Ahead of the highly anticipated Olympic Games in Paris, France, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the final roster for the Super Falcons’ Olympic squad. Head Coach Randy Waldrum has selected a blend of experienced players and young talent, led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and defender Osinachi Ohale.
Other notable players include forward Asisat Oshoala, defenders Oluwatosin Demehin and Michelle Alozie, midfielders Deborah Abiodun, Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, and Toni Payne, and forwards Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Uchenna Kanu.
Notably absent from the squad are veteran players Onome Ebi and Francesca Ordega, who denied reports of trying to force their way into the team. Defender Ashleigh Plumptre, recovering from an injury, also missed the cut.
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This marks the Super Falcons’ first Olympic appearance since 2008, with none of the players having prior Olympic experience. The team will begin preparations with a two-week training camp in Sevilla, Spain, before facing Brazil, Spain, and Japan in the group stage.
The Super Falcons qualified for the Olympics after a grueling qualification process, defeating Ethiopia, Cameroon, and South Africa. They aim to build on their historic victory over Japan in 2004 and their quarterfinal appearance in 2008.
The full squad list includes:
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC), Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia)
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca 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 (Pachuca Club de Futbol, Mexico), Chinonyerem Macleans (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia)
Alternate Players: Jumoke Alani (Nasarawa Amazons), Ifeoma Onumonu (Utah Royals, USA), Gift Monday (Costa Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain), Morufa Ademola (Rivers Angels)
