WAFCON is scheduled to hold in Morocco and will serve as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The Super Falcons, who remain Africa’s most successful women’s team, are tipped as strong contenders.

Fans have also taken to social media to welcome the players back to camp, calling for full support for the team as they chase a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.

With preparations now underway, all eyes will be on the Super Falcons as they begin the journey to restore Nigeria’s dominance on the African stage.

Sport

Naomi Osaka Ends Sabalenka’s Reign, Storms Into First Wimbledon Quarterfinal

by Women Times on July 6, 2026

By Prosper Mene

LONDON — Naomi Osaka is back on the big stage, and she picked the perfect moment to announce it.

The 4-time Grand Slam champion stunned World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets on Monday to reach her first-ever Wimbledon quarterfinal, 6-4, 7-6(3).

For Osaka, it’s a career milestone 9 years in the making. She had never gone past the third round at the All England Club before this year. Now, she’s taken out the top seed to get there.

From the first ball, Osaka played like a woman with nothing to lose and everything to prove. She was aggressive off both wings, dictated with her forehand, and absorbed Sabalenka’s power with calm composure.

She broke Sabalenka early in the first set and never let go, closing it out 6-4 with an ace out wide.

The second set was pure drama. Sabalenka cranked up the intensity and forced a tiebreak. But Osaka stayed ice cold. She raced to a 5-0 lead in the breaker and finished it with a forehand winner that had Centre Court on its feet.

After match point, Osaka put both hands to her face in disbelief before waving to the crowd.

“I’ve always struggled here, so to finally get to the second week and beat the No.1… it means a lot,” Osaka said on court. “I just tried to enjoy every point and play free tennis.”

The win snaps Sabalenka’s 12-match winning streak at Slams and hands the Belarusian her earliest exit from a major this year.

Sport

Naomi Osaka’s Wimbledon Style Moment Included a Bridal Kimono, an Obi Belt & a Nod to Kill Bill

by Women Times on July 1, 2026

By Prosper Mene

London, UK – July 2026

Naomi Osaka turned Centre Court’s fashion focus off-court this week with a show-stopping Wimbledon look that blended Japanese tradition, bridal elegance, and a cinematic wink to Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill.

The four-time Grand Slam champion arrived for a Wimbledon appearance in a custom bridal-inspired kimono, styled with a sculpted obi belt cinched at the waist. The look, crafted in ivory and soft champagne tones, featured intricate embroidery and a flowing silhouette that nodded to traditional bridal wear while keeping a modern, athletic edge.

Fashion insiders quickly spotted the Kill Bill reference: the obi belt’s bold structure and the kimono’s sharp lines echoed the iconic yellow tracksuit aesthetic made famous by Uma Thurman’s character, The Bride. Osaka completed the moment with minimal accessories, sleek hair, and a confident stance that balanced heritage with pop-culture flair.

Speaking about the look, stylists close to the tennis star said the intention was to “honor Japanese craftsmanship while playing with cinematic storytelling.” The kimono was reportedly designed in collaboration with a Tokyo-based couture house known for reimagining cultural dress for global stages.

Osaka, who has become one of tennis’ most influential style voices in recent years, used the Wimbledon platform to spotlight Japanese design at one of the sport’s most traditional tournaments. The moment went viral within minutes on social media, with fans praising the fusion of “bridal softness, martial energy, and high fashion.”

The 2026 Wimbledon Championships have seen several players embrace bolder off-court fashion, but Osaka’s bridal kimono stands out as one of the tournament’s most talked-about cultural crossovers so far.