Randy Waldrum, head coach of the Super Falcons, has included captain Rasheedat Ajibade and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie in his final squad for the Women’s Olympic football tournament in France.
This was announced in a statement by Ademola Olajire, head of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Communications Department, on Wednesday in Abuja.
The squad also features defenders Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Michelle Alozie.
Midfielders Deborah Abiodun, Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, and Toni Payne are also on the list.
Forwards Asisat Oshoala, Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Uchenna Kanu complete the final selection.
According to Olajire, some squad members currently on holiday in Nigeria will join the home-based players and team officials on an Air France flight from Abuja to Sevilla, Spain, on Thursday night.
The rest of the team and technical staff will arrive in Sevilla on Friday for a two-week training camp.
“The team is scheduled to depart Sevilla for France on Thursday, July 18.
“The nine-time African champions, Nigeria, are making their first appearance at the Women’s Olympic football tournament since 2008 in China. They will face Brazil, Spain, and Japan in that order.
“To qualify for the 12-team tournament, the Falcons edged South Africa’s Banyana Banyana 1-0, with a penalty strike in Abuja by Ajibade separating Africa’s top two teams over two legs in April.
“Their first game, against Brazil, will be at the Stade Bordeaux on July 25, followed by matches against Spain on July 28 and Japan on July 31 at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes, where the Super Eagles famously defeated Spain 3-2 at the 1998 FIFA World Cup finals.”
Other players in the squad include goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia) and alternate players Jumoke Alani (Nasarawa Amazons), Ifeoma Onumonu (Utah Royals, USA), Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain), and Morufa Ademola (Rivers Angels).
