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
African women’s national teams are stepping up preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026, with a packed April FIFA international window offering a crucial opportunity to assess strengths and refine tactics.
With the continental tournament just months away, teams across Africa are engaging in a mix of regional friendlies and intercontinental fixtures as part of the FIFA Series, aiming to build momentum and test combinations.
Clearly stated ambitions
From 10 April, Botswana will get proceedings underway against Saudi Arabia.
The following day, Tunisia face Benin in a fixture that should offer the Carthage Eagles an opportunity to explore new attacking options against an opponent known for their defensive discipline.
A day later, Morocco host Tanzania in one of the standout fixtures of the window. The Atlas Lionesses, who have enjoyed an impressive run in recent years, face a Tanzanian side eager to continue its upward trajectory.
On 14 April, attention turns to a series of high-profile encounters. South Africa meet Algeria in a clash of contrasting styles, with Banyana Banyana’s intensity and pace set against Algeria’s structured and technical approach.
Elsewhere, Egypt take on Saudi Arabia in a match that offers both sides a chance to strengthen their credentials on the international stage, while Benin face Comoros in what promises to be an open and competitive contest.
Adjustments and confirmations expected
The fixtures continue on 16 April, when Tunisia meet Comoros in another test of their readiness against an improving opponent.
On 17 April, South Africa and Algeria renew their rivalry in a second encounter, providing both teams with an opportunity to adapt tactically. Morocco also face Ghana in a high-profile meeting between two of the continent’s most competitive sides.
The series concludes on 19 April with a second meeting between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, offering further insights into both teams’ progress
FIFA Series: a global revealer
Beyond African match-ups, the FIFA Series 2026 has expanded the scope of preparations by pitting African teams against global opposition.
Ivory Coast set the tone with an emphatic 8-0 victory over Mauritania on 9 April, underlining their attacking strength.
On 11 April, Kenya host a mini-tournament in Nairobi featuring Australia, Malawi and India, while Zambia face a stern test against Canada in Brazil.
The following day sees DR Congo take on Indonesia in Thailand, while Mauritania face Pakistan and Ivory Coast meet Turks and Caicos in Abidjan.
Zambia continue their demanding schedule with matches against Brazil on 15 April and South Korea on 18 April, providing valuable experience against top-tier opposition.
A crucial testing ground
The April window represents a key phase in preparations, allowing coaches to experiment, assess squad depth and fine-tune strategies ahead of WAFCON 2026.
With competitive fixtures across continents, African teams are gaining vital exposure and experience — all with the aim of peaking when the continent’s biggest women’s football tournament begins later this year.
Friendly matches in April 2026:
April 10
Saudi Arabia 1–1 Botswana
Scorers: Seba Tawfiq (90+7) / Laone Moloi (28’)
April 12
Tunisia 1-0 Benin
Scorer : M. Houij (90′)
April 13
Senegal 1-0 Burkina Faso
Scorer : S. Ngaye Pene (2′)
Morocco 3-0 Tanzania
Scorers : S.Mssoudy (2′, 77′), Y.Mrabet (80′)
April 14
South Africa vs Algeria
Saudi Arabia vs Egypt
Benin vs Comoros
April 16
Tunisia vs Comoros
April 17
South Africa vs Algeria
Morocco vs Mali
April 19
Saudi Arabia vs Egypt
FIFA Series 2026:
April 9, 2026
Ivory Coast 8-0 Mauritania – Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Ebimpe
April 11, 2026
Australia 5-0 Malawi – Nairobi
Scorers : E. van Egmond (5″), S. Kerr (41″), A. Chidiac (60″), H. McNamara (86″), L. McKenna (90+4)
Kenya 2-0 India – Nairobi
Scorers: M. Emedot (2′) T. Obunya (55′)
Canada 4-0 Zambia – Brazil
Scorers :N. Prince (41′, 45+1), A. Chukwu (81′, 88′)
April 12, 2026
Indonesia 1-7 DR Congo – Thailand
Scorers: C. Scheunemann (7′) / M. Kajinga (23′, 59′), F. Mawete (29′, 74′), M. Kasaj (45+6) O. Massombo (52′), J. Feza (82′)
Mauritania 1-0 Pakistan – Abidjan
Scorer : R. Gengui (21′)
Turks and Caicos 1-15 Ivory Coast – Abidjan
Scorers : I. Moline (28′)/ A.Diallo (6′ 10′ 23′ 42′),P. Kreto (12′ 22′ 27′ 47′ 52′), R. Kouassi (32′), S.Kokora (45′), A. Koko (45+1), I. Konan (78′ 83′), A. Abrogoua (90+3)
April 15, 2026
Brazil vs Zambia – Brazil
India vs Malawi – Kenya (Third-place match – FIFA Series 2026 Kenya)
Kenya vs Australia – Kenya (Final – FIFA Series 2026 Kenya)
Thailand vs DR Congo –Thailand (Final – FIFA Series 2026 Thailand),
April 16, 2026
Ivory Coast vs Pakistan – Abidjan
Turks and Caicos vs Mauritania – Abidjan
April 18, 2026
South Korea vs Zambia – Brazil
-Cafonline
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
By Kunle Solaja.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has been postponed, with Africa’s football governing body announcing new dates for the tournament in Morocco.
