As the countdown to the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco intensifies, Nigeria’s Super Falcons are set to engage in two high-profile friendly matches against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses. These encounters, scheduled for May 31 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo and June 3 at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, serve as crucial preparation for the continental tournament commencing on July 5.
A Blend of Experience and Emerging Talent
Head Coach Justine Madugu has announced a 23-player squad that combines seasoned internationals with promising talents from the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL). Notably, Bolaji Olamide of Remo Stars Ladies, who clinched the NWFL Premiership top scorer title with 15 goals, earns a well-deserved call-up. Other home-based players making the squad include:
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- Essien Emem (Edo Queens)
- Ilivied Blessing (Bayelsa Queens)
- Morufa Ademola (Edo Queens)
- Linda Jiwuaku (Bayelsa Queens)
- Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons)
- Miracle Usani (Edo Queens)
- Josephine Mathias (Nasarawa Amazons)
- Cordelia Odoma (Edo Queens)
These selections underscore the depth of talent within the NWFL and the league’s pivotal role in nurturing future national team stars.
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Veteran Presence
Complementing the fresh faces are established players who bring invaluable experience:
- Rasheedat Ajibade (Captain)
- Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France)
- Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA)
- Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain)
- Rinsola Babajide (UDG Tenerife, Spain)
- Osinachi Ohale (Deportivo Alavés, Spain)
- Oluwatosin Demehin (Stade de Reims, France)
- Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy)
- Deborah Abiodun (Pittsburgh Panthers, USA)
- Jennifer Echegini (Florida State Seminoles, USA)
- Ifeoma Onumonu (NJ/NY Gotham FC, USA)
- Francisca Ordega (CSKA Moscow, Russia)
Their inclusion ensures a balanced squad capable of blending youthful exuberance with seasoned professionalism.
Notable Absentees
Conspicuously absent from the squad are key players such as Asisat Oshoala and Monday Gift, whose omissions may be strategic or due to other considerations.
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Cameroon’s Perspective
Although Cameroon did not secure qualification for this year’s WAFCON, the Indomitable Lionesses view these friendlies as vital opportunities to maintain competitive sharpness and evaluate emerging talents within their ranks.
Looking Ahead
These friendlies not only provide a platform for tactical experimentation but also offer fans a glimpse into the team’s evolving dynamics as they aim for continental glory in Morocco.
Picture Credit: Remo Stars Ladies Facebook Page
