Nigeria’s Super Falcons arrive in Angers for friendly against France

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have arrived in Angers, France, ahead of their international friendly against Les Bleues on Saturday.

The nine-time African champions touched down on Wednesday as they ramp up preparations for the match.

This will be the second time the two teams meet in a friendly, with the first encounter in April 2018 resulting in an 8-0 defeat for the Falcons in Le Mans.

However, only two players from that squad, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and defender Osinachi Ohale, remain in the current team.

The Falcons have fared better in competitive fixtures, losing narrowly by a single goal in both the 2011 and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments.

Saturday’s friendly is part of Nigeria’s build-up to the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, where they will look to reclaim their title from South Africa.

The Super Falcons recently secured two wins over Algeria and are now preparing for their Women’s AFCON group stage, where they will face Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana.

Super Falcons squad for France:

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia); Rofiat Imuran (London City Lioness, England); Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey)

Midfielders: Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Josephine Mathias (Nasarawa Amazons); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); Adoo Yina (Nasarawa Amazons)

Forwards: Blessing Nkor (Pyramids FC, Egypt); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Mercy Omokwo (Bayelsa Queens)