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2024 WAFCON: Morocco Face Ghana, As Nigeria Eyes Revenge Against South Africa In Semifinal

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The final four of the CAF TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2024 showcases the continent’s finest, a host nation propelled by a rare wave of home support, a Ghanaian side on a mission, the reigning champions still standing, and the historical giant with an unmatched pedigree.

On Tuesday, two high-stakes semifinals take center stage, Morocco vs Ghana at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat and South Africa vs Nigeria in the cauldron of Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

Morocco vs Ghana: Ambition Meets Determination

Three years ago, Morocco reached the final on home soil, reigniting national pride in women’s football. In 2025, the Atlas Lionesses have matured, stronger and more composed. With a packed Olympic Stadium behind them, Jorge Vilda’s side has shown new-found maturity. Their 3-1 quarterfinal win over Mali, powered by an Ibtissam Jraïdi brace, reinforced their momentum. “This team knows how to endure and strike at the right time. There’s chemistry, there’s soul,” said Vilda post-match.

However, a different challenge awaits. Ghana has maintained relentless intensity throughout the tournament. The Black Queens, led by goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan, hero of their penalty shootout win against Algeria (0-0, 4-2 on penalties)—are a team on a mission. Head coach Kim Björkegren has been clear: “This team has been underestimated for too long. We want to shake things up.”

In the group stage, Ghana emerged from a tough pool with South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania, conceding just two goals and Tanzania, conceding just two goals and finishing with four points. They’ve since ridden a wave of self-belief, exemplified by playmaker Alice Kusi and the energetic Chantelle Boye—a mix of experience and fierce ambition.

Statistically, Morocco boasts one of the tournament’s best attacks (10 goals in four matches), while Ghana holds the best defensive record (only two goals conceded). The matchup is finely balanced. Home advantage might tilt the scales, but Ghana remains unfazed. “Playing the host nation is exciting, not pressure,” Kusi smiled.

South Africa vs Nigeria: A Final Before the Final

This is a classic rivalry, one etched into the very fabric of the CAF TotalEnergies Women’s AFCON. Nigeria has impressed with its discipline: two group wins and one draw, four goals scored, none conceded, and a commanding 5-0 quarterfinal demolition of Zambia. Within a cohesive squad, full-back Michelle Alozie and midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade have stood out, while Esther Okoronkwo, the tournament’s top assist provider with three, continues to rise.

On the other side, Desiree Ellis has instilled her methodical approach. South Africa faced hurdles but endured. After a 1-1 group draw with Tanzania, they edged Senegal on penalties (0-0, 4-1) in the quarterfinals, thanks to the brilliance of goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.

Still, there’s more to this team than meets the eye. Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hildah Magaia, and Lebogang Ramalepe are all capable of turning the game on its head. The possession-heavy style that once seemed toothless now looks sharper, and the squad seems to be reliving the spirit of their 2022 triumph. “There’s a fire, a collective memory. We know what this match means. We know what it takes to beat Nigeria,” Ellis insisted.

By the numbers, Nigeria dominates most categories: best attack (nine goals), best defense (no goals conceded). However, their most recent meeting in the CAF Women’s AFCON ended in a 2-1 victory for South Africa.

The final four of this 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations encapsulates everything promising about African women’s football. Morocco dreams of its first title. Ghana seeks a return to glory.

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Team Panamai Wins 5th Millenium Taekwondo Plus Club Competition 

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Former Nigerian Taekwondo athletes have called for more synergy between the government and corporate bodies to raise the standard of the sport in the country

Mukaila Aramide , Koffi Anani , Joseph Golu and Ferguson Oluigbo all agreed that the future is bright for the sport but is challenged by some basic needs to push taekwondo to the top 

They said this at the one day Millenium Taekwondo plus club competition held  at the basketball courts of the National stadium surulere Lagos were over 100 children from different  clubs across Lagos State comperd for honours in poomsea and kyuorgi 

They said Nigeria has the talent who are hungry for success at the biggest stage but lack the necessary requirement to take them there 

The synergy between the public and private sector will help accelerate the growth of Taekwondo in Nigeria through regular tournaments, trainings, good welfare packages and accessibility to world standard facilities which are pre-requsits to becoming world champions 

The age grade championship organised yearly by grand master mukaila Aramide availed the athletes a platform to showcase their skills and develop their knowledge on the sport tney have passion for 

Organised of the championship, Mukaila Aramide, says it’s his own contribution towards the growth of the sport in the country

” The Millenium Taekwondo plus club competition is to put smiles on the faces of  the children, given them a platform to display what they have learnt from their coaches. Without competitons it will be difficult to access how well the athletes have mastered the sport. 

