Super Falcons of Nigeria on Sunday beat Tunisia 3-0 in their opening match of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco.
The Super Falcons would opened the scoring in the 3rd minute as a well-delivered free kick from Rinsola Babajide found Asisat Oshoala, who headed in the ball to give Nigeria the lead.
Justine Madugu’s charges kept up the pressure and were duly rewarded in the 45th minute of the first half, as Babajide, who provided the assist for the first goal, turned goal scorer as she beat the Tunisian goalkeeper for the second.
READ ALSO: Nigeria’s Super Falcons Begin 10th WAFCON Quest Against Tunisia
She pulled out a Diogo Jota’s trademark celebration, paying tribute to the Liverpool star, who sadly passed away last Thursday alongside his brother, Andre Silva.
The Babajide Rinsola Show
1 assist. 1 goal. Just 45 minutes. The Super Falcons winger lit up the first half in Casablanca .
She sealed it with Diogo Jota’s trademark celebration, a touching tribute to the Liverpool star, who sadly passed away last Thursday ️… pic. twitter. com/vb6PnimNQ9
Super Falcons had chances to put the game to bed, but couldn’t convert, and returnee Ashleigh Plumptre tried her luck with a floating strike from distance, but the Tunisian goalkeeper managed to tip the ball over the bar.
The continued pressure paid off for the Falcons as in the 80th minute, with Chinwendu Ihezuo finding the bottom corner with a composed left-footed finish to complete the routing.
With nine titles to their name, Nigeria’s Super Falcons kick off their search for a record-extending 10th continental crown as they face Tunisia in their opening match of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The Group B encounter, set for Sunday at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, marks Nigeria’s first step in the tournament. Algeria and Botswana complete the group alongside the Carthage Eagles.
A win in their opener would set the tone for the Super Falcons — long regarded as the dominant force in African women’s football and perennial favourites at every WAFCON.
Experience Meets Emerging Talents
Coach Justin Madugu’s team boasts a blend of youthful flair and experience, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade and six-time African Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala providing vital support. Versatile defender Ashley Plumptre is also in the squad, which includes fan favourite Michelle Alozie, PSG star Jennifer Echegini, and midfield maestro Christy Ucheibe, among others.
Nigeria are nine-time African champions. X@NGSuper_Falcons
With reigning African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, Chiamaka Nnadozie, in goal, and the hardworking Osinachi Ohale anchoring the defence, the Super Falcons look like a team that will be difficult to beat in Morocco.
Nigeria won two of their last three games heading into the tournament — securing victories against Cameroon and Ghana, and earning a draw against Portugal.
Tunisia’s Journey: From 2008 Debutants to Quarter-Finalists
Tunisia, playing in only their second WAFCON, made their debut in 2008 but failed to advance beyond the group stage. In the last edition, however, the North Africans reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by the eventual champions, South Africa.
The Tunisians
Houij and Ellouz Lead Tunisia’s Charge
While they may not boast the star power of the Super Falcons, Tunisia’s Mariem Houij is a player the Nigerians must keep an eye on. The Galatasaray forward’s goal scoring ability sets her apart. Her contributions — along with those of Sabrine Ellouz — will be crucial to the Carthage Eagles against Nigeria.
Coach Kamel Saada’s side are growing in confidence and ambition. They scored 18 goals during the qualifiers — against Niger Republic and Congo — but have struggled in recent friendlies, suffering defeats to Kenya and Morocco.
Coaches’ Insights: Respect for All, Confidence Within
Saada knows Tunisia are in a tough group and will need to go the extra mile to make a statement in Morocco.
“It’s a tough group. Everyone knows the quality of Nigeria. Algeria is improving fast. Botswana too. We’re not underestimating anyone. We’ll need to be disciplined, focused, and play our best football,” she told CAF Online.
A good result on Sunday would boost Tunisia’s chances of equalling or surpassing their performance at the last tournament.
Despite Tunisia’s pedigree in comparison to the Super Falcons, Nigeria coach Madugu is taking nothing for granted. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, he stressed that no team should be underestimated.
“There are no minnows as far as football is concerned in Africa. Looking at the results from the qualifiers, we wouldn’t consider anyone to be a weak team,” Madugu said.
Still, he remains confident of getting the job done against Tunisia.
