WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
A match Nigerians are keen for as Canada play Ireland
Nigerians both in Australia and elsewhere will watch with keen interest the Group B clash of Canada and Republic of Ireland.
Both teams come into this crunch Group B clash in Perth/Boorloo knowing that a victory is vital to their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Canada were held to a goalless draw by Nigeria in their opening match, in which they were left to rue Christine Sinclair’s penalty miss.
With joint-hosts Australia awaiting in their third group contest, the Canadians are well aware that three points are essential in this one if they are to advance to the knockout stage for a third consecutive tournament.
Debutantes the Republic of Ireland went down 1-0 to Australia in their curtain-raiser, despite producing a valiant display. The Girls in Green competed extremely well, with the co-hosts’ goal coming from the penalty spot, while they showed plenty of attacking threat, and their nine attempts at goal will give them confidence ahead of this encounter.
Here are statistics ahead of the clash.
- Last meeting:12/03/2014, Canada 2-1 Republic of Ireland, Women’s Cyprus Cup 2014, GSP Stadium, Nicosia (Cyprus)
- Key facts: Canada have lost only one of their last seven FIFA Women’s World Cup group matches (W3 D3 L1).
- Against Nigeria, Canada’s Christine Sinclair became the second-oldest player to feature at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, at the age of 40 years and 39 days. The oldest player to make an appearance in FIFA Women’s World Cup history is Brazil’s Formiga, who lined up against France in 2019 aged 41 years and 112 days.
- Canada have kept five clean sheets in their last seven FIFA Women’s World Cup group stage outings.
- Canada kept a clean sheet in each of their first two matches in the last two editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
- Against Australia, Abbie Larkin became the youngest-ever player to represent the Republic of Ireland at the FIFA Women’s World Cup at the age of 18 years and 84 days. She is the only teenager in Vera Pauw’s squad.
CANADA TEAM FACTS
- Overall record: Play28, Win 8, Draw 6, Lost 14, Goals For: 34, Goals Against:52, Goal Difference: -18
- Biggest win: Canada 4-0Ghana (15/09/2007)
- Biggest defeat: Canada 0-7. Norway (08/08/1995)
- Highest scoring match: 8 goals – Canada 1-7 Norway (23/06/1999)
- Most goals scored in a match: 4 – Canada 4-0 Ghana (15/09/2007)
- Most goals conceded in a match: 7 – Canada 0-7 Norway (08/08/1995)/Canada 1-7 Norway (23/06/1999)
- Most goals scored at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 10 – 2003 (6 matches)
- Fewest goals scored at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 1 – 2011 (3 matches)
- Most goals conceded at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 13 – 1995 (3 matches)
- Fewest goals conceded at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 3 – 2015 (5 matches)/2019 (4 matches)
FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP STREAKS
- Successive wins: 3 (2003) Successive defeats: 3 (three times)
- Successive draws: 2 (2015)
- Successive matches without a defeat: 4 (2015)
- Successive matches without a win: 7 (1995-2003)
- Successive matches with a goal scored: 12 (1999-2007)
- Successive matches without scoring: 2 (2011 and 2019-present)
- Successive clean sheets: 2 (2015 and 2019)
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND TEAM FACTS
- Overall record: Play1, Win 0, Draw 0, Lost 1, Goals For: 0, Goals Against: 1, Goal Difference: -1
- Biggest win: Nil
- Biggest defeat: 0-1 Republic of Ireland v. Australia (20/07/2023)
- Highest scoring match: 1 goal – Republic of Ireland 0-1 Australia (20/07/2023)
- Most goals scored in a match: 0
- Most goals conceded in a match: 1 – Republic of Ireland 0-1 Australia (20/07/2023)
- Most goals scored at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 0 (2023 – 1 match)
- Fewest goals scored at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 0 (2023 – 1 match)
- Most goals conceded at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 1 (2023 – 1 match)
- Fewest goals conceded at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 1 (2023 – 1 match)
FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP STREAKS
- Successive wins: 0
- Successive defeats: 1 (2023-present)
- Successive draws: 0
- Successive matches without a defeat: 0
- Successive matches without a win: 1 (2023-present)
- Successive matches with a goal scored: 0
- Successive matches without scoring: 1 (2023-present) Successive clean sheets: 0
WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
NWFL Confirms Castmog Ladies’ Relegation Over Registration and Licensing Non-Compliance
The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Secretariat has officially confirmed the relegation of Castmog Ladies from the 2025/2026 NWFL Premiership after the club failed to meet mandatory licensing and registration requirements for the new season.
The announcement was made on Monday, November 24, 2025, in a statement issued by the league’s Media Director, Samuel Ahmadu, following Castmog Ladies’ inability to comply despite multiple warnings.
