Paragraph 1: Squad Announcement and Key Players
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) unveiled its 24-player squad for the 2023 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), marking the return of star forward Asisat Oshoala and defender Ashleigh Plumptre after their absence from a recent friendly against Cameroon. The squad boasts a formidable lineup, including goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, captain Rasheedat Ajibade, seasoned defenders Osinachi Ohale and Michelle Alozie, and dynamic midfielders Deborah Abiodun and Christy Ucheibe. These players form the core of the Super Falcons’ aspirations for a tenth WAFCON title. The inclusion of three home-based players—goalkeeper Rachael Unachukwu and defenders Sikiratu Isah and Miracle Usani—adds a touch of local talent to the internationally seasoned squad.
Paragraph 2: Pre-Tournament Preparations and Friendlies
The Super Falcons commenced their training camp in Abuja, Nigeria, with sessions scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday before their departure to Lisbon, Portugal, on Sunday for their final training phase. The team’s pre-tournament preparations include two crucial friendly matches. They will face Portugal on June 23rd, followed by a clash against Ghana on June 29th. These friendlies provide valuable opportunities to fine-tune tactics, assess player combinations, and build team cohesion ahead of the challenging group stage matches in Morocco.
Paragraph 3: Tournament Details and Super Falcons’ Ambitions
The 13th edition of WAFCON is set to take place in Morocco from July 5th to 26th. Nigeria’s Super Falcons, nine-time champions of the tournament, enter the competition as one of the favorites. Their rich history in WAFCON and their consistent performance on the continental stage make them a force to be reckoned with. Drawn into Group B, the Super Falcons will face Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria, aiming to navigate the group stage successfully and progress towards another potential title.
Paragraph 4: Goalkeepers and Defensive Line
The Super Falcons’ goalkeeping department is anchored by Chiamaka Nnadozie, recently out of contract with Paris FC, and the experienced Tochukwu Oluehi from Shualat Alsharqia FC in Saudi Arabia. Rachael Unachukwu from Nasarawa Amazons adds a home-based perspective to the goalkeeping ranks. The defensive line features a blend of experience and emerging talent. Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca), Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma), Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash), and Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC) bring international experience, while Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons), Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray), and Miracle Usani (Edo Queens) provide a domestic flavor and represent the future of Nigerian women’s football.
Paragraph 5: Midfield and Forward Powerhouse
The midfield is orchestrated by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, recently out of contract with Atletico Madrid, and the versatile Halimatu Ayinde from FC Rosenburg. Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity), Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain), Toni Payne (Everton Ladies), and Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica) add creativity, dynamism, and ball-winning abilities to the midfield engine room. The Super Falcons’ attack boasts a potent mix of goalscorers and playmakers. Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies Club), Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca), Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC), Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto), Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa), Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng), and Chioma Okafor (University of Connecticut) bring pace, power, and clinical finishing to the forward line.
Paragraph 6: Expectations and Significance
The Super Falcons’ participation in the 2023 WAFCON carries significant weight for Nigerian football. As the most successful team in the tournament’s history, they are expected to contend for the title and maintain their dominance on the African stage. The tournament also serves as a platform for individual players to showcase their talents and attract attention from top clubs around the world. The blend of experienced internationals and promising young players creates a sense of optimism and excitement for the Super Falcons’ prospects in Morocco. The team’s performance will not only impact their own aspirations but also influence the overall development and growth of women’s football in Nigeria and across the continent.
