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Inside the Dressing Room: Madugu Reveals How Super Falcons Regained Confidence to Defeat South Africa
Super Falcons assistant coach Justin Madugu has commended his players for showing remarkable mental strength in their dramatic 2–1 victory over South Africa in Tuesday’s semi‑final clash at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The thrilling encounter saw Nigeria surrender a first‑half lead before snatching a stoppage‑time winner, as Michelle Alozie’s looping ball drifted beyond everyone and nestled into the net.
For Madugu, however, the most significant moment was how the Falcons recovered after South Africa equalised from the penalty spot in the second half.
“The players’ morale was briefly shaken when we conceded, but they quickly regrouped, believed in themselves, and stayed focused,” Madugu told journalists.
“We reminded them that the match isn’t over until the final whistle. Opportunities would still come, and we had to take them.”
Rasheedat Ajibade had earlier put Nigeria ahead from the penalty spot just before halftime, but South Africa drew level when Linda Motlhalo converted her own spot‑kick after Osinachi Ohale was penalised for dragging down Hildah Magaia.
Madugu admitted that Nigeria lost their rhythm in phases of the second half, forcing him and the coaching crew to rally the team from the sidelines.
“At some point, we lost control and became careless, which was frustrating,” he explained.
“But as a coach, you have to stay composed, keep encouraging your players, and not add to their pressure. We gathered them, reminded them what was at stake, and they responded well.”
The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time when Alozie’s high delivery, intended as a cross, floated over South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini to seal Nigeria’s place in the final—and the chance to claim a record‑extending 10th WAFCON title.
In the aftermath, Nigerian captain Rasheedat Ajibade broke down in tears and was unable to face the media. Madugu linked her emotional outpouring to the physical and psychological intensity of the match.
“The game was intense, and when you work so hard to achieve something and succeed, emotions overflow,” he said.
“Gabriella’s injury was painful. Everyone was worried about her, even the opposing bench. We pray for her full recovery.”
On the other side, South Africa coach Desiree Ellis rejected suggestions that Banyana Banyana had aimed to drag the match into a penalty shoot‑out.
“We wanted to win. If we had taken our chances, we could have won the game,” Ellis insisted at the post‑match press conference.
Although South Africa became the first team to score against Nigeria in this tournament—and famously beat the Falcons in the 2022 group stage—the reigning champions saw their title defence come to an agonising end.
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Tears For A Titan: Family Unveils Emotional Three-Day Funeral Plan For Iconic Actor Kola Oyewo!.
The funeral arrangements for the celebrated Nigerian actor, theatre scholar, and traditional ruler, Chief Dr. Adekola Gabriel Oyewo (Kola Oyewo), have been finalized by his family, with interment scheduled for Friday, August 7, 2026, in Osun State. The veteran actor passed away at age 80, leaving behind a legacy as a prominent figure in stage, television, and academia.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The three-day farewell, organized by the Balogun Oyekola Oyewo Memorial Committee, follows this schedule:
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Wednesday, August 5, 2026: A wake-keep and service of songs will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Igboya, Ile-Ife.
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Thursday, August 6, 2026: A commendation mass is scheduled at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, followed by an artistes’ night at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Oduduwa Hall. An exhibition celebrating his works and photographs will also open at the Pit Theatre, African Studies Building, OAU, running through Friday.
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Friday, August 7, 2026: After a morning departure from his residence, a requiem mass will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oba-Ile. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at 12:45 p.m. at Labaluyegbe Villa, followed by a reception at Aderonmu Grammar School Field.
The Bangbola Oyewo family of the Ese-Ola Royal House remembered him as a beloved family man, traditional leader, and an inspiration to generations of theatre practitioners. His passing is regarded as the end of an era for the Nigerian theatre community, where he served as an Associate Professor of Drama and a long-standing mentor.
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Nation In Shock! Herders’ King Brutally Murdered: Cops Race Against Time To Catch Killers!.
Authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the murder of Risku Mohammed, the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and his associate, Yakubu Isa. The two men were reportedly ambushed by unidentified attackers near Ahimeni in the Okodu area while traveling back from a peace summit in Otukpo.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, condemned the act as a “senseless and criminal” effort to destabilize local peace and security. Through PPRO DSP Udeme Edet, the Commissioner announced that tactical and intelligence teams have been mobilized to hunt down the perpetrators. CP Nwadiogbu has urged the public to avoid spreading rumors or pursuing vigilante justice, instead appealing for any useful information to be shared with the police to assist in the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
Option 2: Concise News Style
Police in Benue State are hunting for the gunmen who killed MACBAN State Chairman Risku Mohammed and Yakubu Isa. The victims were attacked near Ahimeni in the Okodu area while returning from a peace meeting in Otukpo.
State Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu denounced the killings and vowed that the command would “leave no stone unturned” in bringing the culprits to justice. Tactical units have been deployed to the area to track down the assailants. The Commissioner extended his condolences to the bereaved families and called on residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and to report any leads to the nearest police station. He reiterated the command’s firm commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens and holding the criminals accountable.
Option 3: Action-Oriented
Following the tragic assassination of Benue MACBAN Chairman Risku Mohammed and Yakubu Isa, the State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation. The victims were killed by unknown assailants near Ahimeni, Okodu, following a peace engagement in Otukpo.
Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu has directed tactical and intelligence units to track down and arrest the attackers immediately. In a public statement, the command emphasized that such criminal acts will not be tolerated and that every effort is being made to secure justice for the victims. The public is encouraged to assist the investigation by reporting any relevant information through official channels and is cautioned against fueling tensions by sharing unverified reports.
On June 26, 2026, the dollar-to-naira exchange rate at the Lagos parallel market, commonly referred to as the black market, saw sellers offering the dollar at ₦1402, while buyers were purchasing it at ₦1391, according to Bureau De Change (BDC) sources. It is important to note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize this market and advises individuals to conduct foreign exchange transactions through their respective banks.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Additionally, the CBN’s official rates for the same period ranged from a high of ₦1385 to a low of ₦1376. Please be aware that actual transaction prices may vary and might differ from the figures provided in this report.
Exchange Rate Summary (June 26, 2026)
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Parallel Market (Selling): ₦1402
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Parallel Market (Buying): ₦1391
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CBN Official Rates: ₦1376 – ₦1385
What specific aspect of the current foreign exchange market or its impact on consumer trends would you like to discuss further?
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