Randy Waldrum, the Super Falcons’ head coach, has unveiled his roster for the upcoming Paris 2024 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament.
Led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, the team boasts a talented lineup featuring goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Osinachi Ohale, and forward Asisat Oshoala.
The squad also includes 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.
Following their break in Nigeria, Super Falcons players will reunite with their colleagues and team officials in Abuja to embark on an Air France flight to Sevilla, Spain, on Thursday, July 4.
The entire squad and technical team will assemble in Sevilla on Friday, marking the start of a two-week intensive training camp.
On Thursday, July 18, the team will depart Sevilla for France, gearing up for their historic return to the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament after a 16-year absence.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons, nine-time African champions, are set to face formidable opponents Brazil, Spain, and Japan in the highly anticipated competition.
The Super Falcons clinched their spot in the 12-team tournament by defeating South Africa’s Banyana Banyana 1-0 in Abuja, with Ajibade’s penalty kick securing the win.
This victory came after a two-leg showdown between the top two African teams in April.
Nigeria’s campaign begins on July 25 against Brazil at Stade Bordeaux, followed by matches against Spain on July 28 and Japan on July 31 at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes – a venue that holds fond memories for Nigerian football fans, as it was the site of the Super Eagles’ thrilling 3-2 triumph over Spain at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia).
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha 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 (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Chinonyerem Macleans (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia).
Alternate Players: Jumoke Alani (Nasarawa Amazons); Ifeoma Onumonu (Utah Royals, USA); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Morufa Ademola (Rivers Angels).
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