Plumptre, Ordega missing as NFF names Falcons squad for WAFCON qualifiers

September 15, 2023 7:33 pm

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has named 24 players for the Super Falcons’ upcoming first round of qualifiers for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

According to the list released by the federation on Friday, Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade and Chiamaka Nnadozie return to the Falcons fold and will represent Nigeria for the double-legged clash against Sao Tome and Principe.

Michelle Alozie, Christy Ucheibe and Toni Payne are also listed in the squad alongside Ifeaoma Onumonu and Gift Monday.

The 40-year-old Onome Ebi led the inclusion of nine home-based players, including Esther Onyenezide, Flourish Sebastien and Opeyemi Ajakaye.

Notable absences from the list are Ashleigh Plumptre, Uchenna Kanu and Francesca Ordega.

The team’s leadership remain uncertain, as the NFF technical committee continues talks with Randy Waldrum, Falcons head coach, concerning a contract extension.

Nigeria will host Sao Tome at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium on September 22 for the first leg of the encounter before travelling for the return leg four days later.

The encounter will be the first time the Falcons take to the pitch since the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where they exited in the second round.

FULL LIST

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia); Monle Oyono (Bayelsa Queens)

Defenders: Onome Ebi (Naija Ratels); Akudo Ogbonna (Remo Stars Ladies); 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: Peace Efih (Sporting Club de Braga, Portugal); Esther Onyenezide (FC Robo Queens); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid FC, Spain); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain); Regina Otu (AS Saint Etienne, France)

Forward: Flourish Sebastine (Bayelsa Queens); Ifeoma Onumonu (NY/NJ Gotham FC, USA); Asisat Oshoala (FC Barcelona Feminine, Spain); Vivian Ikechukwu (Besiktas JK, Turkey); Gift Monday (UDG Tenerife, Spain); Chiamaka Okuchukwu (Rivers Angels); Opeyemi Ajakaye (FC Robo Queens)