Lagos — Head Coach Randy Waldrum has announced the final 18-player squad list for Nigeria’s Super Falcons, set to compete in the Women’s Football Tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Leading the team is captain Rasheedat Ajibade, with key players including goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Osinachi Ohale, and forward Asisat Oshoala.
The Super Falcons will kick off their campaign against Brazil at the Stade Bordeaux on July 25th. They will then face Spain on July 28th and Japan on July 31st, with both matches taking place at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes.
The Stade de la Beaujoire holds a special place in Nigerian football history, being the site of the Super Eagles’ memorable 3-2 victory over Spain during the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
Conspicuously absent from the squad are CSKA Moscow Women’s forward Francisca Ordega and Israel-based defender Onome Ebi, both of whom have been integral to the team’s previous successes.
Coach Waldrum’s selection reflects a mix of seasoned veterans and promising talents, aiming to secure Nigeria’s first Olympic medal in women’s football. The squad is expected to face stiff competition in the group stage, but the team’s blend of experience and skill has fans hopeful for a strong showing in Paris.
Full Squad List:
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia)
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Oluwatosin Demehin (Stade de Reims, France); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Nicole Payne (Portland Thorns FC, USA); Chidinma Okeke (Mynavi Sendai Ladies, Japan)
Midfielders: Deborah Abiodun (University of Pittsburgh, USA); Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosengard, Sweden); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Jennifer Echegini (Juventus Ladies, Italy); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain)
Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid FC, Spain); Esther Okoronkwo (Changchun FC, China); Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA); Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA); Chiwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Chinonyerem Macleans (Locomotiv Moscow, Russia)
Alternate Players: Jumoke Alani (Nasarawa Amazons); Ifeoma Onumonu (Utah Royals, USA); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Morufa Ademola (Rivers Angels)
Match Schedule:
– July 25: Nigeria vs. Brazil at Stade Bordeaux
– July 28: Nigeria vs. Spain at Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes
– July 31: Nigeria vs. Japan at Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes
The team is set to depart for France next week, with final preparations underway to ensure they are in peak condition for the tournament.
