NWFL’s Unachukwu, Isah, and Usani fly with Super Falcons to WAFCON

When the Super Falcons’ 24-woman squad for the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco dropped, it was easy for most eyes to go straight to the usual names Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Francisca Ordega. The big names.

However, alongside the headlines, three players from the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), Usani Miracle, Sikiratu Isah, and Racheal Unachukwu ensured the home-based players got their shine too. For many, seeing these three names makes the squad list exciting.

Coach Madugu also had key returnees in the list. Halimatu Ayinde, making a comeback to the midfield, with Saudi-based Ashleigh Plumptre, fan-favourite Michelle Alozie from the USA, and experienced defender Osinachi Ohale.

Also included are Jennifer Echegini, Christy Ucheibe, and teenage sensation Deborah Abiodun in midfield.

The team’s preparations kicked off in Abuja on Thursday, and training sessions will continue through Saturday before the contingent jets off to Lisbon, Portugal, on Sunday for the final phase of preparations.

Nigeria’s Squad for the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco
Goalkeepers:
Chiamaka Nnadozie (recently left Paris FC, France), Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia), Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons, Nigeria).

Defenders:
Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Club de Fútbol, Mexico), Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy), Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA), Ashleigh Plumptre (Al-Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia), Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons, Nigeria), Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray, Turkey), Miracle Usani (Edo Queens, Nigeria).

Midfielders:
Rasheedat Ajibade (formerly Atlético Madrid, Spain), Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosengård, Sweden), Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity FC, USA), Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Toni Payne (Everton Women, England), Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)

Forwards:
Asisat Oshoala(Bay FC, USA), Francisca Ordega (Al-Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia), Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca Club de Fútbol, Mexico), Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier HSC, France), Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada), Omorinsola Babajide (UDG Tenerife, Spain), Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang, China), Chioma Okafor (University of Connecticut, USA).