Head Coach Randy Waldrum has made his final selections for Nigeria’s Super Falcons squad heading to the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in France this year. Leading the team are captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Osinachi Ohale, and forward Asisat Oshoala, along with 14 other talented players. The squad announcement marks a crucial step in Nigeria’s preparation for the prestigious event, showcasing a mix of experience and emerging talent.
Joining Ajibade and Nnadozie are defenders Oluwatosin Demehin and Michelle Alozie, midfielders Deborah Abiodun, Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, and Toni Payne, as well as forwards Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Uchenna Kanu. These players, currently on holiday in Nigeria, will soon converge with their teammates for a rigorous training camp in Sevilla, Spain. The team’s journey begins with an Air France flight from Abuja, set to depart Thursday night, with a scheduled arrival in Sevilla on Friday. This two-week camp aims to fine-tune their strategies and cohesion ahead of the tournament.
The Super Falcons, nine-time African champions, are eager to make their mark in France, marking their return to the Olympic stage since 2008. Drawn into a competitive group, they will face formidable opponents in Brazil, Spain, and Japan. Their qualification journey was highlighted by a decisive 1-0 victory over South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, secured by Ajibade’s penalty strike in Abuja. This victory underscored Nigeria’s prowess and determination in securing their spot among the twelve teams competing for Olympic glory.
The tournament’s fixtures will kick off with a clash against Brazil at the Stade Bordeaux on July 25th, followed by matches against Spain on July 28th and Japan on July 31st. The latter two games will take place at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes, a venue with historical significance for Nigerian football, where the Super Eagles famously triumphed over Spain in a thrilling 3-2 victory during the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
The squad selected by Waldrum reflects a blend of international experience and emerging talent, aimed at maximizing Nigeria’s chances of success at the Olympics. In goal, alongside Nnadozie of Paris FC, Tochukwu Oluehi of Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia provides a reliable option. Defenders such as Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico), Oluwatosin Demehin (Stade de Reims, France), Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA), Nicole Payne (Portland Thorns FC, USA), and Chidinma Okeke (Mynavi Sendai Ladies, Japan) bolster the defensive lineup with their strength and tactical awareness.
In midfield, the team boasts a versatile lineup featuring Deborah Abiodun (University of Pittsburgh, USA), Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosengard, Sweden), Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal), Jennifer Echegini (Juventus Ladies, Italy), and Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain). These players bring creativity, vision, and technical skill to orchestrate play and control the tempo of matches.
Up front, the attacking prowess of 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), and Chinonyerem Macleans (Locomotiv Moscow, Russia) promises to be a potent force against their opponents. Their ability to score goals and create opportunities will be pivotal in Nigeria’s quest for Olympic success.
Additionally, alternate players such as Jumoke Alani (Nasarawa Amazons), Ifeoma Onumonu (Utah Royals, USA), Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain), and Morufa Ademola (Rivers Angels) stand ready to step in and contribute if needed, providing depth and flexibility to the squad.
As the Super Falcons gear up for their journey to France, the entire nation eagerly anticipates their performances on the global stage. With a talented squad and strategic preparations in place, Nigeria aims to make a significant impact at the Paris 2024 Olympics, showcasing their prowess and determination to succeed in women’s football.