News From the African Women's Soccer World-COSAFA Women's Cup 2011,Malawi back after 5 years

South Africa and Mozambique ready for COSAFA Women's Cup 2011 

The 2011 Council of Southern Africa Football Associations(COSAFA) women's cup has been scheduled to take place on the island of Reunion from July 2nd to July 9th,2011. According to COSAFA operations manager Sue Destombe,delegations to the tournament should comprise of 20 players and 5 officials.

South Africa's Banyana Banyana have confirmed their participation as they intend to use the tournament as part of their preparation towards the last phase of the 2012 Olympic games qualifier.
As the the host nation of the All Africa Games,Mozambique's women's national team will also use the COSAFA tourney as preparation towards the games The AAG will be held  in Maputo in September.

Countries eligible for the tournament are as follows: Angola,Botswana,Comoros,Lesotho,Malawi,Mozambique.Namibia,Réunion(host nation),South Africa,Swaziland,Zambia and Zimbabwe.

MALAWI


Malawi Returns To International Women's Soccer


Malawi makes a return to international women's soccer after a 5 year absence as the Football Association of Malawi confirmed their participation in the CAF 2012 African Women Championship.Malawi first participated in the  2004 AWC qualifiers but were beaten by Ethiopia on a 9-0 aggregate. They later participated in the COSAFA cup tournament in 2006 but lost all three matches.


Malawi's women's national team program was cancelled based on the reason of  unreadiness of the team to participate in international competitions.Since then, regional women's soccer leagues have been organized across the country with over 60 clubs competing nationwide and favorable results recorded has been the catalyst for the return of Malawi's women's national team  to international competition.Malawi's women's national team is currently unranked by FIFA.

A Closer Look At Africa's Representatives At The FIFA Women's World Cup 2011-EQUATORIAL GUINEA

Equatorial Guinea,2010 squad

Equatorial Guinea showed up as hosts of the African Women Championship in 2008 and silenced the African women's soccer world by handing Nigeria their only defeat and later beating South Africa by 2 goals to 1 at the final,thereby announcing their arrival as the the team to beat and a dominant force in women's soccer in Africa.
They followed up their stellar performance in 2010-South Africa when they advanced to the final once again to meet an in-form Nigeria Super Falcons but fell short, when they went down by 2 goals to 4,amidst controversy.

Equatorial Guinea's efforts were rewarded with a world cup berth alongside Africa's serial world cup representatives, Nigeria.The team suffered a tragedy soon after, when a key member of the team, Teclaire Bille Esono passed away in a car accident in Cameroon.Nonetheless, Equatorial Guinea still remains a force to be reckoned with in women's soccer on the African continent. They soldiered on through the Olympic games qualifiers with the absence of  the Simpore sisters and are currently 2 games away from qualifying for London 2012.

Equatorial Guinea 2011

The team has evolved since South Africa 2010 with the arrival of Brazilian coach Marcelo Frigero and the addition of new players to strengthen the squad.With Germany 2011 being their maiden appearance at the FIFA women's world cup,the team has vowed to leave their mark on the competition by exhibiting their brand of soccer and thereby giving their best.Arriving in Germany almost a month ahead of the world cup,Marcelo Frigero and his charges are leaving no stone unturned as they make their final tune up in readiness for the kick off. Equatorial Guinea is drawn in difficult group with Norway,Brazil and Australia completing Group D.


Strengths
Equatorial Guinea's strengths lies in the tenacity of their midfielders and the able hands of goalkeeper Marian.


Weaknesses
Their goals seems to have dwindled lately and it will be interesting to see how they measure up against the opposition.Defensive organization is a problem that has been exploited by opponents in past competitions.


Players to watch
Genoveva Anonma,Jade Boho.


The stats
1 – The number of times Equatorial Guinea have won the African crown. That was back in 2008, when they also handed Nigeria their only-ever defeat in the event.

10 – The number of goals Equatorial Guinea scored at the African Women’s Championships in 2010.

A Closer Look At Africa's Representatives At The FIFA Women's World Cup 2011-NIGERIA

Nigeria has been a major player on the African women's soccer scene since the early 1990's and still continues to be the flag bearer of the women's game on the continent. Since their first world cup finals in 1991,many have wondered why Nigeria has never made it to the semifinal or final of the world cup considering the calibre of players in their arsenal.

Super Falcons 1991

 The 1991 world cup squad will be by far the best team ever assembled by Nigeria, a team comprising talented players such us, Florence Omagbemi,Omar Love-Branch,Eucharia Uche,Rita Nwadike,Chioma Ajunwa,Nukiru Okosieme among others.There has since been a steady stream of gifted players who blaze the trail of previously talented but underachieving squads on the world scene.Nigeria's dominance on the continent is unrefutable,however they are always found wanting at the world stage.

 Each era churns out,players who can compete with the best in the world,the Mercy Akides.Pepertua Nkwochas,Cynthia Uwaks are living testimonies to this fact.It is also evident in Nigeria's female players being the most sought after in women's soccer leagues in Europe and as such has the most professional players scattered all over Europe.

Once again Nigeria will represent the continent on the world stage in Germany with a star studded squad and the question being asked is " Could this be the year ?"

Super Falcons 2011

Previous world cup records and the road to Germany 2011

Being the most consistent country on the continent of Africa in terms of world cup appearances, the Super Falcons have had five previous FIFA Women's World Cup outings.
Their maiden participation was back in the first finals in 1991 where they finished at the foot of their group.
Their best showing so far dates back to 1999 when they were knocked out in the last eight by an emerging Brazil 4-3.
In one of the matches of the 1999 tournament, Nigeria fought from three goals behind in the last half hour only to fall to a Sissi goal in extra time.


Players To Watch
Pepertua Nkwocha,Rita Chikwelu,Ebere Orji

Strengths
Nigeria has a strong attacking presence backed by an able midfield spear headed by Rita Chikwelu.

Weaknesses
Nigeria tends to lose their shape and focus when under pressure and Goal keeper Precious Dede gets erratic when the heat is on.The team in past years has had that never-say-die attitude, a character they seem to have lost in recent times.


The stats
6 – The number of times Nigeria have won the African Women’s Championships, out of seven events. The Super Falcons have only lost once in the tournament, in 2008's semi-finals, when they fell to Equatorial Guinea.
2010 AWC, Nigeria defeated Equatorial Guinea at the finals by 4 goals to 2 and so qualified to Germany 2011 FIFA women's world cup.

19 – The number of goals Nigeria scored in their five matches at the 2010 Africa Women’s Championships.

