Coach Randy Waldrum has finalized the squad for Nigeria’s women’s football team, the Super Falcons, ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The roster includes 18 players who will represent Nigeria on the global stage, with an additional four on standby in case of any last-minute changes.
The announcement, made three weeks before the Olympics, marks a pivotal moment for Nigerian women’s football.
Leading the charge will be goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie and Tochukwu Oluehi, both seasoned players bringing international experience to the team.
Among the defenders selected are Osinachi Ohale from Pachucha Club de Futbol in Mexico, Oluwatosin Demehin from Stade de Reims in France, Michelle Alozie from Houston Dash in the USA, Nicole Payne from Portland Thorns FC also in the USA, and Chidinma Okeke from Mynavi Sendai Ladies in Japan.
In midfield, the squad boasts Deborah Abiodun from the University of Pittsburgh, Halimatu Ayinde from FC Rosengard in Sweden, Christy Ucheibe from SL Benfica in Portugal, Jennifer Echegini from Juventus Ladies in Italy, and Toni Payne from Sevilla FC in Spain.
Up front, the attacking force includes Rasheedat Ajibade from Atletico Madrid FC, Esther Okoronkwo from Changchun FC in China, Asisat Oshoala from Bay FC in the USA, Uchenna Kanu from Racing Louisville, also in the USA, Chiwendu Ihezuo from Pachucha Football Club in Mexico, and Chinonyerem Macleans from Locomotiv Moscow in Russia.
Notably absent from the list is defender Ashleigh Plumptre, whose omission has caught attention. Nonetheless, the squad remains robust, led by the likes of Chiamaka Nnadozie, captain Ajibade Rashedath, and African golden ball winner Asisat Oshoala.
Preparations are already underway as the Super Falcons’ delegation departs Abuja for a rigorous training camp in Spain on July 4, 2024.
The team, alongside the technical staff, will converge in Seville the following day to commence a two-week training regimen, fine-tuning their strategies and coordination ahead of the Olympic challenge.
Nigeria, a powerhouse in African women’s football, aims to make a significant impact at the Paris 2024 Olympics under the guidance of Coach Randy Waldrum.
The blend of experienced players and emerging talents reflects the depth of Nigeria’s footballing prowess and sets the stage for an exciting campaign in Paris.
