WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
Women’s World Cup: The five best African players in the group stages
For the first time in the history of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™, Africa will have three representatives in the round of 16: Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa.
CAFOnline takes a look at five players that were exceptional in driving their sides to the knockout stage of the competition.
1 – Chiamaka Nnadozie, Goalkeeper – Nigeria
She was the youngest goalkeeper at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, Chiamaka Nnadozie has now become a huge asset for the Super Eagles.
The captain of the Super Falcons was instrumental in keeping a clean sheet against Canada in a 0-0 where she saved a Christine Sinclair penalty.
A stellar performance that saw her walk away with the “Player of the Match” trophy in the opening tie of the Super Falcons.
2 – Hilda Magaia, Striker – South Africa
A double goalscorer in the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2022, Hilda Magaia, who plays her football in the Korea Republic for Sejong Sportstoto has formed a lethal partnership with Thembi Kgatlana.
A serial goalscorer of note, the Dennilton native put up impressive performances against Sweden and Italy and was instrumental in the goals scored.
3 – Thembi Kgatlana, Forward – South Africa
Side-lined for almost a year due to injury, South Africa’s number 11 is really stamping her authority as a goal poacher in this FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Inseparable from her attacking teammate Hildah Magaia, the 2018 CAF Women’s Footballer of the year is high in confidence and it is showing in her performance.
The speedy forward has terrorised defenders in New Zealand and will be key for coach Desiree Ellis against Netherlands in the round of 16.
4- Ibtissam Jraidi, Forward – Morocco
At 30, Ibtissam Jraidi’s experience has been key in Morocco’s debut at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Against the Republic of Korea, the former AS FAR star, who now dons the colours of
Saudi club Al Ahly gave her nation their first ever victory at a FIFA Women’s World Cup when they won 1-0.
5- Anissa Lahmari, Midfielder – Morocco
The name of Anissa Lahmari will now be associated with that of a historical moment – the qualification of Morocco for the round of 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The star midfielder perfectly followed Ghizlane’s missed penalty by firing home for the all-important goal and will be key in Morocco’s fairy tale run at the global showpiece.
CAFOnline also pays tribute to Zambia’s Barbra Banda, who scored the 1000th goal in the history of the FIFA Women’s World Cup through a spot kick in a match the Copper Queens won 3-1 over Costa Rica.
-CAF
WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
What a goal-laden day for Nigeria; Falconets also win with wide margin!
![](https://sportsvillagesquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/flourish.jpg)
Nigeria Super Falconets gave Nigerians additional joy after their 4-0 defeat of Venezuela in Cali, Colombia in their last group match. Their victory followed up with an earlier 3-0 win by the Super Eagles in their opening Group D match with Benin Republic in Uyo.
The Falconets’ win means they have qualified for the Round of 16 where they are most likely going to face Japan when the group games are completed on Sunday.
Both Nigeria and Germany tied on six points, but Germany have one goal better than Nigeria on goal difference.
The Super Falcons made early hays when Amina Bello put Nigeria ahead after 16 minutes. Chiamaka Okwuchukwu doubled the lead in the 28th minute before Flourish Sebastine put in the third five minutes into the added time of the first half. Joy Igbokwe put in the back breaker four minutes into the added time of the second hald.
WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
Okwuchukwu shines despite Nigeria’s defeat to Germany in U-20 Women’s World Cup
![](https://sportsvillagesquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/chiamaka-okwuchukwu-nigeriau20.webp)
Nigeria’s U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign suffered a setback as they fell to a 3-1 defeat against a clinical German side in Bogota, Colombia on Wednesday night.
The result secures Germany’s place in the knockout stages, while leaving the Falconets with work to do in their final group match.
In an end-to-end encounter, both sides created numerous chances, but it was Germany who struck first. Cora Zicai’s pinpoint cross found Alara Sehitler, who nodded home in the 17th minute to give the Europeans the lead.
Nigeria’s star performer, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, had earlier come close to opening the scoring with a magnificent solo run, only to be denied by German goalkeeper Rebecca Adamczyk.
Okwuchukwu’s persistence paid off early in the second half when she capitalized on a defensive mix-up to draw Nigeria level, celebrating with Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous ‘siuuu’ celebration.
However, Germany’s quality shone through as they regained the lead through Sofie Zdebel, again assisted by the impressive Zicai.
Despite Okwuchukwu having another goal ruled out for offside, Germany sealed the win in stoppage time with Sarah Ernst’s powerful header.
The defeat leaves Nigeria on three points from two matches, with their final group game against Venezuela in Cali now crucial to their hopes of progressing.
WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
Points of Note in Falconets’ loss to Germany
![](https://sportsvillagesquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/GWqsbLhX0AAKxiF.jpeg)
Germany beat Nigeria’s Falconets 3-1 in their second group game of the FIFA U-20 World Cup. With Germany’s win, the Europeans have made it to the last 16 stage, even with a game to spare.
The coach of Germany, Kathrin Peter acknowledged the efforts of the Nigerian team , saying: “It was a really tough match today.
“That was expected, but we actually had big problems in defence. They had a few chances where we had the necessary luck, we have to admit that.
“But in the second half we were really good and asserted our dominance and I think we deserved to win in the end.”
Here are some major points:
- Germany beat Nigeria 2-0 in the final match 14 years ago in Germany.
- Germany have now won their last four FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup meetings with Nigeria. Alex Popp inspired a 2-0 victory in the 2010 final, Lena Petermann settled the decider in extra-time four year later, and Stefanie Sanders was the solitary scorer in Group D in 2018.
- This was just Nigeria’s third loss in their past 24 group matches at the tournament.
-
TRANSFER MARKET3 days ago
Points of Interest as Napoli’s coach apologises to Victor Osimhen
-
Badminton1 week ago
American beats Nigeria’s Segun Obasanjo
-
TRANSFER MARKET1 week ago
Transfer market still bubbling as Chelsea agents lands in Napoli for Osimhen
-
TRANSFER MARKET1 week ago
BREAKING! Osimhen is left stranded! Future remains uncertain
-
TRANSFER MARKET5 days ago
Lukaku pays respect to Osimhen
-
PARALYMPICS6 days ago
How Mikano powered Eniola to Nigeria’s first medal at Paris 2024
-
Nigerian Football1 week ago
As in 1974 , 1995 and 2005 another coach, Labbadia disappears from Nigeria’s national team job
-
AFCON1 week ago
Interim Commander, Eguavoen opens up on his plans for Super Eagles