WAFCON
Halimatu Ayinde: From Northern Nigeria’s Streets to anchoring Super Falcons’ Mission X quest
In the conservative neighbourhoods of Kaduna in northern Nigeria, girls were expected to marry young, not chase football dreams, but Halimatu Ayinde was never one to follow convention.
From sneaking out to play barefoot with boys in secret to now patrolling the midfield for Nigeria’s Super Falcons with silent authority, her story is one of defiance, faith, and resilience.
At the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), the calm, composed Ayinde has once again emerged as the heartbeat of a Nigerian team that blends experience with hunger.
With every tackle, interception, and line-breaking pass, Ayinde embodies the spirit of a player who plays for more than herself—for her family, her community, and the girls in the north who now dare to dream because of her.
As she leads Nigeria into yet another WAFCON final going up against hosts Morocco in Rabat on Saturday, her voice reveals a journey forged in struggle and sustained by purpose.
Nigeria’s unbeaten run to the WAFCON 2024 final has been driven not just by talent but by tactical maturity and emotional togetherness—values Ayinde represents on and off the pitch.
“The experience has been great with the fact that we have been winning from the beginning. Everyone has been working really hard and making efforts to get the results. That’s a very good start for the team and has brought us to where we are now.”
She views this campaign as a statement after the Super Falcons’ last continental disappointment.
“I would say yes, we’ve changed the perception. During the last tournament, almost every Nigerian had written us off. But now that we are back, winning games and in the final, I think that has changed the narratives. We are back as the giant of Africa.”
With four wins and a draw so far, the Falcons look well-tuned and Ayinde knows what it takes to go all the way.
“Almost all the teams we have played are very technical. We won against them, but everything has been good. This final is not going to be different. We are going to stick together as a team and fight for each other.”
Forged in Fire: Injury, Comeback and Club Success
Ayinde’s brilliance today is built on deep personal struggle. Two ACL injuries inside 24 months threatened to end her rise, but she responded with fierce determination.
At FC Rosengård in Sweden, she found both a home and a proving ground.
“The second Damallsvenskan title was the best for me because I participated from the beginning—from preseason, Cup games, and friendlies. It was huge for me because when I joined in August 2022, I had just recovered from that ACL injury. I didn’t play that much initially. The second title was more special because I contributed almost throughout.”
Rehabilitation took more than physical strength, it took spiritual grounding and mental discipline.
“It wasn’t easy to do another surgery in the space of two years—it’s heartbreaking. The rehab entirely—the training, having to think of getting back or not, and what the future looked like—those negative thoughts really weighed me down. But with the help of the people around me, I was able to fight those thoughts and be positive until I got better again.”
Adapting Through Change: Coaching, Tactics, and Growth
Having worked under both foreign and local managers, Ayinde appreciates the nuances of leadership and applauds current coach Justin Madugu for unlocking the team’s true potential.
“Every coach has their style. Randy was a good tactician who wanted to keep the ball and play around, but African football is not all about that. When you know your strengths, you have to use them. That is what Madugu is doing now, and it’s really paying off.”
She credits Madugu for uniting the squad and building trust across the roster.
“The change is that he has carried everyone along and given everybody the opportunity to showcase themselves. That brings energy and positivity into the camp. He doesn’t just focus on his starting eleven—he brings others close, talks to and encourages them.”
Ayinde’s role has also grown beyond the pitch she mentors younger players and maintains the team’s mental stability.
“I always try to give my best and adapt to whatever pattern the coaches bring. With the experience I have, I try to help the younger players settle and excel.”
Roots and Resistance: Breaking the Mould in Northern Nigeria
Born in Northern Nigeria city of Kaduna, to a Yoruba father and an Igbo mother, Ayinde has grown into one of Africa’s most consistent and combative midfielders. Her unique heritage reflects the multicultural blend of strength and resilience that defines her game.
Born into a culture where girls were expected to abandon sport early, Ayinde’s path to stardom was paved with resistance, especially from her own siblings.
“Growing up in northern Nigeria is not that easy because they don’t believe that a girl child should play football. From my family, my parents were supportive, but my brothers didn’t want me to play. I was stubborn and didn’t listen.
“Sometimes I would sneak out to play with boys and they would beat me when I returned. Eventually, they gave up and started supporting me.”
Her story resonates now more than ever, as she actively empowers others through grassroots outreach.
“I’ve been doing that for two to three years now because I really want to give back to the community. I try to promote grassroots football in the North. I’m getting support from the state government, and it’s helping young girls who want to play professionally and pursue their dreams.”