“We are very focused on our realisable and achievable target of Mission X,” he told thenff. com. “The girls are ready and are showing real hunger for victory, and team spirit is high. We are looking forward to our first match on Sunday against Tunisia. ”
Familiar Foes: A Rare But Memorable Clash
When the game kicks off, Nigeria won’t be facing an unfamiliar opponent. The Super Falcons have met the Tunisians once before in the tournament — back in 2008. That match ended goalless, one of the rare occasions Nigeria have failed to score at the WAFCON.
Three Points, ‘Mission X’ at Stake
A victory over Tunisia will ease the pressure on Nigeria as they push for their 10th title. For the Maghreb nation, a win would be historic. Even a point would represent a strong start.
Arsenal on Sunday announced the signing of midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a deal reportedly worth around £55 million ($75 million).
Euro 2024 winner Zubimendi had previously been a target for Liverpool and was also linked with Real Madrid.
“This is a huge moment in my career,” said the defensive midfielder, who is understood to have put pen to paper on a five-year deal.
“It’s the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make. As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club and this team are.
“I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come. ”
READ ALSO: Man City Defender Walker Joins Burnley
The Athletic reported that Arsenal paid above Zubimendi’s 60 million euro ($71 million, £51 million) buyout clause in order to spread the cost of the fee over a number of installments.
Zubimendi, 26, made 236 appearances in all competitions for Sociedad after graduating from the club’s academy and has played 19 times for Spain.
He will reinforce manager Mikel Arteta’s midfield options after the departures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho.
Zubimendi’s arrival paves the way for Arsenal’s record signing Declan Rice to play a more attacking midfield role alongside captain Martin Odegaard.
“Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team,” said Arteta.
“He will fit in really well and he has all the attributes to be a key player for us. ”
Zubimendi is Arsenal’s second signing of the summer transfer window after goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga joined from Chelsea.
The Gunners are also expected to complete the signing of midfielder Christian Norgaard from Brentford.
Arsenal finished second in the Premier League last season for a third straight year and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League but ultimately ended up without a trophy for a fifth consecutive season.
Attention will now turn to the forward line as the Gunners try to see off champions Liverpool and Manchester City and claim a first league title since 2003/04.
Arteta’s men had to cope without a natural striker for much of last season due to long-term injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
Reports on Sunday suggest a deal for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres is on the verge of being sealed to fill the need for a new number nine.
Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Chelsea’s Noni Madueke.
The world is set to experience the best of women’s football on display from Africa as the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off in Morocco on Saturday, July 5th.
Postponed from last year, the 2024 WAFCON is a show of African football excellence, and it’s clear that the continent is buzzing with excitement. Morocco hosted the last edition, but this installment marks a new era in women’s football on the continent, building on the momentum of the previous tournament.
A fresh look for Olympic Stadium in Rabat. ️
How excited are you for the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 opening game tonight? pic. twitter. com/oAWqhLnMkN
The prize money for the tournament has been jacked up to $1m, which is a significant increase and a testament to the growing popularity of the sport. The runners-up will get $500,000, while the third-placed and fourth-placed sides will go home with $350,000 and $300,000, respectively. In total, there is $3,475,000 up for grabs, making it a highly competitive tournament.
CAF also introduced a new trophy for the competition.
READ ALSO: Family And Football Unite To Bid Diogo Jota Farewell
A beauty in every curve. #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 pic. twitter. com/giwPXBQzO0
Twelve teams will participate, divided into three groups, and the competition is expected to be fierce. The first two teams in each group will qualify for the quarter-finals alongside the two best third-placed countries, ensuring that every match counts. Running from July 5th to 26th, the 2024 WAFCON coincides with the Women’s Euro, making it a thrilling summer for football fans.
The opening match will be between hosts Morocco and the Copper Queens of Zambia, and both sides are looking strong. Both sides impressed in the last edition staged in the North African country, with the Atlas Lionesses reaching their first final of the WAFCON, losing out to eventual winners South Africa. Zambia defeated Nigeria to claim bronze three years ago, and they’ll be looking to build on that success.
South Africa, the defending champions, will be aiming for their second WAFCON title after finally conquering the continent following several heartbreaking losses in past editions.
Nigeria’s Mission X
Two iconic kits. One tough choice. If you had to pick just one, which are you rocking?
Don’t just cheer from the timeline. rep the Super Falcons in style. Grab your jersey and show your support at #WAFCON2024! #MissionX #SoarSuperFalcons pic. twitter. com/NRn1LudJzf
Having missed out on the podium in Morocco last time out, Nigeria’s Super Falcons are aiming to make it a 10th WAFCON title, and they’re determined to make a strong impression.
