Oshoala, Ajibade, Ordega — A look at Super Falcons’ WWC 2023 squad 

The Nigeria women’s national team is by far Africa’s most successful women team in history. The Super Falcons carries the hopes of an entire continent. They have participated in every Women’s World Cup and reached the quarterfinals in 1999 which was their best finish in the competition.

They lost 3-0 to Germany in the last 16 four years ago, but they come into the competition in Australia and New Zealand with confidence hoping to surpass their previous record of reaching the quarterfinals in 1999.

Nigeria are confident that they can cause some surprises and go to the knockout stages even though their group includes the hosts Australia, Republic of Ireland, and Canada. Nigeria has won 11 of the 14 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations since the competition’s debut in 1991, despite the fact that this is not what one would anticipate. 

Asisat Oshoala of Barcelona, who scored 21 goals in Spain’s Primera Division this season, and Rasheedat Ajibade of Atletico Madrid, a talented starlet who is expected to make her name in the summer, are both seasoned members of the Nigerian team. 

The team takes on this year’s co-host Australia later today in a crunch tie after playing 1-1 with Canada in their first game.

Now, let’s take a look at Randy Waldrum’s squad at the 2023 women’s world cup. 

Will the Super Falcons surpass expectations?

Goalkeepers 

• Chiamaka Cynthia Nnadozie: Nnadozie has been a member of the Nigeria women’s national team for a while now, born in Nigeria on December 8, 2000. Chiamaka trades her club football in France with Paris FC in the French Division 1.

She is widely considered as the top female goalkeeper in Africa and one of the best in the world. She is a complete, quick-witted, competent all-around goalkeeper with commanding presence and the ability to start build-up play with her ball distribution. For Nnadozie, the current season (2022/2023) has been outstanding.

She revealed her remarkable goalkeeping skills in 23 games for Paris FC, keeping an astonishing 13 clean sheets. Her outstanding contributions were crucial in helping her team finish third in the Feminine Division, only behind Olympique Lyonnais and Paris Saint-Germain. The 22-year-old earned the award the previous campaign after making 19 league appearances for Paris FC and recording 13 clean sheets. 

Nigerians and of course Africans as a continent will be hoping  that she continues to bring her A-game to the tournament after she saved Christine Sinclair’s penalty to get Nigeria a draw in their first match of the world cup against Canada thereby winning herself a lady of the match award.

Current Club: Paris FC

• Yewande Balogun: At age 31, Balogun discovered a deep connection to her Nigerian background and a sense of belonging. In February, she made her debut for Nigeria in a match against Costa Rica.

         Balogun grabbed the chance to showcase her skills and determination, giving her side a perfect game and a hard-fought victory thanks to an outstanding eeffort Balogun , who was born in Washington, D.C., on September 28, 1989 plays for AS Saint-Étienne in the French Division 2 Féminine.

Current Club: AS Saint-Étienne 

• Tochukwu Oluehi: Tochukwu Oluehi, a seasoned goalkeeper, is one of the talented players scheduled to wear the Super Falcons shirt.

Oluehi  made her professional debut in 2006 with Bayelsa Queens in the Nigerian Women’s League, and  has long been a notable player in Nigerian football. She has been the Super Falcons’ first-choice keeper for numerous years and has even represented Nigeria on the most prestigious women’s football platforms, taking part in three FIFA World Cups and a single Summer Olympic Game, thanks to her consistentl outstanding performances. Her extensive knowledge, steadfast commitment, and exceptional goalkeeping skills make her a vital asset to the team’s goals of going far in this tournament. 

Current Club: Hakkarigücü Spor 

Defenders

•  Osinachi Marvis Ohale: Osinachi plays as a centre back or right back for Spanish Liga F club Deportivo Alavés. She was born in Nigeria on 21st December, 1991 in Imo State. The 31 years old fullback has represented Nigeria in African Women’s Championship competitions in 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018, she represented Nigeria. She has triumphed in all four competitions. She also participated in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup teams, 2015 Nigerian teams, and 2019 Nigerian team. 

Current Club: Deportivo Alavés 

• Ashleigh Megan Plumptre: Born in Leicester on 8 May 1998, Plumptre grew up and attended primary school in Melton Mowbray.  

After representing England in the under-15, under-17, under-19, and under-23 categories, Plumptre made a momentous twist in 2021 when she revealed her intention to play for Nigeria, her paternal grandfather’s birthplace. 

The jewel who plays for Leicester City women’s team proved her versatility by playing a variety of positions during the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualification, including Center-back, left-back and even center-midfield. Plumptre’s graceful ball-playing style and seamless adaptability makes her an integral part of Super Falcons. 

Current Club: Leicester City. 

• Glory Akumbu Ogbonna: Ogbonna plays as a defender for both the Nigeria women’s national team and Turkish club Beşiktaş JK, she was born in Nigeria on December 25, 1998. She formerly participated in the Nigeria Women’s Football League with Edo Queens.

