14 September 2021 – South African Senior Women’s National team, Banyana Banyana have completed their first training session in Nigeria ahead of the Aisha Buhari Cup scheduled to take place in Lagos from 15-21 September 2021.

The team landed in Lagos, Nigeria on Monday, 13 September 2021 and was welcomed by representatives from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).

The local-based squad that flew from OR Tambo Airport to Lagos was later joined by overseas-based players; Hildah Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana, Linda Motlhalo, Refiloe Jane, Janine Van Wyk and Lebohang Ramalepe.

The NFF COO, Aisha Falode stated that this competition aims to not only  promote women’s football but to also give hope with regards to societal challenges that women face including Violence against Women and Children. 

“This competition will include all the top women’s teams in Africa; Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Morocco, Mali and South Africa. It is a high level competition that will count in the FIFA rankings,” said Aisha. 

“This is a big competition for women’s football ahead of the AWCON qualifiers and through this competition we hope we can raise awareness with challenges affecting women, like Gender based violence and equality,” added Aisha. 

“We are very happy to have South Africa as one of the teams and we look forward to the commencement of the games,’’ concluded Aisha. 

Banyana Banyana will play Ghana on Friday,17 September and hosts Nigeria on Tuesday, 21 September. Both matches will take place at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium.

The winner of the competition will be determined through head to head stats in the final standings.

FIFA President Mr. Gianni Infantino and CAF President Mr. Patrice Motsepe will be attending the opening game on Wednesday, 15 September between Nigeria and Mali at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium. Also attending the matches will be FIFA secretary general Madam Fatma Samoura and SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan.