- Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum has revealed his 23-woman squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, featuring some of the biggest stars in Nigerian football.
Leading the attack will be five-time African Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala. The Barcelona Femeni star had a remarkable season, clinching both the Spanish League and the prestigious Champions League titles. Oshoala will aim to carry her impressive form to the World Cup and spearhead Nigeria's quest for glory.
Joining Oshoala in the forward line are Atletico Madrid Femeni forward, Rasheedat Ajibade and veteran striker, Desire Oparanozie. Oparanozie, who missed out on the previous Women's Africa Cup of Nations due to international exile, will be eager to make her mark in what will be her fourth World Cup appearance.
Veteran defender, Onome Ebi has been selected for an impressive sixth World Cup campaign. Her inclusion in the squad puts her on par with Japan's Homare Sawa as the second-most experienced player in terms of World Cup appearances, with the legendary Brazilian midfielder Formiga holding the record with seven World Cups under her belt.
The squad also features a group of promising debutants, including Chiamaka Nnadozie, Ashleigh Plumptre, Rofiat Imuran, Yetunde Balogun, Gift Monday, Christy Ucheibe, and Toni Payne. These talented youngsters will have the opportunity to showcase their skills on the global stage for the very first time.
The Super Falcons' World Cup journey will commence on July 21st with an enthralling match against Olympic champions Canada.
Full Squad List
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC), Tochukwu Oluehi (Hakkarigücü Spor), Yewande Balogun (AS Saint-Etienne_
Defenders: Onome Ebi (Abia Angels FC), Osinachi Ohale (Deportivo Alaves FC), Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash), Tosin Demehin (Stade de Reims), Ashleigh Plumptre (Leicester City FC), Rofiat Imuran (Stade de Reims), Glory Ogbonna (Besiktas JK)
Midfielders: Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica), Toni Payne (Sevilla FC), Deborah Abiodun (University of Pittsburgh), Francis Ordega (CSKA Moscow), Jennifer Echegini (Florida State University), Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosengard)
Forwards: Asisat Oshoala (FC Barcelona), Desire Oparanozie (Wuhan Jianghan), Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid), Ifeoma Onumonu (NY/NJ Gotham FC), Ijeoma Okoronkwo (UDG Tenerife), Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville FC), Gift Monday (UDG Tenerife)
