BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Six-time African Player of the Year to bow out at 30, leaves behind a legacy of excellence

Super Falcons forward and Nigerian football icon, Asisat Oshoala, has announced she will retire from international football after the ongoing 2024/25 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), marking the end of an extraordinary era in African women’s football.

The 30-year-old made the announcement on her official Facebook page, describing the decision as a “legendary exit” and a necessary step to pave the way for emerging talents to shine on the global stage.

“At 30, with six African Women’s Best Player awards, I will bow out to start a new chapter after WAFCON 2024/25,” she wrote.

 “Thank you for your unwavering support. I’m forever grateful for the love and sacrifices shared with me through this journey.”

Oshoala’s glittering career is adorned with a record six CAF Women’s Player of the Year titles (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2023), making her the most decorated player in the history of African women’s football. Her relentless drive, goal-scoring prowess, and global impact have made her a role model for countless young athletes across the continent.

She opened scoring for Nigeria at the ongoing WAFCON when she scored against Tunisia after just four minutes in the opening Group B match.

A product of Nigerian grassroots football, Oshoala burst onto the global scene with a breakout performance at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, where she won both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball. Since then, she has featured prominently in multiple senior World Cups and Olympic Games, representing Nigeria with distinction.

Beyond her on-field brilliance, Oshoala is also a fellow of Rooney FC, a platform supporting football talent development and advocacy. Her influence has extended beyond sport, inspiring a generation of African girls to dream big.

As Nigeria eyes a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, Oshoala will hope to cap off her international career with yet another trophy—one final flourish for a true legend of the game.

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Nigerian football icon and former Green Eagles star, Segun Odegbami, has provided a reassuring update on the ailing former teammate, Kadiri Ikhana.

He shared news on the health status of his fellow ex-international who was recently reported to be in critical condition.

Odegbami, in a late-night statement shared with the public, disclosed that Ikhana’s recovery has been nothing short of miraculous.

After being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital for three days, the former Enyimba coach responded remarkably well to treatment and has since been discharged.

“All his medical bills were settled by the Edo State Government,” Odegbami noted, adding that preliminary medical tests have been completed, with further evaluations scheduled for three weeks’ time.

Despite still wearing a catheter and being on serious medications, Odegbami said Ikhana was in high spirits when they spoke earlier in the day.

“He was cheerful and very grateful to all those who came to support him morally, physically, financially and spiritually,” he said.

In a move aimed at facilitating his recovery, Ikhana, with the approval of his elder brother, sisters, and some of his children, has temporarily relocated from Auchi to Abuja to rest and continue his treatment. He arrived safely in the capital on Sunday night.

On behalf of the Ikhana family, Odegbami extended profound gratitude to the Edo State Government and individuals who rallied around the ailing legend.

He specifically mentioned Shettima, Hon. Austin Braimoh, Chief Peter Dunia, and “several other concerned Nigerians” for their outpouring of support and prayers.

Kadiri Ikhana, a member of Nigeria’s victorious 1980 Africa Cup of Nations squad and a revered coach who led Enyimba to CAF Champions League glory in 2003, remains one of the nation’s most respected football figures. His improving health is welcome news for fans across the country.

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BY JOHNKENNEDY UZOMA, OWERRI

A foreign football scout, Siñervo-Nicol Tina, has pledged her unwavering support to help propel local Nigerian side, Akabo United Football Club, to the international football scene through sustained development and professional exposure.

Speaking during a press conference held at the Community Primary School Akabo playing ground in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, Tina, who is also the Vice President and promoter of the club, expressed delight at the progress made by the team since her involvement in 2022.

Tina, a sports management and administration expert trained at Finland University, revealed that she became associated with the club during a visit to Imo State for a school-related program. She said her mission was to contribute to building a competitive football team that would stand shoulder-to-shoulder with elite clubs in Nigeria and beyond.

“I am already tightly connected to Akabo United, which originally started as Legacy Club before we registered officially with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC),” she explained. “We are building a scouting programme that is gaining recognition not only here in Imo State but also in Abuja, Lagos, and other parts of Nigeria.”

Tina, who has a background in managing Nigerian teams and collaborations with Finnish football academies, emphasized her commitment to nurturing grassroots talent. She described the players as strong and energetic and disclosed her long-term dream of establishing a football academy in Imo State to further harness local potential.

“As a career woman and sports promoter, my mission is to uplift young people through football. We are committed to helping our players find opportunities abroad,” she added.

She called on the government, corporate bodies, and well-meaning individuals to support Akabo United FC through sponsorship and funding, which she said would help elevate the club to greater heights.

Earlier, the club’s founder and head coach, Arikibe Darlington, hailed Tina as the backbone of the team, highlighting her role in opening doors for the players through her wide network. He reaffirmed the club’s progress since its inception in 2018, despite financial constraints.

“Funding remains a major challenge,” Darlington noted, “but with Siñervo-Nicol Tina’s dedication and contacts, we have travelled to different places and gained exposure.”

The event was capped by a team photograph, with Tina flanked by Coach Darlington and the players of Akabo United FC, symbolising unity and hope for a brighter football future.

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