Equatorial Guinea Without Simpore Sisters and Mirian,Nigeria Arrives In Germany

Equatorial Guinea arrived in Germany in mid May,ahead of the competition with one thing on their minds-WIN.As debutantes they may have nothing to lose,however they have vowed to give a good account of themselves by showcasing their brand of soccer under the leadership of Brazilain coach,Marcelo Frigerio who believes his rigorous training sessions will guarantee success.
Conspicuously missing from  the team are the Simpore sisters and the new addition to the squad,Brazilian born goalkeeper Mirian although the final 
team roster has not been named,it is hoped that all three players will make the final cut.

Nzalang Femenina

Nigeria's Super Falcon arrived in Germany after a short bus ride from Austria.Coach Eucharia Uches's 16 players have started their final tune ups with France being their first opponents.Nigeria's 9  foreign based players,spear headed by reigning African best player,Pepertua Nkwocha will want to do well in order to erase past disappointment from the minds of their teeming fans.

News From The African Women's Soccer World

NAMIBIA

Young Brave Gladiators off to Train In Germany

The Namibia Football Association women select team will depart for their Germany- tour on June 18, with a fairly young team.

According to national team coach Jacqueline Shipanga, the trip is an opportunity for the youngsters to showcase their potential to possible scouts from various clubs abroad - these players include the likes of Kleintjie Fredericks, Juliana Skrywer, Shirley Cloete and Tomalina Adams and others.

She added that they also want to use the opportunity to already expose the majority of the U20 players to competitive football and thus prepare them adequately for the 2012 Zone VI Games in Zambia. The team will be captained by 20 year old Stacey Naris, a former scholar from Eldorado High School.

Also making the trip will be NFA women Desk Head Jackey Gertze, supported by NFA Secretary General Barry Rukoro, who is on an invite to attend a three-day FIFA Women's Football symposium in Frankfurt and participate in panel discussions as well as deliver a presentation on the successful Galz & Goals programme in Namibia.

Players called up are as follows: Emma Naris, Lovisa Mulunga, Lena Noroses, Albertha Dawes, Vitapamwe Kamahene, Carmel Don, Zenatha Coleman, Kleintjie Fredericks, Juliana Skrywer, Shirley Cloete, Tomalina Adams, Stacey Naris, Marele Polster, Ndapewa Katuta, Susanna Eises, Monique Khrone, Lorraine Jossop, Elmarie Fredericks, Rejoice Kasaona and Vewewiza Kotjipati.

nfa.org.na

NIGERIA

Falcons Depart for Final Training Camp

The National Women's football team, Super Falcons on Wednesday departed for Saalfelden, Austria, venue of a four-week training camp that will usher the African champions into the 6th FIFA Women's World Cup finals starting in Germany next month.

A team of 16 players and the full technical and administrative crew flew out of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Wednesday night aboard a Lufthansa Airline flight, with intensive drills and quality friendly matches to look ahead to.There will be 26 players at the training camp, with nine foreign-based professionals set to join up from different parts of Europe and midfielder Evelyn Nwabuoku billed to re-unite with the group in Europe whenever she gets her visa.

Nigeria play France in their first match of the FIFA Women's World Cup in Sinsheim on 26th June, with games against hosts Germany in Frankfurt on 30th June and against Canada in Dresden to follow in Group A.

Shock defeat in the hands of Ghana's Black Queens that meant elimination from the 10th All-Africa Games scheduled for Mozambique in September has been a sort of rude awakening, and NFF President Aminu Maigari on Wednesday instructed officials to ensure everything that is necessary is done to prepare the team adequately for the global showpiece.

Those who travelled from Abuja on Wednesday night included goalkeepers Precious Dede, Alaba Jonathan, Tochukwu Oluehi and Ogochukwu Kenechukwu, defenders Josephine Chukwunonye, Onome Ebi, Blessing Edoho, Osinachi Ohale, midfielders Esther Sunday, Francisca Ordega, Ebere Orji, Rebecca Kalu and Glory Iroka, and forwards Amenze Aighewi, Stella Mbachu and Desire Oparanozie.

Defenders Faith Ikidi, Ulunma Jerome and Helen Ukaonu, midfielders Uchechi Sunday, Emueje Ogbiagbevha, Ogonna Chukwudi and Rita Chikwelu and forwards Sarah Michael and Perpetua Nkwocha will join the squad in Austria.

The officials are: Eucharia Uche (Head Coach), Bala Nikyu (Asst. Coach), Bala Mohammed (Asst. Coach), Thomas Obliers (Technical Assistant), Omoye Akhigbe (Team Doctor), Chichi Okere (Physiotherapist), Ruth David (Secretary) and Mary Oboduku (Equipment Manager).
The Vanguard





U.S. Department of State Empowers Women and Girls Through Soccer and International Exchanges

Building on Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's vision to empower women and girls worldwide, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs' SportsUnited Office will host 18 girls and six coaches from Bolivia, Germany, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Palestinian Territories, and South Africa May 31-June 10 in New York City and Washington, D.C.

This international sports exchange leads up to the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup and the kick-off to the 40th anniversary year of Title IX -- the U.S. law to provide equal opportunity for men and women in academics and athletics. The exchange also launches a SportsUnited series of international soccer initiatives that highlight the direct connection of empowering women and girls worldwide through sports.

The youth soccer players from around the world will attend a U.S. Women's National Team training session and the Send-Off Match on June 5 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J., prior to the team's departure for the World Cup, which will be played in Germany from June 26 - July 17.

The international delegation will also engage with American youth by playing soccer with local U.S. teams. They will also meet with local community organizations that provide sports opportunities for youth with disabilities and mentorships through a soccer and literacy initiative.

This SportsUnited soccer exchange highlights the importance of what Secretary Clinton calls "smart power," which uses the full range of diplomatic tools - in this case soccer - to bring individuals together and foster greater understanding among people and cultures.

In addition to this exchange, 2011 SportsUnited exchanges include:

• Former U.S. Women National Team players Briana Scurry and Amanda Cromwell traveled as State Department Sports Envoys to Germany in early May.Envoys are active and retired professional U.S. athletes and coaches who travel overseas to conduct clinics, meet with underserved youth, participate in community events, and lead teambuilding exercises. In July, former U.S. Women's National Team member Michelle French will travel to Brazil.

• A delegation of coaches from Swaziland participated in a 10-day Sports Visitor program in mid-May, which brings international visitors to the United States for a short-term program, where they participated in clinics and teambuilding exercises, visited local schools, and attended a professional soccer match.

• SportsUnited has also awarded several grants to organizations within the United States to conduct two-way international soccer exchanges. In June, a group of 15 Indonesian female soccer players, ages 15-18, will travel to California and Oregon, where they will visit the Nike Campus and meet with top women athletes and business leaders. In July, six American soccer experts and coaches will travel to Shanghai, China for ten days to implement coaching clinics and youth sports management training for Chinese coaches.

