Paris 2024: Ucheibe, Ajibade, Oshoala lead Super Falcons for qualifiers vs South Africa
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- In preparation for Nigeria's Paris Olympics final qualifying fixture against South Africa, head coach Randy Waldrum has unveiled his Super Falcons squad.
Among the 22 players summoned, familiar names like captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Africa Women's Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, Paris FC goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and Benfica SL midfielder, Christy Ucheibe stand out.
Joining them are Saudi Arabia-based defender Ashley Plumptre, veteran Osinachi Ohale, and midfielder Deborah Abiodun.
Waldrum's selection also sees the return of 2019 World Cup standout, Chidinma Okeke and forward Chiwendu Ihezuo, alongside a first international call-up for U20 defender Shukurat Oladipo.
There is also room in the squad for key players such as wing-back Michelle Alozie, midfielders Toni Payne and Halimatu Ayinde, and forward Gift Monday.
The Super Falcons are set to clash with South Africa in a crucial two-legged tie.
The first leg is slated for April 5th at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, with the return leg scheduled for April 9th at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
The stakes are high as the victor secures one of Africa’s two tickets to the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament.
Here's the full list of invited players:
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia); Linda Jiwuaku (Bayelsa Queens, Nigeria)
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Club de Futbol, Mexico); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens, Nigeria); 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 Femenino, Portugal); Jennifer Echegini (Juventus Ladies, Italy); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico de Madrid FC, Spain); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain)
Forwards: Omorinsola Babajide (Costa Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Esther Okoronkwo (Changchun FC, China); Ifeoma Onumonu (Utah Royals FC, USA); Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA); Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville FC, USA); Gift Monday (Costa Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Chiwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca Club de Futbol, Mexico)