The 24 years old super falcon made her debut for Nigeria at the 2018 WAFU Women’s Cup and  was invited for 2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations qualifiers, and where she did absolutely well thereby earning her self an invitation to the squad to the main tournament and subsequently a place in the 2023 world cup finals.

Current Club: iktaş JK

• Oluwatosin Demehin: Oluwatosin Demehin is a Nigerian footballer who plays as a defender for Nigeria women’s national football team and Stade de Reims. She was born 13 March 2002. This is the second time she is being called for a world competition as she has already represented Nigeria in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Current Club: Stade de Reims Féminine 

• Rofiat Imuran: Born on 17th of June 2004, Imuran is another young and new name on the Super Falcon’s team who have previously represented Nigeria in the U-20 Women’s World Cup looks forward to making her name. The young tslent plays as a defender for Stade de Reims. 

Current Club: Stade de Reims Féminine 

• Enome Ebi: Ebi was born on May 8, 1983. She is a Nigerian center-back that plays for the Nigeria women’s national team and Nigerian club Abia Angels. She has participated in five FIFA World Cup competitions making her the first  African footballer to achieve such feat in 2019. 

Onome Ebi is a seasoned defender who has played a significant role for many years in the Nigerian women’s squad. As one of the competition’s oldest players, she adds stability, leadership, and a wealth of experience to the defense. Ebi is well-known for her defensive skills. The captain of the Super Falcons is the first African footballer to appear in six FIFA World Cups. She made her Super Falcons debut in 2003 and has since been a member of the team. Throughout her career, she has given the Nigerian defense consistency and expertise. Her experience and consistency will be needed if the Super Falcons are to ho a long way in this competition. 

Current Club: Abia Angels. 

• Michelle Chinwendu Alozie: Alozie is an American-born Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a forward for National Women’s Soccer League team Houston Dash and the Nigeria women’s national team. She was born 28 April 1997.

Current Club: Houston Dash  

Midfielders 

• Halimatu Ibrahim Ayinde: Halimatu Ibrahim Ayinde represents Nigeria’s women’s national team, the Super Falcons, as a midfielder. She was born in Lagos, Nigeria, September 16, 1996. Before travelling abroad to advance her career, Ayinde started her professional career with the Nasarawa Amazons in the Nigerian Women’s Championship League. She has played football in countries like Sweden, Belarus, and Cyprus, developing her skills and gaining invaluable experience.  Since making her Super Falcons debut, she has established herself as a crucial member of the national team’s midfield, bringing her technical prowess, keen vision, and powerful tackling to the game. Ayinde has represented Nigeria in a number of international events, such as the Africa Women Cup of Nations, where she significantly contributed in Nigeria winning the trophy. 

Ayinde is renowned for her versatility and is a tremendous asset to any team because she can play both defensively and in a more offensive role. She has contributed significantly to the team’s success thanks to her talent, adaptability, and commitment, and she is prepared to soar even higher in her football career in this competition. 

Current Club: FC Rosengård 

• Christy Ucheibe: Born on 25 December 2000, Ucheibe plays for Benfica and super falcons of Nigeria. 

Ucheibe can contribute both defensively and offensively thanks to her versatility as a midfielder. She has become an essential member of the Super Falcons due to her ability to control the game, make accurate passes, and help create goal-scoring opportunities. This qualities have made her a valuable asset for the Super Falcons. 

Current Club: Benfica 

• Antionette Oyedupe Payne: American-born Nigerian professional footballer Antionette Oyedupe Payne plays forward for Sevilla FC of the Spanish Liga F and the Nigeria women’s national football team. Payne was born to Nigerian parents in Birmingham, Alabama on 22 April 1995. 

Payne’s extraordinary talent, speed, and agility on the pitch have helped her establish a reputation for herself in the super falcons team. Her speed and technical ability will make her a formidable presence on the field for Nigeria.

Current Club: Fc Sevilla 

• Deborah Abiodun: Deborah Abiodun is a forward for the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s national women’s football team and Bittsburgh. She was born in Lagos, Nigeria, on December 18, 1992.

Showing exceptional talent and skill at a very young age, She joined the Super Falcons in 2017, and thanks to her excellent on-field performances, she immediately established a reputation for herself. Her speed, agility, and goal-scoring ability makes her an integral part of the national team. 

Current Club: Rivers Angels FC

• Rasheedat Ajibade: Rasheedat Ajibade “Rash” (as she is fondly called by fans) is a Professional footballer from Nigeria. She was born in Nigeria on December 8, 1999. She represents the Super Falcons, the Nigerian women’s national team, Ajibade mostly plays as a forward. She began playing football at a young age and immediately displayed her talent and potential. In 2017, she advanced through the ranks and made her Super Falcons debut. She joined the squad shortly after and has since competed for Nigeria in numerous international games. She has contributed to the team’s success in a number of competitions, notably the African Women’s Cup of Nations, where Nigeria won.

“The Girl With The Blue Hair”, is well known for her speed, agility, and technical abilities, and that can be a major factor in the Super Falcons’ success in New Zealand.

