Ruth Semilore
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Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum, has unveiled his squad for the Paris 2024 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament.
Leading the team is captain Rasheedat Ajibade, with key players like goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Osinachi Ohale, and forward Asisat Oshoala.
The roster also features defenders Oluwatosin Demehin and Michelle Alozie, midfielders Deborah Abiodun, Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, and Toni Payne, along with forwards Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Uchenna Kanu.
Players on holiday in Nigeria will join home-based players and officials on an Air France flight from Abuja to Sevilla, Spain, on Thursday night. The remainder of the squad and technical team will arrive in Sevilla on Friday for a two-week training camp.
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The team is slated to leave Sevilla for France on Thursday, 18th July.
Nine-time African champions Nigeria are making their first appearance at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament since 2008. They will compete against Brazil, Spain, and Japan in this year’s tournament.
The Falcons secured their spot in the 12-team tournament by defeating South Africa’s Banyana Banyana 1-0, thanks to a penalty strike from Ajibade in Abuja, separating Africa’s top two teams over two legs in April.
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Nigeria’s first match is against Brazil on 25th July at the Stade Bordeaux, followed by games against Spain on 28th July and Japan on 31st July at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes. This venue is notable for the Super Eagles’ famous 3-2 victory over Spain at the 1998 FIFA World Cup finals.
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).