According to the Secretariat, three Premiership clubs had earlier been placed on notice to complete all registration and licensing processes. While the other two complied before the deadline, the Abeokuta-based club did not meet the stipulated obligations, resulting in automatic relegation under league regulations.
NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Modupe Shabi, confirmed that competition logistics are now being adjusted to reflect the revised league structure.
“We have a responsibility to protect the integrity of the league, and compliance with registration and licensing requirements is a non-negotiable part of that process,” Shabi said.
She stressed that strict adherence to league rules ensures the continued credibility, competitiveness, and long-term growth of women’s football in Nigeria.
Shabi also noted that updated season details will be announced shortly.
“Our focus is to ensure the season proceeds smoothly on Wednesday, November 26. Updated fixtures and communication will be issued to all clubs, and we remain committed to transparency and professionalism at every stage,” she added.
With Castmog Ladies officially relegated, the Premiership will now continue with 19 registered teams. As a result, all clubs scheduled to face Castmog Ladies—including Rivers Angels, who were originally lined up for the opening fixture—will now observe a bye on those matchdays.
The NWFL reiterated its commitment to enforcing high operational standards and supporting the sustainable development of women’s football nationwide.
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Revised NWFL Premiership Matchday One Fixtures – November 26, 2025
Group A
- Bayelsa Queens vs Edo Queens
- Adamawa Queens vs Pacesetters Queens
- Heartland Queens vs Ekiti Queens
- Naija Ratels vs Ibom Angels
Group B
- Nasarawa Amazons vs Delta Queens
- Confluence Queens vs Abia Angels
- Sunshine Queens vs Robo Queens
- Ahudiyannem Queens vs Remo Stars Ladies
- Dannaz Ladies vs Osun Babes
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Janet Akekoromowei and Ramotalahi Kareem were again among the goals as Nigeria’s Falconets routed their Ghanaian counterparts 3-0 on Tuesday morning, to emerge champions of the WAFU B U20 Girls Tournament in Bénin Republic.
The Princesses, 1-3 losers to the two-time FIFA World Cup silver-medallists when both teams clashed at the same Stade Omnisport d’Adjohoun on Saturday, were unable to stop the rampaging Nigerians who were 2-0 up before the 25th minute, courtesy goals by Akekoromowei (17th minute) and Alaba Olabiyi (24th minute). Akekoromowie netted twice against the Ghanaians on Saturday while Kareem got a brace against the Beninoise on Sunday.
Victory sprang the Falconets to nine points and plus eight goals difference (they have scored thrice in each of their three games) to claim the trophy in the three-team tournament, with Ghana’s Princesses on six points after victories over the host nation.
The Falconets will be up against the host nation on Wednesday morning at the same venue, but the encounter is largely ceremonial as Nigeria have claimed the trophy.
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Nigeria’s hopes of another podium finish at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup came to a crashing halt on Wednesday as the Flamingos suffered a 4–0 defeat to a ruthless Italy in their Round of 16 clash.
The result ends the 2022 bronze medallists’ journey in Morocco, drawing the curtain on what had been a turbulent campaign marked by flashes of promise but undermined by inconsistency.
Nigeria’s Early Promise Falters
Determined to prove their mettle after a shaky group stage, the Flamingos started brightly and could have taken the lead in the 24th minute. Captain Shakirat Moshood unleashed a powerful drive from the left edge of the penalty area, only to see her effort acrobatically turned away by Italian goalkeeper Matilde Robbioni.
Moments before the interval, Italy struck the first blow. Anna Copelli wove her way through Nigeria’s defence before calmly slotting past Sylvia Echefu to give the Europeans a 1–0 lead at halftime.
VAR Drama and Italian Ruthlessness
Nigeria believed they had drawn level ten minutes into the second half when Nguemo Terlumun bundled home after a tenacious effort from Queen Joseph. However, the Video Support Review (VSR) disallowed the goal, ruling that Joseph had kicked the ball out of the goalkeeper’s hands.
The setback proved costly. Three minutes later, Caterina Venturelli doubled Italy’s lead with a spectacular long-range strike that sailed over Echefu and nestled in the top corner.
The floodgates opened soon after. Giulia Robino made it 3–0 five minutes later, and in the 89th minute, a final VSR review confirmed Rachelle Giudici’s late effort as legitimate, completing a dominant 4–0 victory for the Italians.
Flamingos Bow Out, Eyes on the Future
With the defeat, Nigeria’s campaign ends in disappointment, while Italy march into the quarterfinals boasting a perfect record of four wins from four matches.
For the Flamingos, attention must now turn to the qualifying series for the next edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup — now set to be held annually — as they look to rebuild and return stronger.
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