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eNCA
3 hours ago
- eNCA
Hobbled at home, Nigerian sportswomen dominate abroad
As Nigerian women dominate sports on the continent, they're facing off not just against top talent abroad but a domestic atmosphere of mismanagement and pay disparities -- and even the risk of repression for speaking out. Nigeria is fresh off a win at the finals of Women's AfroBasket, their fifth-consecutive championship at the continent's top hardwood tournament, while last month the Super Falcons clinched their 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations football title. The football team's successes in particular have come in the face of pay disparities compared to their male counterparts -- when they get paid at all. The women receive a training camp allowance but the bulk of their pay comes from per-match bonuses, which vary depending on the team's results. Both the women's basketball and football teams have been plagued by late or unpaid match bonuses for years, despite their records as arguably the best teams on the continent. But when the Super Falcons landed in Abuja after their 3-2 WAFCON victory over host Morocco last month, none of the players answered questions shouted by an AFP reporter in the press scrum about whether they would ask the president, who was welcoming them at his villa, about being paid the same as the men's team. Nigerian journalists on the scene said the question was useless: it was far too politically charged. "If you speak up against what's going on, you completely lose the possibility of getting what you're entitled to, you could actually be blacklisted," Solace Chukwu, senior editor at Afrik-Foot Nigeria, later told AFP. - Strikes over late payments - Not that there aren't clashes: in 2021, basketballers called out the authorities when they topped Africa, protesting against unpaid match bonuses. The Nigeria Basketball Federation at the time denied any wrongdoing, blaming the issue on clerical errors. Like the basketball team, the women's football team has found remarkable success, stemming in part from the country's population of more than 200 million -- the largest on the continent, complemented by a widespread diaspora. They also benefited from early investments in women's football at a time when other African countries focused on men's teams, Chukwu said, helping the Super Falcons win the first seven editions of the WAFCON, from 1991 to 2006. Yet they only played a handful of test matches before they landed in Morocco for this year's competition, cobbled together at the last second. The Super Falcons haven't been completely silent in the face of mismanagement and disinterest from authorities. But rocking the boat too much appears to come with a cost. "Players who lead or dare to protest... always risk not being invited or sidelined outrightly," said Harrison Jalla, a players' union official. After Super Falcons captain Desire Oparanozie -- now a commentator -- led protests over unpaid wages at the 2019 Women's World Cup, she was stripped of her captaincy and was not called up for the 2022 tournament. Former men's coach Sunday Oliseh -- who himself was let go from the national squad amid protests over backpay in the early 2000s -- called the situation a case of "criminal" retaliation. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) at the time denied that it dropped Oparanozie over the protests. The NFF and the Super Falcons did not respond to an AFP request for comment on the allegations that players are afraid to speak out. - 'Sky is the limit' - Players still have hopes for women's sports to expand. "I think the sky is the limit," Nigerian point guard Promise Amukamara told AFP in Abuja, fresh off her AfroBasket win. "Obviously, more facilities should be built around Nigeria. I feel like maybe, one year we should host the AfroBasket." Aisha Falode, an NFF official, meanwhile, called on the government to "invest in the facilities, invest in the leagues and the players, because the women's game can no longer be taken lightly". Despite the challenges, women's sports are still finding a foothold among younger fans. Justina Oche, 16, a player at a football academy in Abuja, told AFP that the exploits of the team inspired her to pursue a career in the sport. "They say what a man can do, a woman can do even better," said the youngster, whose role model is six-time African Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala. "The Super Falcons have again proved this." By Samm Audu And Nicholas Roll
IOL News
6 hours ago
- IOL News
Geraldine Lerena on pioneering the future of South African boxing
