WAFCON 2024: Nigeria Unveils Star-Studded Squad for Morocco Showdown

WAFCON 2024: Nigeria Unveils Star-Studded Squad for Morocco Showdown

By Niyi Busari 

Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has unveiled a 24-player squad, headlined by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and star forwards Asisat Oshoala and Francisca Ordega, as Nigeria prepares to pursue a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco from July 5 to 26, 2024, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The squad blends established internationals with emerging talents, including key returnees and promising home-based players. Preparations kicked off in Abuja on Thursday, with training sessions also scheduled for Friday and Saturday. The team is expected to depart for their final training camp in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sunday morning.

Notable Call-Ups and Key Returnees

Madugu’s list features Saudi-based defender Ashleigh Plumptre, USA-based fan favorite Michelle Alozie, veteran Osinachi Ohale, and midfield stalwarts Deborah Abiodun, Jennifer Echegini, and Christy Ucheibe. The return of midfield anchor Halimatu Ayinde further strengthens the squad’s spine.

Home-based players Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons), Sikiratu Isah, and Miracle Usani also earn deserved spots on the team sheet.

WAFCON Warm-Ups: Portugal and Ghana Friendlies

To fine-tune preparations, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has secured high-profile friendly matches against the senior women’s national teams of Portugal and Ghana. The Super Falcons will face Portugal in Lisbon on Monday, June 23, before taking on Ghana’s Black Queens in Morocco on Sunday, June 29.

Nigeria will compete in Group B of the tournament, facing Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

Nigeria Squad for 2024 WAFCON (Morocco)

Goalkeepers:

Chiamaka Nnadozie (Free agent, last at Paris FC, France)

Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia)

Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)

Defenders:

Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca, Mexico) Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy), Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA), Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia), Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons), Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray, Turkey), Miracle Usani (Edo Queens)

Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Free agent, last at Atletico Madrid, Spain), Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosenborg, Sweden), Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity, USA), Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England), Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)

Forwards: Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies Club, Saudi Arabia), Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca, Mexico), Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France), Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada), Omorinsola Babajide (Costa Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain), Folashade Ijamilusi(Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China), Chioma Okafor (University of Connecticut, USA)