34 days until the start of the Fifa Women’s World Cup, Head coach Randy Waldrum has revealed the final squad of 23 Super Falcons players who will represent Nigeria at this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The selection includes notable stars such as Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Onome Ebi, reflecting the team’s aspirations for a successful campaign on the global stage.
Oshoala, who recently won the UEFA Women’s Champions League with her club is expected to bring her invaluable experience and goal-scoring prowess to the squad. Ajibade, a talented attacking midfielder for Atletico Madrid, adds creativity and flair to the team’s midfield options. Ebi, the history-making captain, brings her leadership skills and defensive stability to the backline.
However, the inclusion of only two home-based player in the final squad speaks volumes of the disregard for the Nigeria Women’s Football League. This has raised some concerns among fans and critics alike. The omission of players who ply their trade in the Nigerian Women’s Football League has led to questions about the selection process and the opportunities provided to domestic talents.
Critics argue that overlooking home-based players may hinder the growth and development of the domestic league and limit the pool of talent available for future national team selections.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and Coach Waldrum need to provide transparency regarding the selection criteria and rationale behind the exclusion of home-based players. This will help alleviate concerns and provide clarity on the decision-making process. It is also crucial for the NFF to continue investing in the development of the domestic league and create pathways for young players to showcase their talents and potentially earn national team call-ups.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand presents an exciting opportunity for the Super Falcons to make a mark on the global stage.
Super Falcons Full List For 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Tochukwu Oluehi (Hakkarigucu Spor FC, Turkey); Yewande Balogun (AS Saint-Etienne, France)
Defenders: Onome Ebi (Abia Angels); Osinachi Ohale (Deportivo Alaves, Spain); Glory Ogbonna (Besiktas JK, Turkey); Ashleigh Plumptre (Leicester City, England); Rofiat Imuran (Stade de Reims, France); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Oluwatosin Demehin (Stade de Reims, France)
Midfielders: Halimatu Ayinde (Rosengard FC, Sweden); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Deborah Abiodun (Rivers Angels); Jennifer Echegini (Florida State University, USA)
Forwards: Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, Kentucky, USA); Gift Monday (UDG Tenerife, Spain); Ifeoma Onumonu (NY/NJ Gotham FC, USA); Asisat Oshoala (Barcelona Feminine, Spain); Desire Oparanozie (Wuhan Chegu Jianghan, China); Francisca Ordega (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Esther Okoronkwo (AS Saint-Etienne, France)
Nigeria will begin her campaign against Canada, face co-host nation Australia and then the Republic of Ireland in Group B.