For more information, contact Talley Sergent, Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs; SergentRT@state.gov; (202) 288-3124.

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/iipdigital-en/index.html)

Precious Dede-We Will Make Nigeria Proud

Precious Dede

At 31, goalkeeper Precious Dede will lead out Nigeria’s Super Falcons at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup™ in Germany next month. It will be her third FIFA Women's World Cup appearance, having been a part of the teams at the 2003 and 2007 tournaments as well. She has equally starred at two Olympics, in 2004 and 2008, and when you add her short stint in Norway playing professional football, you have a strong vein of experience that the can hold the spine of Nigeria steady from the back in the biggest matches.

In November, the agile Delta Queens of Asaba shot-stopper proudly lifted high the glittering African Women’s Championship trophy in Johannesburg amidst bedlam caused by her jubilant team-mates. For the Falcons it was all the more pleasing as it was achieved at the expense of fellow Germany 2011 finalists Equatorial Guinea, who had shocked Nigeria to win their first-ever continental title two years previously, ending the west African's previous dominance.

The current Falcons are a fine blend of veteran campaigners like Dede, Stella Mbachu and Perpetua Nkwocha as well as youngsters like Ebere Orji, Desire Oparanozie, Esther Sunday and Francisca Udegha. And in South Africa, the group was a different class: firing in 19 goals while Lagos-born Dede only picked the ball from her net four times in five matches. “Dede was simply wonderful in goal at the AWC. She has really justified the confidence put in her as the country’s number one goalkeeper,” remarked former international Ann Chiejine, who played at three FIFA Women's World Cups.

Focus on Germany
Despite having the strongest history with women’s football in Africa, Nigeria have failed to make a major mark on the world stage. At USA 2003, they lost all three group matches and did not score a goal while letting in 11. Four years later, they again finished at the bottom of their first round group, and they claimed a solitary point from a draw with Sweden. Captain Dede expects a far better showing by the Falcons in Germany and would not even rule out making history by becoming the first African side to land the biggest prize in women’s football.

“We have all been expecting another chance to have a go at achieving something better at the world stage,” said the upbeat goalkeeper, whose older brother encouraged her even when her parents frowned at her football career. “This is the time to go out there and show our stuff. Don’t rule us out of reaching the final of the World Cup, or better still, coming back home with the trophy.”

While understanding the high level of play set to be on offer in Germany, Dede is sure there will be no slip-ups for the green-clad side as they put the finishing touches on their preparations at a training camp in Austria. “Being the skipper of the team, I promise we will be in Germany to make Nigeria proud,” she said. “I am counting on our coaches - led by Eucharia Uche - to bring out the best in us, and by the time we have rounded up our preparations in Austria, I am very sure that we will be ready to take on the world.”

Confidence from the back
Foreign-based pros like Faith Ikidi, Helen Ukaonu, Uchechi Sunday, Emueje Ogbiagbevha, Rita Chikwelu, Sarah Michael and Perpetua Nkwocha are expected to soon join up with the mainly home-based squad in the four-week long camp in Saalfelden, Austria. “We have quality players whose contributions will be vital at the World Cup,” said Dede. “We will not disappoint, we will make Nigerians proud again.”

Nigeria take on France in their opening match in Sinsheim on 26 June, with Group A encounters against hosts and defending champions Germany in Frankfurt, and Canada in Dresden, to follow. For Falcons coach, Eucharia Uche, the defence marshalled by Dede provided her with the biggest cheer in South Africa. “My defence gave me the most joy,” she revealed. “They were marvellous the entire tournament. They conceded few goals and did not commit many blunders.”

A FIFA Women's World Cup winners’ medal would be most fitting parting gift for Dede, who holds a diploma in theatre arts and says she could well cash in on her good looks and popularity to become a movie star when she is through with the game. “I would most probably have been a successful actress by now," she said with a smile. "I love acting and you never can tell if I will take to it after I retire from football." You can be sure that if she is half as good an actress as she is a goalkeeper, Dede will be on the ‘A’ list of Nigeria’s booming movie industry, Nollywood.

fifa.com

Women's Soccer Africa: Spotlight on Africa's Female Soccer Coaches-Nassra Juma Mohammed

Women's Soccer Africa: Spotlight on Africa's Female Soccer Coaches-Nassra Juma Mohammed

Spotlight on Africa's Female Soccer Coaches-Nassra Juma Mohammed

From the early days of  women's soccer on the continent of Africa, club and country has been predominantly managed by men. However the tide is gradually turning with female coaches taking the reins of the sport.

On a hot Saturday afternoon in 1997 as i drove through the streets of Tema, a soccer crazy coastal town in Ghana, a crowd caught my eyes so I stopped to satisfy my curiosity. As i inched closer  I realized it was all about a game of soccer,played by boys under the age of 17.

A quick inquiry about the names of the battling teams from a spectator, drew the names Hearts Babies versus Great Ambassadors.Soon it was half time,and since there were no dressing rooms available,players of both teams made themselves comfortable on the pitch as refreshments are served to them. Boy ! was i in for a surprise. A young woman begins to instruct the players,laying down technical and tactical plots for the second half. Another inquiry and I'm told she is the coach,an ex-international and the only CAF certified female coach in the the whole of Ghana. I was so impressed by  her poise and the discipline exhibited by her team.

Of course,i would have loved to engage  her in a conversation but time did not grant me that opportunity. I managed to soak in a few minutes of the second half,then headed back to my car.As I drove,I couldn't help but think about this female soccer coach. I hoped to watch her in action once more. Ever since, I have developed an interest in female soccer coaches from all over t he world. I dream of the day a female coach will be given the head coaching job of a male team at the highest level.- Well, we all have the right to dream !

Nassra Juma Mohammed (right) receives her coaching certificate from Germany Embassy Cultural Affairs

Out of the handful of female coaches on the continent of  Africa, Nigeria's Eucharia Uche is the most popular with her historic exploits with the Super Falcons.Others are quietly carving a niche for themselves.One of the female coaches whose work is highly recognized and admired is Tanzania's 49 year old Nassra Juma Mohammed.A recent encounter with Nassra by Tanzanian sports journalist Nasongelya Kilyinga threw more light on Coach Nassra Juma Mohammed's work as follows:

Nassra, head coach of Zanzibar national women's team ‘Zanzibar Queens’, successfully participated in an international training course for football coaches, which was held last month in Hennef, Germany. It is after this course that Nassra now thinks that she could double her efforts to take women football in Tanzania to another level. She is the only highly qualified woman football coach in the country. 