Legacy and Leadership: Playing for Something Bigger
With over a decade in the national team and several trophies in her cabinet, Ayinde’s drive today is not just to win, it’s to inspire, uplift, and lead by example.
“I always try to mentor young players with the little knowledge I have. I talk to them during training and matches. I think they appreciate it—it’s up to them to use what I tell them.”
Ayinde’s Character and Quality Earns Praise from Peers and Coaches
Few understand the essence of Halimatu Ayinde’s game better than former Super Falcons midfielder and long-time teammate, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, who currently suits up for Canadian club Ottawa Rapid.
Reflecting on nearly a decade of playing alongside Ayinde for Nigeria, Okobi described their on-field relationship as instinctive and intelligent.
“We had a perfect combination. We’ve got good understanding and we’re both intelligent with the ball. She has always been the pillar of the midfield—strong, tough, and fast,” Okobi-Okeoghene told CAFOnline.com from her base in Canada.
Their partnership, forged in high-stakes competitions, formed the backbone of Nigeria’s midfield across multiple international tournaments, recounting Ayinde’s resilience in overcoming serious injuries, including two knee surgeries in three years.
“I’m 100% satisfied and very happy for her. Seeing her work this hard after two knee surgeries—the most recent just a year ago—makes me super proud,” she said.
For Okobi, Ayinde is more than just a teammate, she’s a role model.
“Yes, and even more successful. For the young ones, Halimatu should be a role model. She’s a fighter and very hardworking. My message to her is simple: keep working hard as usual.”
Echoing that praise from Sweden is FC Rosengård head coach Joel Kjetselberg, who has seen Ayinde’s influence up close at club level, especially in their 2024 Damallsvenskan title win.
“It has been great to see Hali be such an important part of Nigeria’s AFCON tournament so far. She has been outstanding for her national team,” he remarked, in chat with CAFOnline.com.
“Hali plays with so much composure and control that you can rely on her in so many ways on the pitch. I’m really proud and glad to see her doing so well, but it comes as no surprise.”
Kjetselberg added, “She is a very important player in our squad, and I know I can rely on her to do whatever job we need. She is a fantastic person. We wish her all the best for the final and look forward to having her back with us soon.”
As Nigeria aim to lift yet another historic continental title, one thing is certain, the Super Falcons’ rhythm flows through the boots of their midfield trojan.
-CAFonline
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
The race for places at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will be decided in October, with defending champions Nigeria set to face neighbours Benin Republic in the final qualifying round.
The Super Falcons, 10-time continental champions, will begin their campaign away from home, as Benin host the first leg before Nigeria welcomes the She-Cheetahs for the return fixture. Both matches are scheduled within the international window of 20–28 October 2025.
Benin reached this stage after eliminating Sierra Leone 5–2 on aggregate, recording 2–1 and 3–1 victories in Togo and Monrovia, respectively, as both nations were unable to host games at CAF-approved venues.
Elsewhere, Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses face a tougher test against Algeria’s Lady Fennecs, who have been steadily rising in women’s football.
Algeria impressed at the last WAFCON in Morocco, holding Nigeria to a goalless draw in the group stage before reaching the quarter-finals, where they lost to Ghana on penalties.
The Lionesses, twice runners-up at WAFCON (2014 and 2016, losing both finals to Nigeria), failed to qualify for the last edition and will be desperate to return to the continental stage.
Other Key Fixtures
- Senegal, quarter-finalists in Morocco last year, will battle Côte d’Ivoire in another high-profile clash.
- In total, 11 winners from the final qualifying round will join hosts Morocco at the finals.
The 2026 WAFCON, set for March 2026 in Morocco, carries added significance as the top four semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Africa also has two extra slots available via an intercontinental play-off, replicating the pathway that helped Nigeria and others secure places at the 2023 edition in Australia and New Zealand.
Meanwhile, FIFA has confirmed that the Women’s World Cup will expand further in 2031, with 48 teams expected to compete in a tournament co-hosted by Mexico and the United States.
2026 WOMEN AFCON FINAL ROUND FIXTURES
- Angola Vs Malawi
- DR Congo Vs South Africa
- Tanzania Vs Ethiopia
- Namibia Vs Zambia
- Burkina Faso Vs Togo
- Algeria Vs Cameroon
- Egypt Vs Ghana
- Kenya Vs Gambia
- Benin Republic Vs Nigeria
- Cape Verde Vs Mali
- Senegal Vs Cote d’Ivoire
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
WAFCON
Spending $5m to Celebrate 1$m victory: The tale of Super Falcons, super reward without super future
By MARTINS OLOJA,FNGE
Nigeria’s Super Falcons were on Monday this week hosted to a grand state reception at the Presidential Villa in Abuja by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in celebration of their historic victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The elated president lavished praises, national honours, and significant rewards on the team for clinching a record-extending 10th continental title, which came via a dramatic 3–2 comeback win over hosts Morocco in Rabat.