The Confederation of African Football confirmed that the 2026 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will now take place from 25 July to 16 August 2026, instead of the earlier scheduled dates of 17 March to 3 April 2026.
Morocco was awarded the hosting rights for the continental showpiece in October 2024, with preparations already underway for what is expected to be one of the biggest editions of the competition. It doubles as the qualification tournament for the Women’s World Cup, as the top four finishers will feature in the global event.
CAF said the decision to move the tournament followed consultations with FIFA and other key stakeholders.
In a statement, CAF explained that the adjustment was made “to ensure the success of this important women’s competition, in the light of certain unforeseen circumstances.”
Although the organisation did not elaborate on the nature of those circumstances, the rescheduling shifts the tournament to the traditional mid-year international football window, which is often more favourable for player availability and logistics.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is the continent’s flagship women’s football competition and serves as a crucial platform for the development and visibility of the women’s game in Africa.
Morocco, which successfully hosted the 2022 edition of the tournament, is expected to leverage its modern stadium infrastructure and growing reputation as a major football events destination to deliver another high-profile competition.
CAF expressed confidence that the revised schedule will allow all stakeholders to adequately prepare for the tournament.
“Preparations for the WAFCON 2026 are underway, and all the parties are confident that it will be very successful,” the governing body stated.
The tournament will bring together Africa’s top women’s national teams competing for continental supremacy, with the rescheduling expected to give organisers additional time to ensure optimal preparations for the event.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
The Confederation of African Football has announced that it will issue an official communication within the next 48 hours regarding the situation surrounding the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026.
In a brief message posted on social media, CAF indicated that the matter has been under extensive discussion in recent weeks and is currently receiving urgent attention at the highest levels of the organisation.
“CAF will communicate within the next 48 hours on the situation regarding the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON26. There have been several discussions over the past weeks. The matter is receiving urgent and high-level attention,” the confederation stated.
Although CAF did not provide specific details about the issue under review, the statement suggests that senior officials within the continental governing body are working toward a resolution.
The development has sparked anticipation across the African football community, particularly among national teams preparing for the women’s continental championship.
The Confederation of African Football is expected to clarify the circumstances and outline the next steps for the tournament when it releases its official update within the stipulated timeframe.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Host CAF General Assembly For Third Time, CAF Awards For Seventh
Atlas Lions Embrace AI As Google Gemini Becomes Official Partner
NPFL at 36: Why Nigeria’s League Top Scorers Rarely Become Super Eagles Legends
Breaking! Uzoho suspended from Super Eagles’ next match with Sierra Leone
No longer Super League as CAF changes name of its new clubs competition
NIGERIAN FOOTBALL CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SANUSI CHARGES NIGERIAN COACHES TO BE UPRIGHT, DILIGENT
- World Cup4 days ago
FIFA Plans Three Opening Ceremonies in All Host Nations for 2026 World Cup
- World Cup3 days ago
United States Unveils Hollywood-Style FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony
- World Cup4 days ago
Mexico president wavers on plan to cut school year by 40 days for the World Cup
- World Cup5 days ago
Burna Boy Joins Shakira for Official 2026 World Cup Song ‘Dai Dai’
- World Cup1 week ago
Despite 2026 Absence, Nigeria Still Leads Africa’s World Cup Winners’ Chart
- Premier League4 days ago
Man United’s Fernandes and City’s Shaw win FWA Footballer of the Year awards
- Nigerian Football4 days ago
Sporting Lagos Crowned 2026 NNL Champions After Dramatic Super Four Finale
- Premier League2 days ago
Arsenal survive huge scare to edge towards title