The Nation Newspaper

Tag: WAFCON 2025

  • WAFCON 2025: Otu splashes N50 Million on  Miracle Useni

    WAFCON 2025: Otu splashes N50 Million on  Miracle Useni

    Decorates Falcons’ defender with VVIP Honour, gifts plot of land.

    Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has hosted   Super Falcons defender  Miracle Useni in Calabar for being part  of the team that recently won the country’s record 10th  Women’s  Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco , gifting the female footballer 50 million naira for her contributions to the teams latest success in July.

    Other gifts to Miracle Useni include the  state’s highest honour accorded to a private citizen, VVIP of the State and the allocation of a piece of land, which the governor added  was  “to properly usher her into the season of sweetness.”

    The Governor Bassey Otu who took to his social media handle (on Facebook) to announce the kind gestures, said the aim is to motivate young people to strive to greatness.

    Read Also: Ballon d’Or: NFF congratulates Nnadozie, Madugu

    The governor’s post reads in parts: “In recognition of her outstanding achievements and the honour she has brought to Cross River State, I have conferred on Miracle Useni the highest honour accorded to a private citizen, VVIP of the State.

    “This status entitles her to all the rights and privileges enjoyed by VVIPs in Cross River, particularly at state events.

    “Additionally, I have approved the sum of ₦50 million and the allocation of a piece of land to properly usher her into this Season of Sweetness. This is our way of celebrating excellence and inspiring other young people to reach for greatness.”

    The jersey number 21 wearing-Useni with the Super Falcons, is  a native of Yakurr in Cross River State.

  • WAFCON 2025: Echegini ready to conquer Africa with Super Falcons

    WAFCON 2025: Echegini ready to conquer Africa with Super Falcons

    Echegini ready to conquer Africa with Nigeria

    Jennifer Echegini insists she cannot wait to represent Nigeria at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for the first time as they target a record 12th  title.

    The 24-year-old midfielder was part of the Super Falcons squad that reached the round of 16 at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, while she also featured at the 2024 Olympic Games.

    But Echegini has yet to experience the special atmosphere of playing at the continental showpiece and is ready to take the tournament by storm in Morocco next month.

    The Netherlands-born star enjoyed a fine 2024-25 season with Paris Saint-Germain, contributing seven goals and four assists to help the team finish second behind Lyon in the French Division 1 Feminine.

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    “It’s very special,” Echegini told CAFOnline. “I’ve been in major international competitions, but I haven’t played in an WAFCON yet. This will be my first time, and I’m very excited.

    “I watched the last edition two years ago and already thought: ‘One day, it’ll be my turn.’ Now that moment is here. It’s a different atmosphere, a different energy.

    “Representing my country on the African continent is a huge honor. The Women’s AFCON is about history, culture, emotion. I can’t wait to live it from the inside.”

    Nigeria won the last of their 11 WAFCON crowns in 2018 and they will be looking to dethrone South Africa when the spectacle gets underway on July 5.

    “We live with it, Echegini added. “The pressure has always been there. When you wear the Nigerian jersey, you know the expectations are sky-high. But that’s a good thing, really. It’s those standards that shape who we are.

  • WAFCON 2025: Nigeria draws Tunisia, Algeria

    WAFCON 2025: Nigeria draws Tunisia, Algeria

    The draw for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) took place Friday evening, with Nigeria drawing Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana in Group B.

    Defending champions South Africa are placed in Group C, while perennial contenders Nigeria lead Group B.

    Host country Morocco finds itself in Group A alongside Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania.

    The draw took place at the Mohammed VI Sport Center in Sale, Morocco.

    Read Also: NFF President promises 2025 AFCON title, World Cup 26  ticket

    The ceremony featured CAF President Patrice Motsepe, who will also attend the CAF Women’s Champions League Final in El Jadida on Saturday. 

    Twelve teams are competing in WAFCON 2025 in pursuit of continental glory and a share of the boosted prize pool.

    The tournament is set to kick off on July 5, 2025, and concludes on July 26, 2025.

    The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will move on to the quarterfinals.

    CAF has increased the prize money for this year’s tournament to $600,000 for the winners, $400,000 for the runners-up, and $350,000 for third-place holders.