Waldrum Lists Oshoala, Nnadozie, Ajibade, 15 Others for 2024 Olympics

Head Coach Randy Waldrum has selected 17 players for Nigeria’s Super Falcons squad for this year’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in France. The squad includes prominent players like captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Osinachi Ohale, and forward Asisat Oshoala.

The full list of players also features defenders Oluwatosin Demehin and Michelle Alozie, midfielders Deborah Abiodun, Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, and Toni Payne, and forwards Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Uchenna Kanu.

Players currently on holiday in Nigeria will join the home based players and team officials on an Air France flight from Abuja to Sevilla, Spain, on Thursday night. The rest of the squad and technical team will arrive in Sevilla on Friday for a two week training camp before departing for France on July 18.

Nigeria, nine time African champions, will compete in their first Women’s Olympic Football Tournament since 2008. They will face Brazil, Spain, and Japan in the group stages, with their first match against Brazil scheduled for July 25 at Stade Bordeaux. Subsequent matches against Spain and Japan will be held at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers:

• Chiamaka Nnadozie Paris FC
• Tochukwu Oluehi Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia

Defenders:

• Osinachi Ohale Pachuca Club de Futbol, Mexico
• Oluwatosin Demehin Stade de Reims, France
• 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
• Toni Payne Sevilla FC, Spain

Forwards:

• Rasheedat Ajibade Atletico Madrid FC, Spain
• Esther Okoronkwo Changchun FC, China
• Asisat Oshoala Bay FC, USA
• Uchenna Kanu Racing Louisville, USA
• Chiwendu Ihezuo Pachuca Club de Futbol, Mexico
• Chinonyerem Macleans Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia

Alternate Players:

• Jumoke Alani Nasarawa Amazons
• Ifeoma Onumonu Utah Royals, USA
• Gift Monday Costa Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain
• Morufa Ademola Rivers Angels

Editorial

The selection of the Super Falcons squad for the 2024 Olympics reflects a blend of experienced and emerging talent. With key players like Asisat Oshoala, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and Rasheedat Ajibade leading the team, Coach Randy Waldrum aims to leverage their international experience and skills to navigate through a challenging group stage.

The inclusion of players from various top leagues worldwide underscores the global recognition and prowess of Nigerian football talent. As they prepare for the tournament in Sevilla, the focus will be on building team cohesion and refining strategies to face strong opponents like Brazil, Spain, and Japan.

Returning to the Olympics after a 16 year absence, the Super Falcons carry the hopes of a nation eager to see them excel on the international stage. Their journey through the qualifiers, particularly their crucial win against South Africa, has already showcased their resilience and capability.

The upcoming matches in France will not only test their skills but also their ability to perform under pressure. With a mix of seasoned players and young talents, the Super Falcons are poised to make a significant impact at the 2024 Olympics.

Did You Know?

1. The Super Falcons have won the African Women’s Championship nine times, making them the most successful team in the competition’s history.
2. Asisat Oshoala, one of the team’s key forwards, has won the African Women’s Player of the Year award multiple times.
3. This will be Nigeria’s first appearance at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament since 2008.
4. The Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes, where Nigeria will play two of their group matches, was the venue where the Super Eagles famously defeated Spain 3-2 in the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
5. Coach Randy Waldrum previously led the Nigerian U20 women’s team to the quarterfinals of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in 2018.