Nigeria has announced its 23-woman Super Falcons squad as they prepare for a double-header friendly against Cameroon.
These Cameroon friendlies serve as crucial preparation for the delayed 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), now slated for July 2025, Footballrover reports.
While a strong team has been selected, the notable absence of certain high-profile players has raised eyebrows.
Super Falcons lineup: Who’s ready for the Cameroon friendlies?
The squad list is spearheaded by Paris FC goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Everton’s Toni Payne, and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Jennifer Echegini.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade also features, even after her recent departure from Atlético Madrid.
Excitingly, Remo Stars Ladies’ Bolaji Olamide, with approximately 15 goals this season, and Ennem Essien of Edo Queens have received their first call-ups.
Blessing Ilevida, Matthias Josephine, and Miracle Usani from the NWFL also celebrate their first national team selections.
Benfica’s Christy Ucheibe makes the cut, and Francisca Ordega, displaying good scoring form in Saudi Arabia with Ittihad, returns to the fold after missing recent major tournaments.
Shocking omissions ahead of the Cameroon friendlies
However, the squad announcement is marked by the surprising exclusion of two prominent figures: record-breaking forward Asisat Oshoala and dependable defender Ashleigh Plumptre.
The reasons for their absence remain unspecified. Adding to the surprise, Gift Monday, who has netted nearly 20 goals this season, is also not included, alongside Edna Imade of Granada, who boasts 16 goals but hasn’t received her first call-up.
This leaves fans wondering about the tactical decisions behind these omissions for the upcoming friendlies.
Interim head coach Justin Madugu has selected a balanced team composition: three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders, and six forwards.
The attacking options include Tenerife’s Rinsola Babajide and Montpellier’s Ifeoma Onumonu, while veteran Ohale Osinachi provides experience in defence.
These double-header friendlies mark the Super Falcons’ first international action since their 2-1 loss to France in December 2023, ending a period of limited matches.
The first leg will be hosted at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on May 31, followed by the return fixture on June 3 at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.
Drawn in a challenging WAFCON group with Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana, these upcoming matches against Cameroon are vital for Madugu and his coaching staff to refine strategies and evaluate player preparedness.
The Super Falcons, with their impressive record of nine WAFCON titles, aim to reclaim their dominance in African women’s football, especially with South Africa currently holding the championship title, which Nigeria last won in 2018.
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