The Nigerian women's national football team, the Super Falcons, has unveiled an exciting and formidable squad of 22 players for their upcoming qualification matches for the Paris 2024 Women's Olympics.
The Super Falcons will face off against Ethiopia in a crucial second-round fixture as they seek to secure their spot in the prestigious tournament.
Promising young talents in Super Falcons squad
The Super Falcons have included a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talents, making it clear that they mean business on the road to the Olympics.
Leading the charge are star players who have made their mark on the international stage Michelle Alozie, Asisat Oshoala, and Chiamaka Nnadozie.
One of the most exciting aspects of this squad announcement is the inclusion of four home-based players, showcasing the Super Falcons' commitment to nurturing and promoting local talent.
💥Let's goooo!
Welcome to the 🇳🇬 fold, @rinss98!#SoarSuperFalcons| #NGA pic.twitter.com/n9rn99X1HX
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) October 9, 2023
Opeyemi Ajakaye, Monle Oyono, Jumoke Alani, and Comfort Folorunsho have all earned their spots in the squad.
While the squad features many exciting talents, some notable names are absent from the list.
Veteran defender Onome Ebi, who has been a stalwart in the team for years, is not part of the squad this time around.
Ashleigh Plumptre and Francesca Ordega are also absent from the selection.
However, this presents an opportunity for newer talents to step up and make their mark on the team.
Two players who have seized this opportunity with both hands are Opeyemi Ajakaiye and Comfort Folorunsho.
These young stars showcased their skills on the global stage during the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup and have now earned their first-ever call-up to the Super Falcons squad.
The upcoming qualification matches against Ethiopia promise to be a thrilling encounter.
Ethiopia earned their place in this round after eliminating Chad in the first round, making them a formidable opponent.
The first leg of this crucial fixture will take place in Addis Ababa on Wednesday, October 25th, with the second leg scheduled for Nigeria on Tuesday, October 31st.
The ultimate goal for the Super Falcons is to secure a place in the Women's Olympic Football Tournament, set to be held in Paris, France, in the summer of 2024.
The Super Falcons have a rich history of participation in the Olympics, having represented Nigeria in the 2000, 2004, and 2008 editions of the tournament.
With their formidable squad and a mix of experienced players and rising stars, they aim to make a significant impact on the global stage once again.
As the Super Falcons gear up for these crucial qualification matches, fans around the world are eagerly anticipating their journey to Paris 2024.
With their blend of talent, determination, and teamwork, the Super Falcons have the potential to shine brightly on the Olympic stage and make their nation proud.
List of Super Falcons' invited players for Paris 2024 Olympic qualifiers
Goalkeepers:Â Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia); Monle Oyono (Bayelsa Queens)
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca FC, Mexico); Comfort Folorunsho (Edo Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Stade de Reims, France); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Nicole Payne (Paris Saint Germain, France); Jumoke Alani (Edo Queens); Rofiat Imuran (Stade de Reims, France)
Midfielders:Â Halimatu Ayinde (Rosengard FC, Sweden); Peace Efih (Sporting Club de Braga, Portugal); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid FC, Spain); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain); Regina Otu (AS Saint Etienne, France)
Forwards:Â Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Ifeoma Onumonu (NY/NJ Gotham FC, USA); Asisat Oshoala (FC Barcelona Feminine, Spain); Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Opeyemi Ajakaye (FC Robo Queens)
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