They are in Group B alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana, and the competition is expected to be tough. Coach Justin Madugu’s ladies will begin their title quest against Tunisia on Sunday, ready to start the competition on a winning note.
Ready to start our #WAFCON2024 journey against Tunisia.
See you tomorrow, #SuperFalcons fans ! #MissionX #SoarSuperFalcons pic. twitter. com/s9ylyuXSpY
Nigeria boast an array of experienced and youthful players heading to Morocco, and they’ll be looking to make the most of their talent.
Veteran forward Asisat Oshoala, who has won the CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year prize six times, will be on hand to provide vital support to a team brimming with talent and experience.
With a defence that has reigning CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, Chiamaka Nnadozie, the hardworking defender Osinachi Ohale, and the highly-rated Ashleigh Plumptre, many teams may struggle to break down the Nigerian defence.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade’s versatility and experience will be complemented by the youthful flair of Tosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie, Sikiratu Isah, Miracle Usani, and Deborah Abiodun. The Super Falcons will be buoyed by a string of positive results heading into the tournament, and they’ll be looking to build on that momentum.
Nigeria played three matches, winning two and drawing one — against European side Portugal, with victories over Cameroon and Ghana coming in between.
Lights on. Energy maxed.
The Super Falcons are ready to shine. #TotalEnergiesWAFCON202 pic. twitter. com/MhNJ6KuPhp
Paris Saint-Germain reached the Club World Cup semi-finals as Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele’s goals earned the nine-man European champions a 2-0 win over Bayern Munich in a gripping battle on Saturday.
The French treble winners had Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez sent off in the final stages, but managed to oust the German giants in Atlanta.
Bundesliga champions Bayern, who lost Jamal Musiala just before half-time with a horror ankle injury, shared an intense and even battle with the Parisians.
Bayern had won their last four matches straight against PSG, including a 1-0 Champions League victory last November, before Luis Enrique’s side hit their peak.
Players and nearly 67,000 spectators observed a minute of silence in honour of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who tragically died in a car crash on Thursday.
It was an emotional moment, especially for a PSG side with five Portuguese players in the squad, including starters Vitinha, Joao Neves and Nuno Mendes.
Luis Enrique began with leading Ballon d’Or candidate Dembele on the bench, as he continues his comeback from a quadriceps injury, but Bayern playmaker Musiala was fit to start after a calf issue.
It was FIFA’s expanded tournament’s biggest heavyweight clash thus far and Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said on the eve of the game he would pay to watch a match he described as a “perfect storm”, because of the teams’ similar high-pressing, attacking styles.
The air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz Stadium also produced the perfect conditions for a pulsating game, lit up by supremely talented dribblers on both sides, as well as two elite goalkeepers in Gianluigi Donnarumma and Manuel Neuer.
Both sides exchanged early blows as Desire Doue fired narrowly wide and Donnarumma saved Michael Olise’s low effort.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia hit the side netting after a razor-sharp PSG counter before Donnarumma produced a fine save at full stretch to tip away another Olise effort.
Georgia international Kvaratskhelia forced Neuer into an excellent stop from close range after the effervescent Bradley Barcola floated a ball out to him on the left and the winger surged inside at pace.
Donnarumma was called into action as Aleksandar Pavlovic’s low cross for Musiala eluded the German and nearly found the bottom corner, but for a swift reaction from the Italian.
The goalkeeper could do nothing about Dayot Upamecano’s header from Olise’s free-kick in first-half stoppage time but the French defender had strayed offside and it was disallowed.
England captain Harry Kane also came close for Bayern with a header that flew narrowly off target after fine work by Kingsley Coman.
READ ALSO: Family And Football Unite To Bid Diogo Jota Farewell
Musiala horror injury
Jamal Musiala #42 of FC Bayern Munchen is carted from the pitch by medical staff following an injury during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarter-final match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Bayern München at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on July 05, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Kevin C. Cox / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
Unfortunately, Musiala suffered a gruesome ankle injury before half-time as he fell following a collision with Donnarumma, with the goalkeeper appearing distraught in the aftermath.
Bayern’s 39-year-old stopper Neuer produced a sensational save to deny Barcola early in the second half, as the French winger ran through on goal and tried to bend the ball into the far corner.
