Castmog Ladies, Ahudiyannem Queens, and Sunshine Queens have secured qualification to the Nigeria Women's Football League, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

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Sunshine Queens, who have already qualified for next season's NWFL Premiership after winning Group A2, were joined by Castmog Ladies and Ahudiyannem Queens on Wednesday.

Castmog Ladies triumphed in Group A1 in Umuahia with six points after three matches played, while Ahudiyannem Queens emerged victorious in Group B1 in Abiriba.

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With Groups A1, A2, and B1 concluded, the focus now shifts to the decisive fixtures in Group B2, which continue on Friday and Sunday.

The group’s eventual winner will claim the final ticket to join Castmog Ladies, Sunshine Queens, and Ahudiyannem Queens in the 2025/26 NWFL Premiership.

Uche Dozie

The General Manager of Osun State Sports Council, Mr Rotimi Dunmoye has congratulated Osun Babes FC on their feat so far in the NWFL Championship after getting the maximum six points in two matches.

He sent his congratulatory message in a phone conversation with the team's Media Officer, Oluwaseun Omolola.

Mr Dunmoye who was full of praise for Osun Babes FC said that the team are making the state happy and everyone in the state are proud of them.

"I knew it from the onset that we have a formidable team capable of defeating any opponents. I am happy for them because they are reaping the result of their hard work."

"The technical crew led by Coach Wole Animasahun has really transformed the team into world beaters."

"The players have been excellent so far and are already showing us the stuff they are made of. They are really wonderful."

"I want to encourage the team not to rest on their oars yet as there are still games to be played. They should remain focused on the main goal of getting the NWFL Premiership ticket." Concluded Mr Dunmoye.

Osun Babes next take on Kaduna Queens tomorrow, Wednesday, 4th September, 2024 at St. Patrick College, Calabar.

Oluwaseun Omolola

Ahead of their NWFL Championship season, the Management of Osun Babes FC has reiterated that the government would remain steadfast in its support for the team and propel them towards achieving impeccable feats.

While speaking with journalists on behalf of the Management at Osogbo Township Stadium after the team's training, the Chairperson of Osun Babes FC, Mrs Tola Usman said that the state government has been of tremendous help to the team and they do not seem to relent anytime soon.

Mrs Usman who was full of optimism for the chances of Osun Babes FC to swiftly gain promotion back to the top tier level of NWFL Premiership said that the Governor Ademola Adeleke led government love sports so much and are ready not only to invest heavily in it but also prepared to record remarkable success from every possible angles in the sector.

"Yes, I would say it over and over again that there would be motivation from the state government for Osun Babes FC in order to gain promotion to NWFL Premiership."

"Governor Ademola Adeleke and his deputy, who doubles as the Commissioner for Sports, Prince Kola Adewusi have done a lot for us at Osun Babes FC since assuming office and we believe they would still do more for us."

"For our trip to Calabar, Cross River State, the government has set things in motion for us so as to have smooth sailing at the NWFL Championship."

"Our players and officials would be well taken care of in order for them to give their best and secure the promotion for us." Said Mrs Usman.

She also took time out to rain encomium of praise on the Chairman House Committee on Sports, Hon. Abiola Awoyeye, SA on Youth and Sports, Hon. Adeyemi Kolawole, SSA on Sports, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Iyiola Shefiu Babatunde, the General Manager of Osun State Sports Council, Mr Rotimi Dunmoye and The Director of Sports, Coaching and Training Osun State Sports Council, Mr Ademola Daini for their unending support for the team.

Mrs Usman also thanked the Club Secretary, Mrs Ronke Ogunbanwo, The Team Manager, Mr Tope Akinbade, The Head Coach, Wole Animasahun, all team officials and players for their efforts in moving the team forward.

The NWFL Championship season is expected to take centre stage at Calabar, Cross River State between 29th August to 8th September, 2024.

Oluwaseun Omolola

Uyo based side, Ibom Queens are leaving no stone unturned in their bid to return to the Nigeria Women Football League premiership with friendly matches, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Orange Ladies in the course of the week ahead of the forthcoming NWFL Championship engaged in a friendly against Blessed Stars Football Academy U-13 Boys emerging 2-0 winners at Uyo township Stadium.

The goals came from substitutes Ijeoma Onweagba and Victory Jacob who both scored in the second half to make the difference.

Ijeoma Onweagba opened scoring through a nice flash from Abasiofon Uwah's assist at the edge of the box before Victory Jacob doubled it with a volley from 35 yards.

The Edwin Okon led team have engaged in different pre season tournament and friendlies with some male football clubs in a proactive measure to ensure a great 2023/2024 season.

The Orange Ladies who were relegated in the 2022/2023 season to the championship are seeking to return to topflight football this term.

By Uche Dozie 

Leicester City midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi faces an injury setback ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Manager, Enzo Maresca reportedly confirmed this after he failed to list the Nigerian in the Foxes' 4-1 win against Huddersfield Town on Monday.

Ndidi and Iheanacho are expected to join the Nigerian squad, but Maresca emphasizes their current fitness concerns.

Kelechi Iheanacho, sidelined in the last two Championship games, deals with a muscular issue.

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The Super Eagles commence AFCON 2023 preparations in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Tuesday.

Reporting for BBC Sports, Owynn Palmer-Atkin provides insights into Ndidi's absence and the challenges faced by the Leicester duo.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

Southampton head coach, Russel Martin has given his given his support to his midfielder, Joe Aribo ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The tournament scheduled for January 13 to February 11, 2024 has the Super Eagles, Aribo’s team in Group A.

The midfielder, who has revived his career at the club, is expected to be named in Nigeria’s final squad for the 2023 AFCON finals.

Aribo has in recent games for the Saints has been instrumental to the upward Trent of the club and his absence should be of concern at that crucial time of the season.

Martin however, stated that it is important to allow Aribo and other African players in his team represent their country.

“We can’t stop anyone. You want them to go there fit and come back fit. Joe needs to keep playing, now he has been playing and I’m sure he will get into their squad,” Martin told Daily Echo.

“He has been a mainstay in their squad for quite a while. They go with everyone’s best wishes, as you want them to do well.”

Clubs are required to release invited players by January 1, and Aribo is expected to link up with his national teammates in Abu Dhabi on that same day.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

West Bromwich Albion striker, Josh Maja has been revealed to have suffered a long term injury due to ankle injury, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The injury will see the Nigeria international miser out of action for four months after a poor tackle from Dan Ballard in their Sky Bet Championship tie against Sunderland.

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According to the teams manager Carlos Corberán claimed the 24-year-old is likely to undergo surgery and will not be available until the latter stages of the campaign.

“In the tackle against Sunderland, they injured all the ligaments in his ankle; it depends and the doctors still need to ask for a second opinion to see if there is any ligament to fix without surgery,” Corberán told the club’s official website.

“Normally, he will need surgery and be out of the team for the next four months. It’s the worst news we can give.”

Maja scored once in nine league appearances for the Baggies this season

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

The fight for the sole group A ticket of the ongoing NWFL Championship in Ijebu Ode is getting more interesting and looking like a 2 horse race, Nigeriasoccernet can report.

Both Oasis FC and Ibom Angels recorded a win to maintain their unbeaten start to the championship.

Oasis defected Honey Badgers FC 2-0 while Ibom Angels smashed Royaltoms 3-0.

The results meant both Oasis FC and Ibom Angels are yet to lose a game in the championship they've drawn a game each.

After the first three games played, Ibom Angels leads the group on goal difference as they boast of 7 points alongside Oasis FC.