Nassra, at once a hard tackling defender and tireless worker for the national women soccer team ‘Twiga Stars’ played an immensely important role for the team that featured for the first time in the African Cup on Nations qualifiers in early 2000. She scored a goal against Zimbabwe, despite being eliminated by the Southern African side. 

After a mixed fortune with the team (Twiga Stars), Nassra hung her boots, but it was in no sense the end of her passionate affair with the game, a fact of which the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) and Zanzibar football Association (ZFA) seem to be well aware of. She went for coaching training and attained two diplomas in coaching and her qualifications and skills inspired the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which picked her as an Instructor. She also attended several FIFA courses. She was also picked by ZFA as Chairperson of women technical committee. 

After collecting several coaching badges, Nassra retuned to the big stage. She was tasked with coaching the Zanzibar women soccer team. She is frequently also involved with the Twiga Stars’ in technical aspect, though not so much as she would love to be fully involved. “People outside respect and recognize my expertise than it is the case at home. I’m a bit disappointed that they (TFF) have not fully utilised my coaching abilities but will always be ready to offer my support whenever I’m asked to do so. 

“I know the day will come when I’ll fully practice my coaching knowledge in Tanzania,” Nassra told the ‘Sunday News’ in an exclusive interview. The fate of women football in Tanzania As women football now enters a new era in Tanzania, Nassra still thinks that much is needed to be done to give women more of a favorable condition to compete at the same level as men. “Our level is now improving. We have recently realized achievement in the game but still we can do better, if we are really serious about developing women football in the country,” Nassra who is an employee of the immigration Services in Zanzibar says. 

“There is impending growth in women football in Tanzania, you can see it, feel the passion for it,” she says, adding Twiga Stars qualification for the first ever African Cup finals in South Africa last year was a testimony that women football is going places. She says Twiga Stars failed in South Africa just because they lacked experience but said physically and mentally players were up to the task. 

“We need to give Twiga players more international friendly matches in a bid to instill the much need experience on our players,” she notes. Nassra is however not happy with the lack of tangible women football development structure in Tanzania. “It is sad that we don’t’ have structured league in Tanzania from which, we could identify and pick a pool of players for the national team, this is unhealthy for the development of the women football. 

“We need to do something because it is a big shame that even in Mainland Tanzania where people think that women football is flourishing the story is quite different. The actual fact is that the game is only active in one district of Kinondoni in Dar es Salaam, no where else. If we continue like this we’ll not reach anywhere,” she observes. 

The Zanzibar women football situation 

Nassra is eager to let known to the public that football is not reserved to men alone—it’s rather a ‘unisex’ game. 

She is a true sportswoman. Her movements, the way she speaks and act communicates nothing but the word –football. She regrets that the Zanzibar women league introduced way back in 2004 has since collapsed. 

“The problem here is how to get players. I believe there are so many young girls in schools who would love to play football but they just don’t know where to start. Majority are volunteering just to train informally. We don’t have a clear structure that would guide us to get players. 

“I asked the government and ZFA several times to introduce women football in schools but nothing has happened so far. We don’t have resources that will help us put in place viable grassroots programmes. I think there is fear from the government officials to speak out and start formal way of women football in Zanzibar, this makes me feel very uncomfortable,” she complains. 

She calls on the authority in the isles to understand that football can provide an ideal opportunity for hundred of girls and women to develop their personal confidence and skills and to receive vital health education as well as enjoying a safe social environment. 

How she started 

Because of love of the game Nassra started playing football at the age of 12. She was playing with boys because very few girls could come out to play the game. She was barely out of her teen when she played in the game that she will never forget. That was way back in 1970s. Eventually that match forced her to hang her boots temporarily after her crude tackle on a boy she could not recall his name, left the young lad’s leg broken. 

“I couldn’t stand it and was very afraid. I decided to call it quit. But my premature retirement from football didn’t last long because my friends persuaded me back into the game and it was way back in 1988, when I got involved in a first non official women’s international friendly football match,” she recalls. 

They played against a Swedish team—Terresso FC and the Zanzibar combine ladies lost 0-15. However, her involvement with the team had a lasting effect on her personal life as she would later go on to play for several teams including men’s side. 

After the match against the Sweden girls Nassra recalls that their coach, the late Hammier asked the young ladies who would wish to continue with a career in football to keep attending training everyday at Mao Tse Tung ground. She said under their coach, they formed a team called ‘Woman Fighters’ a name that she came up with, referring to frequent fighting and arguments that would occur between the young ladies and their boys counterparts, as they each fought for a ground to play. 

“It really was a fairly tale for most of us. We were just little girls, and football at that time was practically among the only sport that we could enjoy outdoors. I enjoyed every bit of it and never imagined that it would allow me to travel the world. 

In fact she says the ‘Women Fighters’ team was still active and they have just recently, introduced men’s team. She is the team’s coach and owner. “I’m still playing though much less and would love my 11-year old son Mohammed Mselem Omar to take up a career in football,” she says. Apart from football, Nassra also had another well established career in other sports. In fact, she won an award as the best sports personality in badminton way back in 1980. 

Coaching training in Germany 

After she successfully participated in an international training course for football coaches, which was held last month in Hennef, Germany, Nassra is determined to see the country minimizes the norm of men coaching women and girls in football instead, let more women coaches take that role. 

She is readily available to pass her knowledge to other female coaches in the country, insisting that it was important to train female coaches, who would be responsible for the training of their fellow women and girls than letting the job be done by male counterparts alone. 

“A critical mass of trained female coaches is essential in Tanzania so as to minimize the norm of men coaching women and girls in football. I believe women coaches are in a better position to understand the inner problems of the women players’ quite well than those from the opposite sex,” she says. 

“I really loved and enjoyed my stay in German. It was a wonderful experience in which we had three weeks of tight learning and training schedule. Not a single day passed without having a meaningful activity. The three-week course for football coaches from at least 29 different countries, covering a wide variety of African, Asian and South American countries was organised by the German Football Association (DFB) and financed by the German Federal Foreign Office. 

According to Nassra, coaching standards were high and competition was tough. The participants were required to hold the highest coaching license of their country, to be in excellent physical health and to speak English fluently. The German Federal Foreign Office supports cooperation in the field of sports especially with developing countries. 

The aim of the course was to enable coaches to pass on the latest knowledge on football coaching within their association and thus raising the quality of football coaching within their respective country. Germany is set to host women’s World Cup from next month, in which at least 16 best national women's teams will be competing for the silverware. The matches will be played in nine German cities. 

“Despite all the achievements, women football, when compared to men football, is struggling in terms of sponsorship, marketing and media coverage and I would like to appeal to the companies, The media and NGOs to come forward and support women’s football,” Nassra pleads.

