Six-time African Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, and Saudi Arabia-based defender, Ashleigh Plumptre, have returned to the Super Falcons squad as head coach Justine Madugu named 24 players for Nigeria’s campaign at the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to hold in Morocco from July 5 to 26.
Joining Oshoala in the squad are key players Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and forward Francisca Ordega. The Super Falcons are scheduled to play Group B matches against Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Several players began training in Abuja on Thursday and will continue sessions through Saturday before departing for a final training camp in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sunday.
Coach Madugu’s list also includes US-based Michelle Alozie, veteran defender Osinachi Ohale, and midfielders Deborah Abiodun, Jennifer Echegini, and Christy Ucheibe. Home-based goalkeeper Rachael Unachukwu and defenders Sikiratu Isah and Miracle Usani were also selected, along with midfielder Halimatu Ayinde, who makes a return after her absence in previous engagements.
To prepare for the tournament, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has arranged friendly matches against Portugal and Ghana. The Falcons will face Portugal in Lisbon on Monday, June 23, and Ghana’s Black Queens in Morocco on Sunday, June 29.
The team is scheduled to leave for Morocco on Wednesday, June 25, for a 10-day training camp before the competition begins.
Nigeria will aim for a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, having won nine of the 12 tournaments since the competition’s inception in 1998. The Super Falcons also represented Africa in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1991 and 1995, before WAFCON adopted a tournament format.
Coach Madugu’s squad is looking to reclaim the title they last won in 2018. Nigeria finished fourth in the 2022 edition, also held in Morocco, making the current campaign one of redemption.
To boost support, the NFF has launched a media initiative called “Mission X” to rally fans in Nigeria and the diaspora behind the team.
“We are committed to fully supporting the Super Falcons’ campaign for a 10th continental title,” said NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, speaking from the United States. “The Super Falcons remain the most decorated national team in African football. We are proud of what they have achieved and what they intend to achieve in Morocco.”
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