Coach Waldrum calls 22 players for national duty as Super Falcons set for important Olympics qualifying clash against South Africa.
Coach Randy Waldrum has called up 22 players, including key figures like captain Rasheedat Ajibade, star striker Asisat Oshoala, and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, for Nigeria’s crucial Paris Olympics final qualifying matches against South Africa.
The squad also features Saudi Arabia-based defender Ashley Plumptre, veteran Osinachi Ohale, midfielder Deborah Abiodun, and forwards Esther Okoronkwo and Uchenna Kanu.
Noteworthy recalls include 2019 World Cup standout Chidinma Okeke and forward Chiwendu Ihezuo, while U20 defender Shukurat Oladipo earns her first call-up.
The Super Falcons will host the first leg on April 5th at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja before traveling to Pretoria for the return leg on April 9th at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
The winner over both legs will secure one of Africa’s two spots in this year’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, with Zambia and Morocco vying for the other ticket on the same dates.
Waldrum’s selection also includes regulars like wing-back Michelle Alozie, midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Halimatu Ayinde, and forward Gift Monday.
The invited players are:
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)
