Nigeria’s Super Falcons Aim to Shine at the 2019 Women’s World Cup
Having dominated African women’s football for decades, Nigeria’s Super Falcons enter the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France with high expectations. The team, winners of eleven Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles, qualified for the World Cup by defeating South Africa in the 2018 AFCON final (4-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw).
Coached by Swede Thomas Dennerby since January 2018—who previously led Sweden to third place at the 2011 Women’s World Cup—the Falcons arrive in France with ambitions to translate continental success into international impact. Nigeria has competed in every Women’s World Cup since 1991, but has progressed past the group stage only once, reaching the quarter-finals in 1999, where they narrowly lost 4-3 after extra time to Brazil.
Group Stage Draw
The Falcons are drawn in Group A alongside:
- France (favorites)
- Norway (experienced challengers)
- South Korea
While France are expected to top the group, Nigeria and Norway will battle for second place. With Asisat Oshoala leading the attack, the Falcons have a potent weapon capable of changing the course of games.
Star Player: Asisat Oshoala
At 24 years old, Oshoala is a three-time African Women’s Player of the Year (2014, 2016, 2017). She first gained international attention in 2014 by guiding Nigeria’s U20 team to the World Cup final as top scorer and best player. Her club career includes stints at Liverpool, Arsenal, Dalian Quanjian (China), and FC Barcelona, where she has now signed permanently. Oshoala will be the Falcons’ main offensive threat in France.
Squad for the 2019 World Cup
Goalkeepers: Tochukwu Oluehi, Alaba Jonathan, Chiamaka Nnadozie
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale, Ngozi Ebere, Onome Ebi, Faith Michael, Chidinma Okeke
Midfielders: Rita Chikwelu, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, Evelyn Nwabuoku, Ogonna Chukwudi, Halimatu Ayinde, Amarachi Okoronkwo
Forwards: Desire Oparanozie, Anam Imo, Asisat Oshoala, Chinaza Uchendu, Uchenna Kanu, Rasheedat Ajibade, Francisca Ordega, Alice Ogebe, Chinwendu Ihezuo
World Cup Outlook
The Super Falcons aim to move beyond the group stage for the first time in 20 years. With Asisat Oshoala spearheading the attack and a squad blending domestic and international talent, Nigeria will look to assert themselves on the global stage and make Africa proud.
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