Paragraph 1: Squad Composition and Notable Absences
Nigeria’s Super Falcons head coach, Justin Madugu, has unveiled a 23-player roster for upcoming friendlies against Cameroon. The squad features a blend of experienced international players and emerging talents from the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL). Captain Rasheedat Ajibade will lead the team in the absence of star striker Asisat Oshoala. Oshoala’s omission, though significant, provides an opportunity for Madugu to evaluate the team’s depth and explore alternative attacking options as they prepare for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. The inclusion of nine home-based players underscores the coach’s commitment to fostering local talent and integrating them into the national team setup. This approach suggests a long-term vision for strengthening the Super Falcons and broadening the pool of players available for selection.
Paragraph 2: Domestic League Representation and Goalkeeping Options
The squad selection demonstrates a significant investment in the NWFL, with representation from several clubs. Edo Queens leads the way with four players: goalkeeper Morufa Ademola, defender Miracle Usani, midfielder Amarachi Odoma, and striker Emem Essien. Bayelsa Queens contributes goalkeeper Linda Jiwuaku and defender Blessing Ilivieda, while Nasarawa Amazons provides defender Sikiratu Isah and midfielder Josephine Mathias. Olamide Bolaji from Remo Stars Ladies completes the contingent of home-based players. This strong domestic presence not only offers valuable international experience for these players but also provides a platform to showcase their abilities on a larger stage. In the goalkeeping department, the experienced Chiamaka Nnadozie of Paris FC is expected to retain her starting position, providing a sense of stability and leadership from the back.
Paragraph 3: Midfield and Attacking Prowess
The midfield boasts a mix of experience and youthful exuberance, anchored by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, whose imminent departure from Atlético Madrid adds an interesting dimension to her leadership role. She is joined by the dynamic Jennifer Echegini of Paris Saint-Germain and the robust Christy Ucheibe from Benfica. Deborah Abiodun, who plies her trade with Dallas Trinity in the United States, adds further depth and versatility to the midfield options. The attacking line-up is designed for speed, skill, and goalscoring prowess. Toni Payne of Everton, Ifeoma Onumonu of Montpellier, Rinsola Babajide of Costa Adeje Tenerife, and the returning Francisca Ordega, now playing for Ittihad Ladies in Saudi Arabia, will be tasked with finding the back of the net and creating scoring opportunities.
Paragraph 4: Defensive Solidity and Returning Players
The defensive unit is built on experience and tactical awareness. Veteran center-back Osinachi Ohale, currently with Pachuca in Mexico, brings her wealth of experience to the squad. She will be supported by the athleticism of Houston Dash’s Michelle Alozie, the tactical acumen of London City Lionesses’ Rofiat Imuran, and the strength of Galatasaray’s Oluwatosin Demehin. The return of Shukurat Oladipo, recently signed by AS Roma, further strengthens the defensive options and adds another layer of experience to the backline. The blend of seasoned professionals and emerging talents offers a balanced approach to defensive solidity.
Paragraph 5: Preparation and Upcoming Friendlies
The Super Falcons are scheduled to convene in Ijebu-Ode on May 26th to begin preparations for the two friendlies against Cameroon. The matches, slated for May 31st in Ikenne and June 3rd in Abeokuta, will provide crucial match practice and allow Madugu to assess the team’s cohesion and tactical flexibility. The friendlies against Cameroon, a strong African opponent, will serve as a valuable test and allow the coaching staff to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the WAFCON tournament. These matches offer an opportunity to solidify starting lineups, experiment with different formations, and build team chemistry.
Paragraph 6: Looking Ahead to WAFCON and Recent International Activity
The friendlies against Cameroon are a crucial stepping stone towards the WAFCON tournament in Morocco, where the Super Falcons will face Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana in Group B. As 11-time African champions, Nigeria will be aiming for a strong performance and will be looking to leverage these friendlies to build momentum. Their most recent international outing was a 2-1 defeat against France in November 2024, a high-profile friendly that provided valuable experience against top-level opposition. Prior to that, they hosted Algeria in a two-legged friendly in October 2024, further demonstrating their commitment to regular international competition. The upcoming friendlies against Cameroon and the subsequent WAFCON tournament represent crucial opportunities for the Super Falcons to continue their development and assert their dominance on the African stage.
