Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-16 03:18:23
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the 21-woman squad for next week’s Paris 2024 women’s football qualifying fixture against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon. The squad includes notable players such as Skipper Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, five-time African Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, and free-scoring forward, Esther Okoronkwo.
The upcoming fixture is the third round of the African qualifying series for the Paris 2024 Olympics. This marks the penultimate round of the series before the continent’s representatives for the 2024 Olympics are determined. The competition will take place five months ahead of the Games.
The squad also features goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi, defenders Osinachi Ohale and Oluwatosin Demehin, midfielders Deborah Abiodun and Christy Ucheibe, as well as forwards Toni Payne, Uchenna Kanu, and Omorinsola Babajide. Additionally, versatile defender Ashleigh Plumptre makes a return to the team since the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Australia last year.
The first leg of the fixture will see Nigeria facing off against fierce rivals Cameroon at the Stade de la Reunification in Douala, Cameroon, on February 23. The match will be officiated by Ugandan official Shamirah Nabadda, with support from assistant referees Lydia Nantabo, Jane Mutonyi, and Diana Murungi. Referee Khadija Rezzag from Morocco will serve as the referee assessor, while commissioner Lukusa Kanjinga from the Democratic Republic of Congo will also be present.
The second leg match, which will be held in Nigeria, is scheduled for February 26 at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. Namibian official Ndemugwanitha Twanyanyukwa has been appointed as the referee for this match, with assistant referees Eveline Augustinus, Olivia Amukuu, and Victoria Shangula supporting her. Additionally, Alice Wangari Kimani from Kenya will serve as the referee assessor, and Christine Ziga from Ghana will be the commissioner.
The full squad includes three goalkeepers, nine defenders, five midfielders, and four forwards. This includes players from clubs in various countries such as Spain, Sweden, Portugal, Italy, the USA, and China. The squad is comprised of individuals who have experience playing for international clubs, showcasing the talent and proficiency of the Nigerian national women’s football team.
