Super Falcons Unveil Star studded Squad for Olympic Qualifiers

In preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic qualifiers, the Nigeria Football Federation has announced a formidable Super Falcons roster for the upcoming matches against South Africa’s Banyana Banyana. The team, under the guidance of manager Randy Waldrum, includes a blend of experienced internationals and promising talents, ready to compete in the double header next month.

The squad features notable names such as Rinsola Babajide, Asisat Oshoala, Ashleigh Plumptre, and Toni Payne, who have previously played for prestigious clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, Leicester City, and Ajax Amsterdam, respectively. The call up also marks a potential senior debut for Falconets defender Shukurat Oladipo and the return of Chidinma Okeke to the international scene after nearly three years.

The first leg of the Super Falcons versus Banyana Banyana clash is scheduled for Friday, April 5th, at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, with the return leg to follow in Pretoria at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday, April 9th. The victorious team over the two legs will earn one of Africa’s two spots in this year’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament.

Super Falcons Squad:

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie Paris FC, Tochukwu Oluehi Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia, Linda Jiwuaku Bayelsa Queens.

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale Pachuca 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 Costa 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 Pachuca Club de Futbol, Mexico.

Editorial

As the Super Falcons gear up for the Olympic qualifiers against Banyana Banyana, the announcement of the squad brings a wave of excitement and anticipation. The inclusion of players with experience in top European clubs underscores the depth of talent within the Nigerian women’s football team and highlights the growing influence of Nigerian footballers on the global stage.

This mix of seasoned internationals and emerging stars not only strengthens the team’s prospects but also serves as an inspiration for young girls across Nigeria and Africa. It’s a testament to the power of football as a unifying force and a platform for showcasing talent and breaking barriers.

The upcoming matches are more than just a step towards Olympic qualification they are a showcase of the rich footballing culture in Nigeria and the relentless spirit of the Super Falcons. As the team prepares to take on South Africa, the support from fans back home and around the world will undoubtedly fuel their determination to secure a spot in Paris 2024.

Let’s rally behind the Super Falcons as they embark on this crucial journey. Their success is not just a victory for the team but a triumph for Nigerian football and a beacon of hope for aspiring footballers everywhere.

Did You Know?

• Nigeria’s Super Falcons are one of the most successful women’s football teams in Africa, having won the African Women’s Championship multiple times.
• The Women’s Olympic Football Tournament offers a global stage for teams to showcase their talent, with only the best from each continent qualifying.
• Asisat Oshoala, one of the squad’s forwards, is a multiple time African Women’s Footballer of the Year and has played for Barcelona Femení, among other clubs.
• The MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, a key venue for the qualifiers, is named after Moshood Abiola, a Nigerian businessman and philanthropist who was passionate about sports.
• The Super Falcons’ participation in the Olympic qualifiers is part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to enhance its presence in international women’s football.