During a grand reception at the State House, Abuja, President Tinubu hailed the team’s fighting spirit and the inspiration they gave to the nation.
“The indomitable spirit of resilience, determination, and courage you displayed lifted the spirit of the entire nation,” Tinubu said.
“After that penalty, when I saw 2-1, my spirit was lifted, and I believe that of the nation was lifted too. You have inspired millions, especially young girls, who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable.”
The 24 players and 11 technical crew of the Super Falcons were rewarded with a cash prize of N4.602 billion ($100,000 and $50,000) each as well as the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The players and officials were also given the sum of N350m by the Nigerian Governors Forum, which took their cash reward to N4.952bn, a data analysis has shown.
The president concluded his address with heartfelt admiration for the team’s triumph, saying,
“Once again, I congratulate you, and I will continue to pray for you. My spirit is unyielding and will never die. God bless you”.
We are told that the celebration highlighted the federal government’s commitment to rewarding sporting excellence and promoting the development of women’s football in Nigeria.
Super Falcons’ super dollars
Doubtless, the president’s $100,000 reward to each Super Falcons player for winning the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is seen by the presidency as a monumental gesture that can have a profound impact on the development of soccer spirit and enthusiasm in Nigeria, similar to what we’ve seen in most North African countries such as Morocco. But is that the whole truth?
The stark contrast
The Super Falcons received $100,000 each, while: Doctors earn between N200,000 and N250,000 monthly, which is roughly $128-USD 160; Teachers earn as low as N45,000 monthly, which is approximately USD 29; Most police operatives/officers earn between N51,000 and N75,000 monthly, which is roughly $33-USD 48
And so the total reward amount could pay the monthly salaries of 16,000 doctors, 66,000 teachers, and 78,000 police officers, respectively.
This disparity highlights the growing frustration with government priorities. Many Nigerians believe that essential workers, who directly impact lives daily, should be prioritised over sports achievements, which aren’t peculiar to Nigeria.
Calls for reallocation
Meanwhile, human rights and civil society activists have slammed the government’s reward gesture, calling it “brutally unfair” to officers of the Nigeria Police Force, among other officers of our republic.
A social commentator questioned the logic behind spending $5 million to celebrate a $1 million win. The backlash underscores the need for the government to reassess its priorities and address the wage crisis affecting key sectors like health, education, and security.
Apart from the negative effects of throwing cash at challenges without looking at the bigger picture, there is a sense in which we can say that Nigeria’s president missed a vital point in his speech to the nation on the Super Falcons’ superb performance.
The president should have addressed the challenges of sports and, indeed soccer infrastructure in the country.
He should have also paid tribute to significant private investors in the football sector, specifically the proprietor of Ikenne-based Remo Stars in Ogun State, Citizen Kunle Soname, who has invested robustly in soccer and sports facilities in Ikenne, Ogun State.
Kunle Soname
The quiet operator, Soname, is the main investor in Value Jet, an Airline operator of the aircraft that flew the Super Falcons from Rabat to Abuja on Monday. Value Jet has been helpful to the country’s football industry.
A presidential mention should have boosted the morale of such a significant Brand Ambassador who has done so much in sports infrastructure development and tourism without making noise.
Citizen Soname, the proprietor of the reigning Nigerian League champions, Remo Stars, should have been made to take a bow that day.
Besides, President Tinubu should have also challenged sports authorities in Nigeria to borrow from the brilliance of Morocco, which has incredibly invested in sports and, indeed, soccer facilities, to the administration of the soccer world.
He should have asked why the Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, the iconic Lagos Stadium in Surulere, Liberty Stadium in Ibadan aren’t functional.
He should have asked rhetorically why Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo is always the only preferred facility for FIFA soccer competitions and friendlies.
Barely two years ago, one of Africa’s most resourceful sports journalists, Kunle Solaja, noted that Morocco’s Atlas Lions had become the most successful African country at the FIFA World Cup as the country made history of being the first in the continent to reach the semi-finals.
In the aftermath, they got the biggest prize money ever by an African team. Their prize money was $25 million they have invested in world-class soccer facilities in Morocco.
It was a worthy income for the investment that the country has made in football. Near the kingdom’s capital city, Rabat, sat one of the mind-blowing football projects sited at Sala Al-Jadida.
It is called the Mohammed VI Football Complex. The project, a $6,114,925 (630 million in local currency -dirham), can be easily linked to the growing football success and influence of Morocco on the continent.
