Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has expressed her joy after Nigeria’s 3-0 win over Tunisia at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The victory marks the first time the Super Falcons have won their opening WAFCON match since the 2016 tournament held in Ghana.

Nnadozie, who had little to do during the game thanks to Nigeria’s solid defence, still stood out with her sharp ball distribution from the back. Also, she gave credit to Tunisia, acknowledging that they played well despite the loss.

“I feel really good, it’s a great start for us,” Nnadozie said after the match. “The Tunisians are not a bad team at all, we respect them. They gave a good fight, but today was our day, and we want to keep going like this.”

The match was Nnadozie’s 22nd appearance for the Super Falcons, and she is expected to retain her spot in goal for Nigeria’s next group game against Botswana on Wednesday.

Former Real Madrid striker Antonio Cassano has urged Napoli to go after Atalanta’s star winger, Ademola Lookman. Cassano believes the Super Eagles forward would be the perfect signing for Antonio Conte’s squad as they look to fill the gap left by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who recently made the move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Speaking during a chat on Twitch with Viva El Futbol, Cassano praised Lookman’s qualities saying, “If it were up to me, I’d sign Lookman. That would be an incredible addition. He’s fast, he scores goals, creates assists, and has been developed by one of the best, Gian Piero Gasperini.”

Former Barcelona director Ramon Planes has sent a clear message to young star Lamine Yamal, urging him to stay grounded despite the growing hype around his name, especially talks of him winning the Ballon d’Or this year.

Planes, who once played a key role behind the scenes at Barça, believes the 17-year-old still has a long way to go before being crowned the world’s best. He stressed that while Yamal’s rise has been remarkable, fans and the media need to be careful not to pile unnecessary pressure on him.

“There’s no doubt about his talent, but the real challenge is staying at that level for years,” Planes told Mundo Deportivo, as shared by Barca Universal. “We have to protect him and let him grow at his own pace. If he keeps performing like this for seasons to come, then we can start talking about awards like the Ballon d’Or. But right now, patience is key.”

Yamal has been making headlines with his incredible performances for both Spain and Barcelona. The teenager played a huge role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and also helped Barça secure four trophies last season, including the LaLiga title, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de Espana.

Since breaking into Barcelona’s senior team under Xavi Hernandez in April 2023 at just 15 years old, Yamal has consistently proven himself as one of football’s brightest young prospects. Last season, he racked up 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 matches across all competitions, leaving many convinced he deserves to be recognised among the best in the world.

But Planes insists it’s still early days for the young forward, and the football world must give him time to develop without overwhelming expectations.