News From The African Women's Soccer World

NIGERIA
World Cup Preparation:Destination Austria
Super Falcons will embark on a training tour in Austria as part of preparation towards the 2011 FIFA women's world cup to be held in Germany in June.Nigeria plays their first game against France on June 26th.

GHANA
No Bonuses For Princesses
After the shocking defeat of Nigeria by Ghana's U-20 women's team,the players left camp in dissapointment with winning bonuses unpaid.The GFA has however indicated a South Africa training tour for the Black Princesses ahead of the All Africa Games in Maputo.

Hard work And Dedication Brought Us This Far-Mavis Gumbo
The Zimbabwe Women's Football League chairperson Mavis Gumbo has attributed the Mighty Warriors' resurgence and qualification for the All-Africa Games finals to dedication and hard work.

For the women's soccer team, their qualification marks a new era for women's football in Zimbabwe as the Mighty Warriors had almost been forgotten due to lack of competition. After a poor start in the friendly matches they played against South Africa's Banyana Banyana one could have been excused for doubting the Mighty Warriors' pedigree.
But it takes courage and determination when faced with such a daunting situation.
The 46-year-old Gumbo and her crew have proved that.The ZWFL boss said there was no time to rest as they have a busy schedule in preparation for the All-Africa Games finals. The Mighty Warriors are first scheduled to compete in the Cosafa tournament in Reunion in July and Gumbo indicated they would need more resources for their dream to be a reality.
"Nobody has come in a big way, that's why I am calling on the corporate world to come on board. We have a busy schedule ahead of us.
"We have the tournament in Reunion coming from July 2-9 and the Germany tour from July 22 to August 7 and we are busy working on that and to me that's something positive.
"It will also be part of the preparations for the All-Africa Games. We are not looking back anymore and we have to continue engaging other big countries.
"We want to have as many friendlies as we can. Nomsa (Mahlangu) from South Africa asked for an international friendly and we are still to finalise on the dates.
"Perhaps after Germany we will try to engage one of the countries from West Africa so that we can have a feel of their play," said Gumbo.
She said despite facing some challenges along the way to revive women's football, her dedication has kept her going for the past year.
"Dedication and devotion has kept me going. My strength is in the Government and in the people. I am a public relations person and I have a lot of people who support me behind the scenes.
"The branding team is doing well. I also have two wonderful girls who keep me going. Besides, my greatest inspiration is from the girl child in the remote area whose love for football never die. I am doing something good in my life.
"I am doing this for my mother, she is the one who brought me up and taught me not to give up easily and I owe it to her. She passed away in September, 2008," said Gumbo.
Gumbo urged the corporate world to come in and support the girl child.
"I am appealing to the corporate world now that they have seen that there is light at the end of tunnel. We need a lot of resources to make them scale greater heights. We won't disappoint as long as there are resources.
"What a boy can do a girl can do even better. A girl has got more talent . . . Girls do it more heartedly and now that there is light, people are starting to appreciate," added Gumbo.
Gumbo said they are working hard to ensure that the team will be well prepared when they take part in the Maputo Games.
"We are hoping to fly the Zimbabwean flag high. By the time we go to Mozambique, we would be ready. We will be facing giants such as Ghana, Cameroon and South Africa and that's why we engaged Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe in the technical team and he has been very helpful ever since he came to assist the girls," said Gumbo.
The veteran administrator said they are hoping to start the national league at the end of this month with nine teams competing. The teams are New Orleans, Faith Drive Queens, Cyclone Stars, COSA Guruve, Black Rhinos Queens, Flame Lily Queens, Masvingo Queens, Chipembere Queens and Mufakose Queens.
She also indicated that there is need to develop junior players who would feed into the national teams, starting with the provinces up to national level and they have put structures in place for the programme.
allafrica.com

Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea Step Up World Cup Preparations

As the count down clock winds down with 33 days to the kick-off of the FIFA women's world cup,our African representatives,Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea are stepping up their preparations with match-ups lined up against some big names in the game. Equatorial Guinea is already in Germany ahead of the competition whiles Nigeria is busy with putting their house in order before the all important kick-off come June 26th,2011.

The road to the FIFA women's world cup started with  the African Women's Championship qualifiers, which saw the best on the continent heading to South Africa for the 2010 AWC final,  which had Ghana,Cameroon,Algeria,South Africa,Mali and Tanzania all falling along the way.Defending champions,Equatorial Guinea,steeped in controversy and Nigeria  advanced to the final,with Nigeria coming up tops with a 4-2 win,sending both countries to Germany for the World Cup final, a first for Equatorial Guinea and a sixth for Nigeria, making Nigeria the only African country with 6 world cup appearances in the history of women's soccer.

Here are a few friendly matches lined-up by both countries as part of their preparation towards the world cup.A lot is being expected from both countries as they represent the continent in Germany.Nigeria hopes to improve upon past results at the world cup whiles Equatorial Guinea expects to make their maiden outing a memorable one with a stellar performance.

24.05

Friendly

(Eupen) Belgium v Equatorial Guinea

??.06

Friendly Tournament

TBD (Switzerland) Colombia v Equatorial Guinea

??.06

Friendly Tournament

TBD (Switzerland) Denmark v Equatorial Guinea

??.06

Friendly Tournament

TBD (Switzerland) New Zealand v Equatorial Guinea

??.06

FriendlyTBC

TBD (Switzerland) Nigeria v Colombia

?? dates are yet to be confirmed

Angola's Irene Goncalves To Retire,Equatorial Guinea's Simpore Sisters Are Back

ANGOLA

Irene Goncalves on the ball

ANGOLA  CAPTAIN TO RETIRE FROM INTERNATIONAL SOCCER

The captain of national women's football  team, Irene Gonçalves,  announced that she retire from the national team, due to lack of motivation among other things. She pegged her decision on the non payment of bonuses  by officials of the Angolan Federation (FAF), during the qualifying rounds for the All Africa Games set for  Mozambique next September.

  She said that the Angolan FA reneged on theri promise of paying each palyer $2000 and instead gave them a paltry sum of $500.
 Another of her reasons was  that the mentioned federation has failed to organize national championships for ladies the past three years,which has hampered the development of the women's game in the country.The 27-year old skipper was the scorer of the first Angolan goal in the African championship of the modality, held in Nigeria, in 2002.

Angola was eliminated of the All Africa  Games, after a 0-2 defeat against Zimbabwe.

EQUATORIAL GUINEA

Simpore Sisters Ready To Suit Up After Long Absence

Salimata Simpore

Many have wondered the where abouts of the Simpore sisters(Salimata and Bilguissa) after the African Women's Championship in South Africa 2010 and their absence through out the 2012 Olympic games qualifiers. Controversy followed both sisters after the AWC when Nigeria and Ghana registered  a failed protest about the gender of the sisters however,the Equatorial Guinea FA has confirmed that both sisters will definitely play at the world cup in Germany later in June.