The complex is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities, in line with FIFA standards, making it one of the most important in the world. FIFA last week opened its Africa office inside the complex.
According to the director of the complex, Hassan Kharbouchi, it was inaugurated by the kingdom’s monarch, His Majesty King Mohammed VI , in December 2019.
This complex is a real concentration of expertise and know-how, built on a 29.3-hectare site, it is intended to host national teams in training camps, as well as foreign national teams wishing to carry out their concentration camps in Morocco.
European giant, Real Madrid, camped there in February 2023 on arrival for the FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco that year. The complex has saved a lot of foreign money that would have been spent on camping the players abroad.
Even Argentine publication, Olé, has hailed Morocco as ‘Land of Football’. Olé, an Argentine national daily sports newspaper published in Buenos Aires, has hailed Morocco as an ultimate destination for football and football competitions.
After an explorative visit to the North African kingdom the other day, the publication concluded that Moroccans have almost the same passion for football as the Argentines. “The African country feels football like we do and is preparing to host the 2030 World Cup.”
Continuing, the publication asserts that “there is a champion in every neighbourhood” is a slogan that runs through the streets of Rabat, the capital of Morocco and is also heard in Casablanca, Marrakech, Tangier and every city in the North African country, which will host the African Cup of Nations and co-host the 2030 World Cup.
The 2030 World Cup will begin in the South American trio Argentina-Uruguay-Paraguay, with one match in each country, and the rest will be played in the European trio Spain-Morocco-Portugal.
When will Nigerian leaders show commitment to developing critical sports infrastructure and sportsmen and women beyond meretricious dollar rain that can’t ensure the sustainability of winning streaks?
An array of existing and proposed stadiums in Morocco.
Meanwhile, at press time, I found this poem by a Nigerian soldier who is right in the middle, fighting Bandits in a part of the country.
He wrote this poem I found online. He doesn’t want to be identified. But the message is quite instructive on the point at issue: The poem is titled:
‘MY CHILDREN MUST PLAY FOOTBALL’
—A Soldier’s Lament
I joined the military with no illusions of riches.
I joined not for wealth, but for something far more fragile—hope.
Like Christ at Calvary, I chose the cross of service.
A quiet, thankless sacrifice for a country that forgets too quickly.
I serve with honour—yes.
But honour is a poor substitute for a warm bed or a child’s smile.
I have shared my sleep with reptiles in the harsh deserts of the North,
And bathed in the oil-slicked waters of the Delta.
No comfort. No applause. Just duty.
I do not live—I exist.
Each breath is a borrowed moment.
A pawn on a bloodied chessboard, waiting for the hand of death.
No warning. No glory.
Just the soft thud of a bullet, the scream of shrapnel,
A name whispered in silence and forgotten before dawn.
If fate spares me death,
It may grant me a wheelchair.
A shattered spine, a missing limb, an eye lost to a grenade.
And if I return broken, I return to a family that must now carry me.
My wife, once full of laughter, is now full of worry.
My children are learning the weight of sorrow too soon.
And when I am gone?
What is left of me?
A folded flag. A bugle’s wail. A wife now prey to wolves in human skin.
My comrades offer “help”—but at a cost.
“Madam, let’s meet at Chodak Hotel. We can talk there.”
My daughter—freshly out of school—
A job within reach, but at the gate stands my old colleague:
“Tell her to come see me… in private.”
And even if she goes, there are no guarantees.
He may steal her dignity, and still slam the door in her face.
I gave 35 years to my nation.
I retire with “honour” and nothing more.
No house. No land. Just a certificate and a prayer.
I squat in the barracks, waiting for my meagre gratuity.
When it comes, I rent a house and squeeze my children into corners.
Before long, the money dries up like harmattan wells.
The landlord tosses us out.
I cough through sleepless nights… and then I die.
No obituary. No statue. No song.
Just another ghost in faded camouflage.
But if my children… if they play football—
Ah, if they play football!
In one tournament, they will do what 35 years of service could not.
A medal around their neck and they are heroes.
$100,000 from the President.
N10 million from every governor.
A 3-bedroom house with satin sheets and imported tiles.
Brand-new cars. Endorsements. Recognition.
Even the enemies I fought never gave me that.
That is why—my children must play football.
Not because it is noble.
But because it is the only way this nation listens.
I don’t speak for doctors, teachers, or police officers.
Their suffering is another tale.
I speak as a soldier.
There is no dignity left in this uniform.
Only dust. Only debt.
Only silence.
So go.
Go and play football.
And maybe—just maybe—
You will survive what this country does to its sons.