We need more support from the corporate world to be able to take Taekwondo to greater heights in the country, the future is bright for the sport as the talents are abound” He said 

Team Panamai were crowned the overall champions with 10 gold , 10 silver and 4 bronze medals 

Winners got medals, and educational materials for their efforts 

This year’s edition was the 5th installment 

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Alake Of Egbaland Birthday Table Tennis Championship Concludes With Splendor At Ikoyi Club 1938

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The third edition of the prestigious Alake of Egbaland Birthday Table Tennis Championship culminated on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the revered Ikoyi Club 1938, drawing royalty, dignitaries, industrial leaders, and table tennis aficionados. 

The weeklong tournament, served off on Monday, October 6, celebrated the birthday of His Royal Majesty Oba Adedokun Gbadebo, Alake of Egbaland

OBA Oluwambe Reuben Sogaolu (Olu of Orile-Imo) and OBA Prof. Saka Adelola (Olowu of Owu) showcased skills in royal exhibition matches.

Chief Taiwo Adeoluwa faced off against

former Ogun State Governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, in an exhibition game.

Chief Taiwo Adeoluwa: Organized the tournament to honor the Alake’s contributions to Egbaland’s development and his patronage of Ikoyi Club 1938.

Chairman ikoyi ub 1938, Akinwumi Akintola represented by Vice Chairman Bolaji Martins Lauded the sponsor for backing the annual championship.

Chairman table tennis section of the club Folunsho Ajilore Described the event as a celebration of the Alake’s legacy, leadership, and service, highlighting his impactful reign.

In results of games, Men’s Singles  Tunde Badare defeated opponent 4-2 (11-6, 11-9, 11-9, 7-11, 8-11, 11-5).

In the Women’s Singles, Chinwe Igwe won 3-0 (11-8, 11-9, 11-8) against Ayinwade Banjoko.

Winners in Doubles, Premiership, Championship, Veteran Singles (60+), and Septuagenarian Veteran (70+) categories received trophies and cash prizes.

Men’s/Women’s singles winners got trophies, cash, and iPhones

Director General, National Sports Commission Hon. Bukola Olopade Praised Ikoyi Club’s sports development role.

Birthday Cake Cutting Marked festivities honoring the Alake.

The championship blended sportsmanship, cultural pride, and celebration of the Alake’s esteemed position.

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Ikoyi Club 1938 Rounds Up 87th Anniversary With Colourful Gala Nite

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The weeklong  87th anniversary of the prestigious Ikoyi Club 1938 came to a close on Sunday, October, 5, 2025 with a colourful Gala nite .

Chairman of the club, Akinwumi Akintola expresses  happiness on the hitch free event while noting that the club will continue to strive to maintain it’s leadership position amongst recreational clubs in sub- saharan Africa.

He was also full of praise to  the general committee and the  anniversary sub- committee for putting up a colourful event while he thanked sponsors that identified with the anniversary celebration.

“It’s a thing of joy that the 87th anniversary was a colourful and eventual one and for the past one week, members and invited guests had a fill of the hospitality which the club is noted for.

I also want to express my appreciation to the anniversary committee for a job well done and to our sponsors for identifying with the club  and I hope they’ll still be there for us when we hold the 88th anniversary next year”. He said 

According to him, the attendance of the Alaafin of Oyo to the event is a testament that the club is a respectable one and they will continue to sustain the legacy Ikoyi is noted for since it came into existence on September 29, 1938, through the merger of the European Club and the Lagos Golf Club.

Chairman of the anniversary committee who also doubles as the Vice Chairman of the Club, Bolaji Martins noted that the glory for  success recorded should go to the entire members of the committee who toiled day and night to ensure they had a seamless event 

In his remarks, the Royal father of the day and the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba, Akeem Abimbola Owoade commended the club for the legacies it has built over the years, promising that he’ll not hesitate to attend any event of the club when invited.

He admonished the members to continue with their spirit of friendship and oneness which has made the club record a milestone as the only socio cultural recreation club with eight sections in the country.

The gala nite was spiced up with music, dance, cutting of the anniversary cake, presentation of trophies to tournament winners from the various sections of the club and unveiling of the anniversary mascot known as ‘Ajala’ and raffle draw. 

There was also a demonstration by the Karate class of the club 

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