When asked about updates of the teams preparation towards the world cup,the spokeman said, the Nzalang Femenina will play against the national women's team of Belgium on Tuesday in Eupen.

Musa Amadu-No Plans To Fire Uche,No Connection To Female Football Foundation

NIGERIA

The Nigerian Football Federation has dissociated it's self from a group calling themselves The Female Football Foundation in a statement issued by the general secretary of the Nigerian Football Federation,Musa Amadu in Abuja.In a released statement ,Mr. Musa Amadu said that the mission and objectives of the group remain unclear to the NFF since it had failed to seek proper endorsement from the NFA.

The Female Football Foundation has made newspaper publications to the effect that it is launching a private, welfare, insurance & nurture- The Win initiative for the Super Falcons' June 2011 World Cup bid, at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Ikeja on Wednesday, 18th May, 2011. Mr Amodu reacted by saying,

"We do not have a clear idea of what the group is doing, and it would be wrong on our part to associate with the launch. The group has not through any written documentation sought for approval for what it is doing, or the endorsement of the Nigeria Football Federation for the project.

"In as much as we would approve of genuine efforts by private individuals and companies to help propel women's football in Nigeria and also to support our women's team's campaign at the FIFA Women's World Cup finals in Germany this summer, we are compelled by decency and diligence to disassociate ourselves from this initiative that has failed to seek for NFF's endorsement."

In other news,the head of the technical committee of the NFF has rubbished news about the committee's meeting aimed at firing Super Falcon's coach Eucharia Uche after failing to qualify to the All Africa Games to be held in Maputo.He maintained that the meeting was solely about activities of the national teams, Under-20 (Flying Eagles), Under-23 (Dream Team IV), Super Eagles and Super Falcons and had nothing to do with the firing of Uche. The coaches of women's soccer teams in Nigeria have have called for the improvement of the women's league if Nigeria is to have a steady stream of players for the national team.they stressed the need for the NFF to improve on incentive packages give to the players in order for the players to give otheir best whenever called to duty.

SOUTH AFRICA

As  the SASOL women's gradually draws to a close, Hallelujah Zebra Force are on the verge of being crowned champions of the North West at the SASOL league Road Show come Saturday as they lock horns with the Western Tigers. Coaches and technical staff of the Banyana Banyana will be present to select talented players for the women's youth and senior teams.The national team coaches will conduct trial sessions with each of the SASOL league clubs to select six of their most talented players for assessment. The aim of the exercise is for the national team coaches to identify players and to add depth to the national teams.Amid the winning SASOL League Road Show mix of football fever, music and entertainment and competitions galore, the focus will shift to Sasol League match action at 12h00, with 10th-placed Mmokeng Ladies (38 points from 29 matches) taking on 12th-on-the-log Bianca Academy (27 points from 28 games).
Second-placed Titans (69 points from 29 matches) will wrap up their 2010/2011Sasol League campaign when they take on ninth-placed North West University (50 points from 29 matches) at 14h00.

Hallelujah Zebra Force, with an impressive 89 points from 29 games, will wrap up their provincial season against Western Tigers (69 points from 29 games) at 16h00, as they look to up their game even further ahead of representing their province at the prestigious Sasol League National Championships next month.

With 123 goals scored this season and just 17 against, Hallelujah Zebra Force will need to hit the target at the national showpiece event, if they are to dispose of the likes of inaugural Sasol League National Champions Detroit Ladies (Mpumalanga) and defending champions Palace Super Falcons (Gauteng).

For full logs and fixtures of the 2010/2011 Sasol League, visit www.safa.net

source-safa.net

Equatorial Guinea's Nzalang Femenina In Germany For FIFA WWC

Equatorial Guinea's Jade Boho

Equatorial Guinea became the first FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 team to arrive in Germany, when they touched down on Monday, May 16, 2011 at Frankfurt Airport at 06:45 CET with a  32 member  delegation from Malabo which includes 23 national team players before travelling immediately to their base in Munster.

The players of Equatorial Guinea became instant celebrities upon their first ever qualification for the Women's World Cup. The 2010 African Women's Championship runners-up will be based at the Johanniter Akademie for their FIFA Women's World Cup debut against Norway on June 29 in Augsburg.With a population of just under 700,000, Equatorial Guinea,the smallest ever country to have qualified for the FIFA Women's World Cup , along with Colombia, will be making their first appearance at the tournament this year.Nzalang Femenina as they are affectionately known has 8 Brazilian born players which includes new additions defenders Vania Cristina Martins and Bruna,goalkeeper, Mirian and midfielders, Jumaria and Carol.Equatorial Guinea has been drawn against Brazil,Australia and Norway in Group D. The world cup is just 38 days away.

Turbulence In Super Falcon's Camp,Mighty Warriors Rejoice

Two days after Ghana booted out Nigeria's Super Falcons out of the All Africa Games qualifiers,the technical committee of the Nigerian Football Federation are set to meet over the future of coach Eucharia Uche. Sources at the NFF secretariat  in Abuja,Nigeria say that Uche will have the choice of either working under a new coach or resigning as head coach of the Super Falcons.

Eucharia Uche 

Events brewing after the first leg  1-1 drawn game against Ghana led to the surfacing of reports about indiscipline   within the team and Eucharia Uche's failure to address a catalogue of problems as any head coach would.The source also made mention of a situation where a senior player of the Falcons would take no instruction from the coach and would train only when she sees fit.

 To compound matters, the Super Falcons are said to be dissatisfied with the role played by Uche when the NFF let go of long time assistants Annie Chiejine(an ex-international) and Gidado Usman way back in March.Uche denied knowledge of the NFF directive although she was privy to the information.She later accused the fired assistants of abandoning ship. With the FIFA women's world cup only a month away, the NFF will have to find a solution to the problems plaguing the Super Falcons as soon as possible or risk major disappointment in Germany come June 26th.

Paul Hamilton

Former coach of the Falcons,Paul Hamilton showed his concern about the current plight of the Super Falcons in an interview when he said "We have relaxed too much, pretending that we do not know that other countries are catching up with us and Ghana has just served the notice.”Coach Hamilton sounded a note of caution to the NFF about the firing of Eucharia Uche,the very same person who won Nigeria the 2010 Africa Women's Championship title in South Africa.
Hamilton laid bare the fact that Nigeria's preparation has not been satisfactory lately and that the NFF took women's soccer for granted.He advised the technical committee of the NFF to spend more time in salvaging the image of the Super Falcons instead of pointing  accusatory fingers at the coaching staff.



