Head coach, Justine Madugu, has unveiled a formidable 24-player roster as Nigeria’s Super Falcons gear up for the 13th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for July 5th to 26th in Morocco.
The squad, which includes several experienced campaigners and exciting young talents, will be aiming to clinch the country’s 10th continental crown.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and attacking trio Francisca Ordega, Asisat Oshoala, and Chinwendu Ihezuo headline the list, alongside the dependable defensive presence of veteran Osinachi Ohale and Saudi-based Ashleigh Plumptre.
Also selected are fan-favourite Michelle Alozie and midfield regulars Jennifer Echegini, Deborah Abiodun, and Christy Ucheibe.
A good number of the players have already opened camp in Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, where they began training on Thursday.
Sessions will continue on Friday and Saturday, before the team jets out on Sunday for the final phase of preparations in Lisbon, Portugal.
Madugu also called up home-based stars like goalkeeper Rachael Unachukwu, as well as defenders Sikiratu Isah and Miracle Usani, while midfield enforcer Halimatu Ayinde makes her much-anticipated return to the team.
To sharpen their form ahead of the tournament, the Nigeria Football Federation has lined up tune-up matches against Portugal and Ghana.
The Falcons will face the Portuguese senior women’s side on Monday, June 23rd, in Lisbon.
They will then lock horns with Ghana’s Black Queens on Sunday, June 29th, in Morocco.
Nigeria is drawn in Group B and will battle Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca during the tournament’s group stage.
Full Squad List
Goalkeepers:
Chiamaka Nnadozie (just finished contract with Paris FC, France)
Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia)
Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders:
Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, 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 Sportive, Turkey)
Miracle Usani (Edo Queens)
Midfielders:
Rasheedat Ajibade (just finished contract with Atletico Madrid, Spain)
Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosenburg, Sweden)
Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity, USA)
Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France)
Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England)
Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)
Forwards:
Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies Club, Saudi Arabia)
Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico)
Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France)
Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada)
Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain)
Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China)
Chioma Okafor (University of Connecticut, USA)
With a mix of homegrown and international experience, Madugu’s squad will hope to make a strong impression as they chase a record-extending 10th African title on Moroccan soil.
