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Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene Returns to Super Falcons After Maternity Break

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Super Falcons

Ngozi Okobi returns to the Super Falcons after maternity leave, excited for Nigeria’s friendlies against Cameroon

Nigerian midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene has expressed her delight at rejoining the Super Falcons after a long hiatus due to pregnancy and childbirth.

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Also read: Super Falcons WAFCON Trophy Parade Lights Up Lagos Streets

Okobi last featured for the 10-time African champions during the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. She was omitted from Nigeria’s squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and subsequently took a break from football.

The 32-year-old Ottawa Rapid star received a surprise invitation to participate in the Super Falcons’ double-header friendly matches against Cameroon women’s national football team last week.

“I’m excited and happy to be back in the team again. I’m grateful and honoured. I can’t talk about my expectations at the moment. The way I do things is to take one step at a time,” Okobi told the Super Falcons media team.

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She added, “I have seen a lot of messages and criticism on social media which I don’t care about. I know what I did and what has happened to me since childbirth. It’s a blessing and not a cause.”

Also read: Super Falcons Set for Cameroon Friendlies Ahead of WAFCON

Okobi has made 27 appearances for the Super Falcons and expressed readiness to contribute as the team prepares for their upcoming friendlies.

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Liverpool Releases Moving Biography Honouring Diogo Jota

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Liverpool Diogo Jota biography, Forever in Our Hearts, celebrates the late forward’s life, career and legacy, with profits funding grassroots football

Liverpool Football Club have released a new biography celebrating the life and legacy of former forward Diogo Jota, with all profits from the book set to support a grassroots football programme being established in his name through the LFC Foundation.

Also read: PRP Rejects Bauchi’s Proposed N298bn Loan

Titled ‘Forever in Our Hearts’, the biography was written by Portuguese author and former professional footballer José Delgado and published by Reach Sport. Liverpool announced the release on Thursday, October 22, 2026, through a post on the club’s official X account.

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The book traces Jota’s journey from his early years in Portugal to his rise as one of his generation’s respected forwards and a much-loved member of the Liverpool football family.

Drawing on interviews with family members, friends, teammates and coaches, the biography offers a personal account of the footballer’s character, professional achievements and relationships beyond the pitch.

Contributors include Jota’s wife, Rute, his parents, Isabel and Joaquim, and former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, alongside more than 90 other people who knew him throughout his life and career.

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Their recollections highlight Jota’s determination, humility and commitment to football, while exploring the personal qualities that earned him affection among teammates, supporters and colleagues.

The biography also celebrates the close bond between Jota and his brother, André Silva, reflecting on the impact both men had on those around them and the wider football community.

Jota enjoyed significant success during his career, winning the Premier League with Liverpool and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal.

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His performances, work ethic and contribution to the teams he represented helped establish his reputation in European football.

However, ‘Forever in Our Hearts’ also confronts the tragedy of July 2025, when Jota and André died, leaving family members, friends, teammates and supporters mourning their loss.

Delgado said the project began as an effort to preserve Jota’s memory during a period of profound sadness, with a commitment to presenting an honest and respectful account of the lives of both brothers.

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“My commitment throughout was to tell his story with care, honesty and respect for Diogo, André, and the family and friends who loved them,” Delgado said.

The author added that the willingness of those closest to the brothers to share their memories had helped capture their personalities and the depth of affection they inspired.

Reflecting on Jota’s relationship with Liverpool, Delgado said the accounts gathered during his research revealed qualities extending beyond his footballing ability, including humility, dedication and personal character.

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He expressed hope that the biography would provide a lasting tribute while inspiring future generations of footballers.

The book is available through official Liverpool FC stores and online, with proceeds directed towards the grassroots football programme being developed in Jota’s name through the LFC Foundation.

The release forms part of Liverpool’s continuing efforts to honour the forward and his brother. Earlier in 2026, the club unveiled a permanent memorial outside Anfield, giving supporters a dedicated place to remember the brothers and reflect on their legacy.

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Through the biography and the planned community football initiative, Liverpool is seeking to ensure that Jota’s influence endures beyond his playing career, helping create opportunities for young people to participate in the sport he loved.

Also read: PRP Rejects Bauchi’s Proposed N298bn Loan

The project combines remembrance with a practical commitment to grassroots development, offering a way for Jota’s passion for football to continue benefiting future generations.

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