The coach of the Super Falcons, Randy Waldrum, has selected Asisat Oshoala, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Rasheedat Ajibade, and 19 other players for the upcoming Paris Olympics qualifiers match against South Africa.
Defender Ashley Plumptre, currently based in Saudi Arabia, and veteran defender Osinachi Ohale have also been included among the 22 players called up for the upcoming match.
Young midfielder Deborah Abiodun, along with forwards Esther Okoronkwo and Uchenna Kanu, complete the star-studded squad, aiming to secure Nigeria’s spot at the 2024 Olympics women’s football event.
The Super Falcons will host the first leg of the qualifier at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Friday, 5th April, before traveling to Pretoria, South Africa, for the return leg at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday, 9th April.
The victor over the two legs will secure one of Africa’s two spots in this year’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in Paris. Zambia and Morocco will compete for the other ticket on the same dates.
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)