Seen here (l-r): Kevin and Geraldine Lerena, and Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Boxing South Africa (BSA) is Mandla Ntlanganiso. Picture: Alexius van der Westhuizen Image: Alexius van der Westhuizen As co-founder and chief executive of Aquila Boxing Promotions, Geraldine Lerena is one of the pioneering female promoters in South African boxing, and for her it's all about growing the sport in the country. Together with her husband and WBC bridgerweight champion Kevin Lerena, Geraldine founded Aquila Boxing Promotions (ABP). ABP says in its mission statement: 'Aquila combines grassroots development with high-calibre professional showcases, giving fighters a platform to rise and fans a reason to rally. 'With a growing reputation for quality matchmaking and production, Aquila is shaping the future of African boxing — one fight at a time.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Geraldine's Impact on Shaping the Sport: Providing a Platform for Young Fighters and Promoting Female Bouts For Geraldine, the opportunity to give back to the sport that has given her family so much is fulfilling. 'It's incredibly exciting what we're able to do. I just feel extremely privileged to be able to provide a platform for young fighters to showcase their talents and to build their records and just to show us what they can do. So I think it's a really exciting time,' Geraldine told IOL Sports in an exclusive interview. In ABP's most recent event last week, a rare female bout was included on the fight card. Ensuring the fight between Keabetso Mathane and Abigail Gabonewe happened was an example of how Geraldine is helping shape the sport in the country. 'It's really, really great. It's obviously difficult to put female fights on just because the divisions are really, really thin. So to be able to put a fight on for Women's Month is really, really great.' Geraldine's Support and Kevin's Journey as ABP Ambassador As for Geraldine's support of 33-year-old Kevin, who has now fought 35 times in his career, it's been a whirlwind journey. 'It's amazing. He's such a terrific fighter and just such a role model to so many. I'm just always so proud of him.' With Kevin working as the ambassador for ABP since the company was founded in November last year, it's given the dynamic duo a chance to experience a new challenge. 'It's really rewarding. I mean, he's just so hard-working, so to be able to work with him alongside him is really fantastic,' said Geraldine. 'It's really great. Just to be able to listen to all the fighters, how grateful they are that we are able to provide a platform, is just really rewarding.' @Michael_Sherman IOL Sport
The South African
6 hours ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs chase former Nabi star with R16m price tag
Kaizer Chiefs have reignited their pursuit of a top striker, turning their attention once again to Tanzanian forward Clement Mzize, who previously played under coach Nasreddine Nabi at Young Africans SC. Amakhosi previously showed interest in Mzize, and with transfer complications surrounding Etiosa Ighodaro from Mamelodi Sundowns, the Soweto giants have circled back to the familiar figure of the Tanzanian hitman. The strong relationship between Mzize and coach Nabi could prove crucial in convincing the player to make the switch. 'Yes, Nabi built the foundation for him. They know each other and that would play an advantage in the (potential) move,' a source revealed. Mzize's stock has risen significantly, attracting interest from several top-tier African clubs. According to insiders, Zamalek, Al Sadd, Al Masry, and Wydad Casablanca are monitoring the situation closely. 'There are many offers for Mzize. There is Zamalek, Al Sadd as well as Al Masry and Wydad Casablanca. All these teams are following Mzize's situation at the club. But the only official offer is believed to have come from Zamalek and Al Sadd to be almost $900,000 (approximately R16 million),' the source confirmed. Reports also suggest that Al Sadd have tabled a lucrative offer, including a $30,000 (approximately R540K) monthly salary, which Chiefs would struggle to match. While Mzize is reportedly open to the idea of linking up with Nabi again, one major stumbling block remains, Chiefs' absence from continental competitions. 'The interest from Chiefs is there, but it is not easy. The problem is their performance. If it's in Africa then players need to play in the Champions League or Confederation Cup,' the source noted. With time running out and Ighodaro's move hanging in the balance. Chiefs have prioritised Mzize as a fallback option. However, it remains unclear whether any formal discussions have taken place. The transfer window is heating up, and Chiefs must act fast if they hope to secure the signature of a player being chased by some of Africa's footballing powerhouses. Will Kaizer Chiefs get another forward in before the window closes? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
