The Nigeria Football Federation has unveiled a 23-player squad for the Super Falcons’ upcoming double-header against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses, with star striker Asisat Oshoala a notable absentee.
The announcement was made Tuesday evening via the official X (formerly Twitter) page of the Super Falcons.
Set to face the Indomitable Lionesses in friendly matches on May 30 in Ikenne and June 3 in Abeokuta, head coach Justin Madugu has opted for a youthful roster as the team intensifies preparations for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Leading the squad are captains Chiamaka Nnadozie and Rasheedat Ajibade, while seasoned forward Francisca Ordega returns after missing the last few international outings. Also included is Omorinsola Babajide, whose impressive form at club level has earned her a recall to the national team setup.
However, the absence of Oshoala signals a generational shift. The average age of the team is under 26, reflecting Madugu’s intention to blend youth with experience ahead of WAFCON, which kicks off on July 5.
The squad also includes standout performers from the recently concluded Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) season. Cordelia Odoma and Blessing Ilivieda have been rewarded for their league form with national team invitations.
Surprisingly, Edna Imade, the in-form Granada forward who netted 16 goals in Spain this season, was left out.
Her exclusion has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
Nigeria’s two matches against Cameroon are seen as vital tune-ups ahead of WAFCON, where the Super Falcons will compete in Group B alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana.
The team is seeking redemption after a painful semi-final loss to Morocco on penalties in the 2022 edition.
Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Linda Jiwuaku (Bayelsa Queens); Morufa Ademola (Edo Queens)
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Rofiat Imuran (London City Lionesses, England); Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Edo Queens); Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens)
Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Josephine Mathias (Nasarawa Amazons); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Amarachi Odoma (Edo Queens)
Forwards: Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies Club, Saudi Arabia); Olamide Bolaji (Remo Stars Ladies); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Emem Essien (Edo Queens).
