The Head Coach of Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, Justin Madugu, has announced a 24-woman squad for the Super Falcons ahead of the 13th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled to take place in Morocco from July 5 to 26, 2024.
Leading the squad are some of the country’s most celebrated footballers including team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, prolific striker Asisat Oshoala, and forward Francisca Ordega. The squad also features a blend of seasoned veterans and rising talents drawn from top clubs across Europe, North America, Asia, and Nigeria’s domestic league.
Others in the team include standout names like Saudi-based defender Ashleigh Plumptre, US-based star Michelle Alozie, experienced defender Osinachi Ohale, and midfielders Jennifer Echegini, Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, and Deborah Abiodun.
Home-based talents such as Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons), Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons), and Miracle Usani (Edo Queens) also made the final list, as Nigeria intensifies preparations for a record 10th continental crown.
The squad commenced training on Thursday in Abuja and will continue through Saturday before jetting out to Lisbon, Portugal on Sunday for a final training camp.
As part of their build-up, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has lined up two high-profile friendly matches against Portugal on Monday, June 23 in Lisbon, and against Ghana’s Black Queens on Sunday, June 29 in Morocco. These fixtures are expected to sharpen the team’s readiness for Group B clashes with Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca.
FULL SQUAD:
Goalkeepers:
Chiamaka Nnadozie (formerly Paris FC, France)
Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia)
Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders:
Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca CF, Mexico)
Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy)
Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA)
Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia)
Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons)
Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray, Turkey)
Miracle Usani (Edo Queens)
Midfielders:
Rasheedat Ajibade (formerly Atletico Madrid, Spain)
Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosenborg, Sweden)
Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity, USA)
Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France)
Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England)
Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)
Forwards:
Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA)
Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies Club, Saudi Arabia)
Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca CF, Mexico)
Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France)
Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada)
Omorinsola Babajide (Tenerife Egatesa, Spain)
Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang, China)
Chioma Okafor (University of Connecticut, USA)
With sights set on reclaiming the African crown, the Super Falcons are hoping to soar high once again and reaffirm their status as the most successful team in the history of the competition.