With 20 minutes remaining, Luis Enrique sent on Dembele to try and make the difference and avoid extra-time, which neither side needed at the end of a gruelling season.
Dembele came inches from doing just that when Neuer gave the ball away outside his area and the Frenchman lunged to try and roll into the empty net, but it trickled just wide of the post.
Eventually, 20-year-old Doue found the breakthrough as Kane gave the ball away and PSG attacked in numbers.
Doue, who burst into the limelight in PSG’s run to Champions League glory, worked some space on the edge of the box and flashed a low strike home at the near post.
Bayern were given hope as they hunted for an equaliser when PSG defender Pacho was sent off for a high tackle on Leon Goretzka after 83 minutes.
Kane headed home from an offside position before PSG substitute Hernandez was dismissed for an elbow.
Dembele hit the crossbar on the break as Luis Enrique’s side clung on before sealing their victory through the French forward, who tucked home after Achraf Hakimi’s run through and paid tribute to Jota by copying his video-gaming celebration.
PSG will face Real Madrid or Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals on Wednesday at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Wimbledon top seed Jannik Sinner crushed Pedro Martinez to reach the last 16 without losing a set on Saturday while title rival Novak Djokovic targets his 100th victory at the tournament.
Sinner took just one hour and 55 minutes to demolish 52nd-ranked Martinez 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 in a Centre Court masterclass, though the Spaniard was struggling with a shoulder issue.
The 23-year-old will face Bulgarian 19th seed Grigor Dimitrov or Austria’s Sebastian Ofner in the fourth round at the All England Club.
Sinner has lost just 17 games across his first three matches at this year’s tournament, in contrast to defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, who has shown patchy form on route to the last 16.
The Italian returned from a doping ban in May, losing the Italian Open final to Alcaraz and squandering three championship points against the Spaniard in the French Open final last month.
His best performance at Wimbledon was a run to the semi-finals in 2023 and he reached the quarter-finals last year.
“Every time you reach the second week of a Grand Slam it’s a very special occasion,” said Sinner, who acknowledged Martinez’s discomfort with his shoulder.
“Even more special here in Wimbledon, so I’m very happy to be in the second week. ”
Later on Centre Court, Djokovic will resume his bid for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam crown.
The seven-time champion, locked with the long-retired Margaret Court on 24 majors, is aiming to reach the fourth round for the 17th time in his 20th appearance at Wimbledon.
A third-round clash against Serbian Davis Cup teammate Miomir Kecmanovic will hold few fears for the sixth seed, who has not lost against his 49th-ranked compatriot in three previous meetings.
If Djokovic beats Kecmanovic he will reach a century of victories at the All England Club, a feat only surpassed by eight-time champion Roger Federer, who won 105 times on the lawns of southwest London, and Martina Navratilova, who chalked up 120 victories.
“If I play like this, I feel like I have a very good chance against anybody, really, on the Centre Court of Wimbledon, a place where I maybe feel the most comfortable on any court,” Djokovic said after beating Britain’s Dan Evans in the second round.
Djokovic’s first Wimbledon win came against Argentine Juan Monaco 20 years ago, when Kecmanovic was aged just five.
Swiatek’s title chance
Former champion Elena Rybakina became the latest star to suffer a shock exit, losing to Denmark’s Clara Tauson 7-6 (8/6), 6-3.
Rybakina, the Kazakh 11th seed, won her maiden Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2022 and reached the semi-finals last year.
But the 26-year-old’s hopes of another strong run were ended by 23rd-seeded Tauson in a third-round tie on Court Two.
Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva thrashed American world number 55 Hailey Baptiste 6-1, 6-3 in just 78 minutes on Court One.
The 18-year-old, seeded seventh, is one of the few leading players left in the women’s draw.
World number one Aryna Sabalenka is the only player remaining from among the top six seeds.
Iga Swiatek has quietly gone about her business at this year’s Wimbledon but will have watched the mass exodus of her top rivals with interest.
The five-time Grand Slam champion is seeded eighth at the All England club after slipping down the rankings, though she is now back in the world’s top four after reaching the Bad Homburg final last week.
The Pole, who faces American Danielle Collins in the third round, has never been beyond the quarter-finals at the All England Club.
Swiatek, who has won four titles on the French Open clay, was beaten by former Australian Open finalist Collins at the Italian Open in May.
Defending women’s champion Barbora Krejcikova is also in action on Saturday against American 10th seed Emma Navarro.
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