Randy Waldrum, head coach of the Super Falcons of Nigeria, has announced a squad of 22 players for the crucial two-legged Paris 2024 Olympics final qualifying encounter against South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in April.
Among the notable inclusions are captain Rasheedat Ajibade, US-based star Asisat Oshoala, and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Also receiving call-ups are Saudi Arabia-based defender Ashley Plumptre, veteran Osinachi Ohale, midfielder Deborah Abiodun, and forwards Esther Okoronkwo and Uchenna Kanu.
The squad sees the return of 2019 World Cup star Chidinma Okeke and veteran forward Chiwendu Ihezuo, as well as the debut call-up for U-20 defender Shukurat Oladipo. Coach Waldrum has also retained regulars such as wing-back Michelle Alozie, midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Halimatu Ayinde, and forward Gift Monday.
The Super Falcons will host the first leg at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Friday, April 5, before travelling to Pretoria for the return leg at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday, April 9.
The victor over the two legs will secure one of Africa’s two tickets to the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, with Zambia and Morocco vying for the other spot on the same dates.
Full List of Invited Players:
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia); Linda Jiwuaku (Bayelsa Queens).
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Nicole Payne (Portland Thorns FC, USA); Chidinma Okeke (Mynavi Sendai Ladies, Japan).
Midfielders: Deborah Abiodun (University of Pittsburgh, USA); Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosengard, Sweden); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Jennifer Echegini (Juventus Ladies, Italy); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid FC, Spain); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain).
Forwards: Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Esther Okoronkwo (Changchun FC, China); Ifeoma Onumonu (SLC Utah, USA); Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA); Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Chiwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico).