Super Falcons Coach Names 24-Player Squad for 2024 WAFCON

Super Falcons Head Coach, Justine Madugu, on Friday unveiled a 24-player squad for the upcoming 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

The team blends seasoned veterans with exciting young talent, highlighted by the inclusion of Asisat Oshoala and Chioma Okafor.

Oshoala, a six-time African Women’s Player of the Year, makes a welcome return after missing recent international matches.

She will join a strong core of experienced players, including Francisca Ordega, Halimatu Ayinde, Osinachi Ohale, and team captain Rasheedat Ajibade.

Making her debut call-up is Chioma Okafor, a 20-year-old forward currently playing collegiate soccer in the United States.

The squad also features 13 players from the 2022 WAFCON team and 11 newcomers, among them three home-based talents: Udoka Unachukwu, Sikiratu Isah, and Miracle Usani.

Madugu expressed his confidence in the squad, saying, “We’ve built a team with continuity, form, experience, and young prospects. I’m confident we’ll make a strong impression in Morocco.”

However, some notable players missed out on the squad, including Gift Monday, Joy Omewa, Edna Imade, and Bolaji Olamide.

Monday’s exclusion is seen as one of the biggest surprises, given her impressive form in the NWSL with four goals in seven games for Washington Spirit.

Omewa, a prolific striker, and Imade, a dynamic player with 16 goals in the Liga F, also fail to make the cut.

The Super Falcons will be seeking a 10th continental title after finishing fourth in 2022.

They have been drawn into Group B alongside Algeria, Tunisia, and Botswana. The team’s first match is against Botswana on July 5.

The squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC), Tochukwu Oluehi (Shulalat Alsharqia FC), and Udoka Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons).

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca), Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash), Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray), Ashleigh Plumptre (Al-Ittihad), Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma), Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons), and Miracle Usani (Edo Queens).

Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Atlético Madrid), Halimatu Ayinde (Rosengård), Toni Payne (Everton), Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain), Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity FC), and Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica).

Forwards: Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC), Francisca Ordega (Al-Ittihad), Veronica Ihezuo (Pachuca), Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier), Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto), Rinsola Babajide (Costa Adeje Tenerife), Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang), and Chioma Okafor (University of Connecticut).