Zimbabwe's Mighty Warriors Stock Rising,Women's League To Be Revived

Mighty Warriors Fans celebrate

Exactly one year after the Mavis Gumbo-led executive were ushered into office to revive the country’s women football fortunes, the progress has been nothing short of phenomenal.

Gumbo came into office in March last year against a backdrop of stunted growth, lack of corporate confidence and structures. Save for leagues in Harare and Bulawayo, there was nothing to talk about in terms of women football.

However, 12 months later, the executive can stand up and be counted among football structures in the country that have repositioned themselves.

The 2-0 victory for the national women football team against the Angolans on Sunday afternoon at Rufaro Stadium that gave the team a ticket to the Zone VI All-Africa Games finals to be held in Mozambique later this year completed a stunning comeback for a team that had since been long forgotten on the international scene.

“This has been a long journey which I should admit has not been smooth but with the support and help I have been getting from a lot of people behind the scenes, we have made it. I owe this (Mighty Warriors qualification) to them. After one year in office at least we have done something and even if I were to die today, I know I have achieved something,” said Gumbo.

The last time the Mighty Warriors took part in the All-Africa Games was in 2003 in Nigeria but it was on invite.

The Mighty Warriors are likely to be paired at the All-Africa Games with past nemesis South Africa who bulldozed their way past Botswana with a 4-0 win or Ghana who upset favourites Nigerian in other qualifiers that were played on Sunday.

Gumbo and her executive have also managed to revive the national women league which is expected to roar into life end of this month.

The league will comprise 12 teams to be selected from three provinces, the Eastern, the Southern and the Northern regions. The three provinces will provide four teams each.

story by :HENRY MHARA

From The African Women's Soccer World-The Aftermath of The AAG Qualifiers

Zimbabwe's Women's Soccer Fans Take It To The Streets

Machingura tries to work her way past Angola goalkeeper Rosa Joao 

Celebrations hit a fever pitch in Harare as the Mighty Warriors qualified to play at the Maputo All Africa Games to be held later this year. Supporters and fans of Zimbabawe's women's national soccer team took to the streets with music and dance as the celebrated the Mighty Warriors qualification.Coach Rosemary Mugadza emphasized on the fact that the Mighty Warriors will be at the All Africa Games not to make up the numbers but to challenge for honours."Our focus is now on bringing the All Africa Games trophy to Zimbabwe " said Mugadza.

One Down One More To Go- South Africa Has London 2012 on Their Mind

Banyana celebrates their qualification

Having silence the Coach of Botswana with a sublime performance in Gaborone,South Africa's Banyana Banyana have set their sights on qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics with Ethiopia being the last obstacle standing in their way but Ethiopia's Dinkinesh who knocked out a lackluster Ghana on a 2-2 goal aggregate based on the away goals rule are no push overs.

In the light of this, the South African Football Association's women's soccer committee member,Nomsa Mahlangu has pledge the association's undying support for the Banyana,“We are going to support them to do well in Mozambique and also qualify for the Olympics". As they prepare for the tasks ahead, The Banyana's technical staff member,Jerry Laka called on the team to give their all in order to  better  the record set by the class of 2003 Banyanas who won a silver medal at the All Africa Games in Nigeria.



Nigeria Lick Their Wounds After Ghana Spanking

The General Secretary of the Nigerian Football Federation, Barrister Musa Amadu, was grieved after Ghana dished out a painful loss to the Super Falcons. "It's so sad. We threw everything into this second leg to ensure that our team picked the ticket but God decreed otherwise.
"We just have to take it that way because it's all part of the game. It would have been great to have our women's team in the All-Africa Games because that would have meant one gold medal guaranteed. But it is not going to happen and we must not lose focus.
"The FIFA Women's World Cup is starting in Germany next month and we are in the final round of the qualifying race for the London Olympics. We must ensure the team is adequately prepared for the World Cup and that we don't falter in the last round of the Olympics qualifying against another tricky team like Equatorial Guinea," said Amadu.Nigeria will have to recover quickly from the Ghana defeat since Equatorial Guinea are seeking to revenge their loss to Nigeria at the 2010 African Women's Championship final.

AAG 2nd Leg-Zimbabwe,South Africa,Ghana Book Tickets To Maputo

Zimbabwe Tames Troublesome Angola( Zimbabwe 2-0 Angola)
Zimbabwe dismantled Angola in the second leg of the All Africa Games women's soccer qualifiers at the Rufraro Stadium in Harare. Ex-international and now coach of Zimbabwe's Mighty Warriors,Rosemary Mugadza's side qualify for the Maputo fiesta for the first time since 2003 when they participated in the All Africa Games invitational held in Abuja,Nigeria. The entertaining game ended with Zimbabwe beating Angola by 2-0.Zimbabwe qualifies on a 3-1 goal aggregate.Goals by Zimbabwe's Rudo Neshamba, who netted the away goal in Dundo, Angola, a fortnight ago and Nobuhle Majika guaranteed Zimbabwe a place at the up coming games in Maputo.


Botswana Goes Down To Classy South Africa ( Botswana 0-4 South Africa)
South Africa's Banyana Banyana  put up a spirited effort against Botswana away in Gaborone with the return of goal keeper goalkeeper Thoko Mndaweni, defender Janine van Wyk and midfielder Mamello Makhabane to erase the 1-0 deficit meted out to them by Bostwana in front of their home fans 11 days ago. A brace from star striker Noko Matlou and additional goals from Dlamini, and Robyn Moodaly ended Botswana's dreams of going to Maputo.
Coach Mkhonza attributed  South Africa's win to clinical finishing and on point execution of   “the game plan which was always to attack and create enough pressure to get a healthy lead by half-time which would drain Botswana both physically and mentally in the second half of the match.”  The coach also thanked their teeming fans,their sponsor Sasol and SAFA sticking with them through thick and thin.

With a 4-1 goal aggregate against Botswana,South Africa soldiers on, in their busy schedule as the look forward to beating Ethiopia in the Olympic Games qualifier.The winner books a place at the 2012 London Olympic games.

Ghana Dent's Nigeria's Hopes and crushes Their Dreams(Ghana 2-1 Nigeria)

Ghana's Black Princesses deflated the ego of Nigeria's star studded Super Falcons when they beat Nigeria by 2-1 in a charged atmosphere in Accra.The much anticipated match kicked off with the vociferous Ghanaian fans  drowning the cheers of the few Nigerian fans present at the El Wak Sports Stadium.Goals from Faiza Ibrahim and a penalty kick converted by Rosemary Ampem clinched the win for Coach Kuuku Dadzie's side, ending Nigeria's dominance over  Ghana.The Black Princesses reach the finals of the All Africa Games to be held in Mozambique on a 3-2 goal aggregate.
On hindsight,the future of the Super Falcons coach, Eucharia Uche, is in doubt as the she was reportedly given a must-win order after the drawn game against Ghana a fortnight ago. With the loss in Accra, Uche might not be given the all clear to lead the Nigerian team to the FIFA Women's World Cup taking place in Germany in June. The loss could throw a wrench into the world cup preparations of the Falcons who also have an upcoming Olympic games qualifier against Equatorial Guinea.

