The Super Falcons players Ashley Plumptre and Onome Ebi have been excluded from the squad for the 2024 Olympic qualifiers against Ethiopia by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).
The NFF on Monday released the roster of players summoned for the matches against Ethiopia, featuring anticipated inclusions such as goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and forward Asisat Oshoala.
The initial encounter of the second-round fixture is set to be held in Addis Ababa on Wednesday, 25th October, with the return leg scheduled in Nigeria on Tuesday, 31st October.
In order to progress to this stage of the Paris 2024 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament qualification, Ethiopia advanced by defeating Chad in the opening round, while the nine-time African champions, Nigeria, received a bye.
The Super Falcons, who secured an 8th place finish in the 32-team FIFA Women’s World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand this summer, advanced to the third round of the 2024 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) qualification series by way of a bye, as Sao Tome and Principe’s senior team withdrew from the competition.
In the upcoming third round, the Falcons will face off against the women’s team from Cape Verde in late November.
Next year’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament is scheduled to be held in Paris, France. Nigeria’s Super Falcons previously participated in the Olympics in 2000, 2004, and 2008.
List of Invited Players:Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia); Monle Oyono (Bayelsa Queens)
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca FC, Mexico); Comfort Folorunsho (Edo Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Stade de Reims, France); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Nicole Payne (Paris Saint Germain, France); Jumoke Alani (Edo Queens); Rofiat Imuran (Stade de Reims, France)
Midfielders: Halimatu Ayinde (Rosengard FC, Sweden); Peace Efih (Sporting Club de Braga, Portugal); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid FC, Spain); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain); Regina Otu (AS Saint Etienne, France)
Forwards: Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Ifeoma Onumonu (NY/NJ Gotham FC, USA); Asisat Oshoala (FC Barcelona Feminine, Spain); Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA); Gift Monday ((Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Opeyemi Ajakaye (FC Robo Queens).