Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Agency Report
Published on 2024-03-25 19:30:26
Coach Randy Waldrum has selected a squad of 22 players to represent the Super Falcons in the upcoming Paris Olympics final qualifying fixture against South Africa. The squad includes captain Rasheedat Ajibade, US-based Asisat Oshoala, and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, among others. The team will face South Africa in a two-legged qualifying match, with the first leg taking place on April 5, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria, and the second leg in Pretoria, South Africa on April 9, 2024.
In addition to Ajibade, Oshoala, and Nnadozie, other players called up to the squad include Saudi Arabia-based defender Ashley Plumptre, veteran Osinachi Ohale, midfielder Deborah Abiodun, and forwards Esther Okoronkwo and Uchenna Kanu. The squad also sees the return of 2019 World Cup star Chidinma Okeke and forward Chinwendu Ihezuo, as well as a first-time call-up for U20 defender Shukurat Oladipo.
The winner of the two-legged match will secure one of Africa’s two tickets to the Women’s Olympic Football tournament in Paris, with Zambia and Morocco competing for the other ticket. The squad also features regular players like Michelle Alozie, Christy Ucheibe, Halimatu Ayinde, and Gift Monday.
The full squad list includes Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC), Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia), Linda Jiwuaku (Bayelsa Queens) as goalkeepers. Defenders are Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Club de Futbol, Mexico), Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia), Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens), Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA), Nicole Payne (Portland Thorns FC, USA), and Chidinma Okeke (Mynavi Sendai Ladies, Japan).
Midfielders include Deborah Abiodun (University of Pittsburgh, USA), Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosengard, Sweden), Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal), Jennifer Echegini (Juventus Ladies, Italy), Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid FC, Spain), and Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain). Forwards in the squad are Omorinsola Babajide (Costa Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain), Esther Okoronkwo (Changchun FC, China), Ifeoma Onumonu (SLC Utah, USA), Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA), Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA), Gift Monday (Costa Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain), and Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca Club de Futbol, Mexico).
The Super Falcons are looking to secure their spot in the Women’s Olympic Football tournament in Paris, and with a strong squad at their disposal, they will be aiming for success in the upcoming qualifying matches. With experienced players and rising stars in the lineup, the team is poised to put on a competitive performance and showcase the talent and skill of Nigerian women’s football on the international stage.
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