All Africa Games Women's soccer 2nd Leg

Super Falcons Vow To Stomp Ghana

the grudge match-up

Nigeria's Super Falcons are hoping for a big win  against their Ghanaian counterparts in the All Africa Games second leg qualifiers billed for the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra.

Coach Uche was all smiles upon the relesase of her foreign based players namely, Onyie Ukaonu, Faith Ikidi, Ulumma Jerome, Rita Chikwelu, Ogonna Chikwudi and Sarah Michael, who were all held back by their respective clubs in Europe in the first leg.

Ghana however are leaving no stones unturned and are even said to be bubbling with confidence with an early prediction of the out come of the game. Coach Kuuku Dadzie said in a press conference "I trust in the abilities of my team to get a result. We respect our opponents but we can get one past them(Falcons)." Eucharia Uche,ever so confident and full of optimism said "I don't know why people are pessimistic about our chances. We still have a full 90 minutes of football to play and It is not yet over for we do not fear the Ghanaians," said Uche.

She argued that the Falcons were superior in the first leg. "It was just that we didn't convert the many chances that we created. I'm just confident we can score goals and qualify."

Ghana  against Nigeria will surely live to it's billing as a grudge match against fiercest rivals.



Matlou ready to help Banyana beat Cinderella Botswana

Banyana Banyana goalscoring star Noko Matlou will throw the statistics book out the window and help her team-mates beat Botswana in their second-leg All-Afica Games qualifier in Gaborone on Sunday.

Having netted 41 goals in 55 national appearances, the 25-year-old goal-getter believes that her combination with fellow strikers in team captain Amanda Dlamini and Martha Mokoma could pose problems for the hosts.

If Banyana wins, they will qualify for the Games due to be staged in Mozambique in September.

"Statistics are great, but at the end of the day it's more important to focus on laying on the perfect pass to create a goal than it is to worry about who scores it," said Matlou.

"We are expecting Botswana to play a defensive game to try and hang on to the 1-0 lead over us from their first leg win in Polokwane last month."

Banyana were without regulars in goalkeeper Thoko Mndaweni, defenders Janine van Wyk and Yola Jafta, midfielder Mamello Makhabane because of injury in that match.

Also back in the squad is teenage striker Jermaine Seopesenwe, who has taken time away from her matric schoolwork to help her national team-mates.

Seopesenwe and 16-year-old midfielder Robyn Moodaly were playing for the national Under-17 side eight months ago, and are becoming accustomed to senior level football.

"If the match goes to penalties to decide the qualifying team I will put up my hand to take the first spot kick for South Africa like I did when we beat Tunisia 6-5 in an Olympic qualifier last month," Matlou said.

"Our girls have confidence in their spot kicks and we believe in our keeper Mndaweni who saved one spot kick in Tunis."

The side's caretaker coach Joseph Mkhonza is likely to opt for Simphiwe Masina, Amanda Sister, Van Wyk and Gabisile Hlumbane in his defensive four.

In midfield the race for places is on between Nomathemba Nsibande, Moodaly, Makhabane, Mary Ntsweng, with central defender Jafta also able to play a holding midfield role if needed.

supersports

African Women Players In European Top Leagues

Following in the footsteps of their male counterparts,our female players are slowly but surely carving a niche for themselves in some of the top women's leagues in Europe. Here is a run down of  our female players plying their trade in Europe.


FINLAND- Naistenliiga

Goal Keeper Rachael Ayegba

Club: PALLOKERHO-35 VANTAA  topping the Norwegian league.African Players-Nigeria-Rachael Ayegba and Cynthia Uwak

Biodun Obende

                                           Club:Nice Futis,bottom of the league.
                                   African Players-Nigeria-Biodun    Obende  and Hadijat Aliyu



SWEDEN- Damallsvenskan

Chikwelu

                                       Club: Umea IK topping the league table.
African Players-Nigeria- Rita Chikwelu  and Ogonna Chukwudi .Senegal-Fanny Hjelm

Sarah Michael  joined by teamamtes after scoring a goal

Club-KIF ÖREBRO DFF 8th.African Player-Nigeria-Sarah Michael

U.Jerome  in a crunching tackle

Club-Pitea 9thAfrican Players-Nigeria- Ulumma Jerome and Faith Ikidi

Sweden Women's  Division 1

Nkwhocha

Club-Sunanna SK 2nd.African Players-

Nigeria-Perpetua Nkwocha(joint top scorer with 7 goals) and  Helen Ukaonu

Germany Frauen Bundesliga

Bayor in a goal scoring move

                                                           Club-USV Jena 10th
                                                          African Players
                                     Ghana- Adjoa Bayor(joins FC Indiana at the end of the season)
                                      Equatorial Guinea-Genoveva Anonma
                                     Cameroon-Marlyse Bernadette


Russia Super Division

Nyandeni back row 6th from right

               Club-FK ROSSIYANKA MOSKOVSKAYA OBLAST Top of the table
                                             African Player-
                                           South Africa-Nompulelelo Nyandeni

Club-Energiya Voronezh 2nd
African Players-
Cameroon-Augustin Silvia Ejange Siliki and Nkout Njoya
Nigeria-Emuidzhi Oghiabekhva

Club-Zvezda Perm 7th
African Player-
South Africa-Busisiwe Indimeni



FRANCE  Women's Division 1

Rigoberte M'bah on the  ball

Club-Hénin-Beaumont 6th.African Player-

                                                         Cameroon-Rigoberte M'bah

Club-STADE BRIOCHIN FF 9th
African Player-
Morocco-Salma Amani

Club-LE MANS UC 72 11th
African Player-
Cameroon-Marie Aurelle Awona


Denmark Elite Divison

Ndidi Kanu kneeling 1st from right
Club-ODENSE BK 2ndAfrican Players-Nigeira-Oyewusi Olushola Chioma (Shola) and Ndidi Kanu

Chichi Igbo(sitting 2nd from left)
Club-Fortuna Hjørring 4th ,African Player-Nigeria-Chichi Igbo

Spain Liga Femenino

Jade,back row 2nd from right

                                             Club- Rayo Vallecano,Spanish league Champions
                                              African Player- Equatorial Guinea,Jade Boho