First published in The Guardian on Saturday, 2 August 2025. Martins Oloja is a former MD/Editor-in-Chief @ The Guardian
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
WAFCON
From Sky to Streets: Nigerian Breweries Celebrates Super Falcons with Glamorous Trophy Parade
It wasn’t just a celebration. It was a spectacle. When the Super Falcons—the reigning queens of African football—returned home to Lagos with their WAFCON trophy, the streets were filled with joy.
People felt pride. There was uncontainable energy everywhere.
But unlike the truck-top parades of the past, especially in 2019, this time, the champions were feted like royalty on wheels by the Nigerian Breweries, who have raised the bar in football teams’ victory parades.
A Rolling Royal Procession
Riding atop a sleek, modern double-decker open-top bus wrapped in bold insignia and vibrant colours of their sponsors—Amstel Malta and Goldberg—the Falcons waved to cheering fans as their trophy glistened in the Lagos sun.
The customized parade bus
The celebration was a level up from their 2019 victory parade, thanks to the vision and investment of long-time supporters, Nigerian Breweries.
Even the aircraft that flew the team into Lagos from Abuja wore the celebratory colours, adorned with logos of the supporting brands. From the sky to the streets, the victory was on full display.
The aircraft that brought the Super Falcons to Lagos has the branding on Amstel Malta and Goldberg
The open-top bus began its triumphal journey from Iganmu, snaking through Costain, Ojuelegba, Yaba, Jibowu, and Obalende, before pulling up at Ikoyi, greeted all along the route by waves, flags, music, and unfiltered excitement.
Children perched on shoulders, waving tiny Nigerian flags. Traffic slowed as motorists honked rhythmically in support. Street vendors paused to capture the moment. Onlookers danced to the rhythms of victory blaring from nearby speakers.
It wasn’t just a parade—it was Lagos in full party mode, saluting their champions.
A Night to Remember at Eko Hotel
As the sun dipped below the Atlantic skyline, the day’s jubilation transitioned into a glittering evening reception at Eko Hotel and Suites. It was less a formal event, more a heartfelt homecoming.
The ballroom echoed with laughter, music, and applause. Celebrities, fans, and state officials turned up in droves—not just to honour the Falcons, but to celebrate with them.
In a refreshing twist, it wasn’t just the entertainers performing. The players themselves took centre stage, showing off their dance moves and personalities.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie set the pace, while teammates Deborah Abiodun, Folashade Ijamilusi, and others demonstrated that their flair extends far beyond the football pitch.
Among the dignitaries were the Lagos State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Toke Benson, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor, Damilare Orimolade, and the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, all of whom praised the team for inspiring a generation and uniting the country.
Corporate Support That Scores
Behind the glitz and glamour was a key player: Nigerian Breweries. Through Amstel Malta and Goldberg, NB has emerged as one of the most consistent private supporters of the Super Falcons, backing them long before the medals were won.
From training camps to fan engagement campaigns, NB’s contributions have gone beyond token sponsorship—they’ve become true partners in progress for women’s football.
“This visit shows how much Nigerian Breweries cares. They believed in us even before we lifted the trophy,” said NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, in a heartfelt tribute to the brand’s unwavering support.
The impact of that partnership was evident—not just in the smiles of the players, but in the thousands of fans whose pride and excitement were reignited with every wave from the victory bus.
More Than Just Football
As the final beats echoed through the halls of Eko Hotel and the lights dimmed on an unforgettable day, one truth lingered in the air: The Super Falcons are more than a football team—they’re symbols of resilience, unity, and triumph.
And with partners like Nigerian Breweries standing by them, their future looks as dazzling as the trophy they carried through the streets of Lagos.
From Iganmu to Ikoyi, from sky to stage, from sport to celebration—this was Nigeria at its best.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- World Cup1 week ago
BREAKING: At last FIFA’s Axe falls on South Africa!
- World Cup1 week ago
South Africa to Appeal FIFA Ruling Over Mokoena Eligibility Case
- Nigerian Football1 week ago
Super Eagles Set for Double Friendly Showdown with Venezuela and Colombia in USA
- World Cup1 week ago
Sport Minister Orders Probe into SAFA over Bafana’s Costly Points Deduction
- World Cup7 days ago
FIFA Sanction on South Africa Offers Super Eagles a Lifeline — But a Lesson from History Looms
- U-20 FOOTBALL1 week ago
Two penalty appeal lost as Flying Eagles stumble at first hurdle
- World Cup5 days ago
Super Eagles Walk Tightrope as Nine Key Players Risk Suspension in World Cup Qualifiers
- U20 FOOTBALL19 hours ago
Flying Eagles Bank on ‘Magic of October 8’ to overcome Argentina