Sports
WAFCON: Oshoala, Demehin, Omewa, others arrive camp ahead clash with Benin
Ten-time African Champions, Super Falcons, will commence training on Monday in the Togolese capital, Lomé ahead of their 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations final qualifying fixture against Benin Republic.
Six-time Africa Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala was among the early birds in the Lomé camp, alongside new invitee Joy Omewa, as well as Turkey-based defender Tosin Demehin.
China-based forward Folashade Ijamilusi and the home-based quintet of goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, defenders Blessing Ilivieda and Miracle Usani, midfielder Taiwo Afolabi and forward Kafayat Mafisere have also arrived.
China-based forward Folashade Ijamilusi and the home-based quintet of goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, defenders Blessing Ilivieda and Miracle Usani, midfielder Taiwo Afolabi and forward Kafayat Mafisere have also arrived.
Head Coach Justine Madugu has confirmed that the team would begin training sessions in Lomé on Monday afternoon, as they prepare to face the Bénin senior women’s team at the 25,000 – capacity Stade de Kégué on Friday afternoon.
The encounter is a final qualifying fixture for the 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations championship to be hosted by Morocco, which also serves as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals, to be hosted by Brazil.
The encounter will commence at 3 p.m. Togo time (4 p.m. Nigeria time). The game will be played in Lome as Benin do not have a stadium approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The return leg is slated for the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, on Oct. 28.
CAF has selected Gambian official Ngum Fatou as referee for Friday’s match.
Fatou will be supported by Mauritanians Mariem Chedad and Hamedine Houleye as assistant referees 1 and 2 respectively, while Gambian Isatou Touray will serve as the fourth official.
Halimatou Hamidou from the Republic of Niger will be the commissioner, while Martha Nyekanyeka from Malawi will be in the role of referee assessor.
Super Falcons for WAFCON qualifying fixture vs Benin
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons).
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia); Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Abia Angels).
Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint Germain, France); Taiwo Afolabi (Rivers Angels); Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal).
Forwards: Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjorrin FC, Denmark); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens).
Arsenal drew 1-1 at Atletico Madrid on Wednesday in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final as Julian Alvarez’s penalty cancelled out a spot-kick scored by Viktor Gyokeres.
Premier League leaders Arsenal struck first when Gyokeres won and converted a penalty just before half-time, but Alvarez levelled from the spot on 56 minutes after a handball by Ben White.
AFP
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) produced a dramatic display to defeat Bayern Munich 5-4 in a pulsating UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg encounter on Tuesday night, in one of the most thrilling matches of the season.
The high-octane clash saw both sides exchange goals in a contest filled with momentum swings, VAR drama and moments of individual brilliance, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the return leg.
Bayern struck first through Harry Kane, who calmly converted from the penalty spot in the 17th minute to give the German side an early lead.
However, PSG responded swiftly, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia levelling matters with a composed finish before João Neves headed the hosts in front from a well-delivered corner.
The visitors fought back again, as Michael Olise unleashed a stunning strike from distance to restore parity, ensuring the first half ended in dramatic fashion.
PSG regained the advantage just before the break when Ousmane Dembélé converted from the penalty spot following a VAR review, sending the home side into the interval with a 3-2 lead.
The second half continued in the same frenetic fashion. PSG extended their lead through Kvaratskhelia and later Dembélé, who struck again to make it 5-2, appearing to put the game beyond Bayern’s reach.
But the Bundesliga giants mounted a spirited comeback. Defender Dayot Upamecano rose highest to head home from a set-piece, before late pressure saw Bayern reduce the deficit further, setting up a tense finish in the closing minutes.
Despite the late surge, PSG held on to secure a narrow 5-4 victory in a match that showcased attacking flair and defensive vulnerabilities from both sides.
The encounter was also marked by several contentious moments, including multiple VAR checks, penalty appeals and tactical substitutions, reflecting the intensity and stakes of a Champions League semi-final.
Real Madrid are reportedly assessing their managerial future as speculation grows over a possible return for José Mourinho, who is said to be open to a second spell at the club.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano on X on Tuesday, Mourinho has indicated to people close to him that he would welcome the opportunity to return to Madrid, viewing it as a chance for a “second chapter” at the Santiago Bernabéu.
“Real Madrid are now informed about José Mourinho’s desire to return. Mourinho has made it clear to people close to him that he would like to return and have a second chance at the club. Real Madrid will decide on the new manager soon,” Romano posted on X.
The Portuguese coach previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, during which he won La Liga and the Copa del Rey while restoring the club’s competitiveness in European competition.
Real Madrid are understood to be reviewing their long-term coaching plans, with a decision on the club’s next managerial direction expected soon. While no official announcement has been made, internal discussions are believed to be ongoing.
Romano had reported that the Madrid president, Florentino Pérez, will be personally deciding on the Real Madrid manager, adding that he is going to take control of the process.
Mourinho’s name has re-emerged due to his continued presence among Europe’s most experienced managers.
The Spanish giants are expected to clarify their managerial situation in the near future as planning continues for the upcoming seasons.
For now, Mourinho remains one of the names linked with the role as speculation around the Bernabéu continues.
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