Current Club : Athletico de Madrid femenino

• Jennifer Echegini: Born March 22, 2001 in London, England, United Kingdom, Jennifer Echegini, the talented footballer, have established herself as a vital member of the super falcons. Known for her exceptional skills and tactical awareness, Echegini has become a force to be reckoned with on the field. She have represented Nigeria at the international level and  has contributed immensely to the success of the team.

Echegini’s versatility and technical prowess make her a dynamic player which is vital to any team. 

Current Club: Florida State Seminoles 

Forwards

• Asisat Oshoala: The outstanding striker Asisat Oshoala is a key member of the Super Falcons squad. She is a Nigerian native who has made a name for herself as one of the most well-known and accomplished football players in the world. Oshoala is an essential member of the team because to her excellent talent and propensity for scoring goals.

Oshoala, who is renowned for her breakneck speed and agility, has a remarkable capacity to outrun opponents. She is a dangerous threat in the attacking third with to her deft dribbling and finishing abilities. She consistently finds a way to get past opposing defenses and score because to her exceptional agility and quick reactions.

Beyond the super falcons, the 28 years old (born 9 October 1994)has achieved success. She has represented big European clubs, such as Barcelona in Spain’s Primera Division Femenina. She has received many honors for her great efforts, including the African Women’s Footballer of the Year award several times. Asisat Oshoala’s impact on the super falcons team is undeniable. Her immense skill, leadership qualities, and dedication have made her an integral part of the team’s success. As she continues to dominate on the field, fans eagerly anticipate her  performances and the continued growth of her remarkable career.

Club: Barcelona Féminine.

• Uchenna Kanu: Kanu is one of the rising stars in women’s football is Uchenna Kanu, a professional football player from Nigeria. She presently plays an important role for the Super Falcons, the national team of Nigeria. She was born in Abia State on June 14, 1997, has had a huge effect on the field thanks to her exceptional abilities and goal-scoring prowess. Having played for numerous clubs like Linkoping FC in Sweden, Southeastern University in the United States, and Saburtalo in Georgia, and helping super falcons win a record 9th African Women’s competition in 2018, kanu’s eye for goal amd experience might be what Nigeria needs tl go far in 2023 Women’s world cup. 

            Current Club: Racing Louisville FC

• Ifeoma Onumonu: Ifeoma Onumonu, also known as Ify, is a professional football player for the Super Falcons, the national women’s football team of Nigeria. Onumonu, who was born on September 25, 1993, in California, has advanced significantly in her football career while demonstrating her aptitude and adaptability on the ffield.   

Onumonu has regularly showcased her abilities, quickness, and goal-scoring prowess since making her Super Falcons debut. She has grown into a key player for Nigeria’s national team, contributing to the Super Falcons’ success in international events. Whether on the field as a forward or a midfielder, Onumonu gives the team a sense of excitement and dynamism which is much needed at the camp of Super Falcons.

Current Club: NJ/NY Gotham

• Desire Oparanozie: Striker Desire Oparanozie has been an essential part of the Super Falcons’ attack department. Born on December 17, 1993, Oparanozie plays  forward for Wuhan Jianghan University in the Chinese Women’s Super League and the Nigerian Women’s national team. 

She has become a star player thanks to her potent shoots and goal-scoring prowess. Oparanozie, who has previously played for Nigeria in World Cups, will probably be a key player in the 2023 competition.

Current Club: Wuhan Jianghan University. 

• Ijeoma Esther Okoronkwo: Okoronkwo has established a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most skilled and young players because to her outstanding achievements. The Super Falcons’ success on the continental and international stages has been greatly aided by her abilities on the field.

Okoronkwo plays forward for Granadilla and the Nigeria women’s national team, She was born in Nigeria on March 27, 1997.

Current Club: Granadilla 

• Gift Monday: Born on 9th December 2001 and raised in Nigeria, Gift has always had a deep love for the game. She has developed into one of the Super Falcons team’s most valuable players thanks to her tenacity, diligence, and commitment to the game of football.

The versatility of the 21-year-old player on the pitch is remarkable. She consistently displays good technique whether she is playing as a forward, midfielder, or defense, which benefits the team. She is an important player for the Super Falcons thanks to her ability to read the game and make accurate passes. 

Gift always had a passion for football. Her determination, hard work, and dedication to the football have led her to become one of the most valuable players in the Super Falcons team.

The 21 years old’s versatility on the field is remarkable. Whether she’s playing as a forward, midfielder, or defender, she consistently displays excellent technique, making her an asset to the team. Her ability to read the game and make accurate passes sets her apart from her opponents and a valuable player for Super Falcons.

Current Club: UD Granadilla Tenerife

• Francisca Ordega: Ordega was born 19 October 1993. Currently, she plays for CSKA Moscow and the Super Falcons of Nigeria and have represented Nigeria in several World Cups.

The 29 years old dynamic forward is renowned for her speed and dribbling skills. She has played for clubs in China and the United States and her wealth of experience will br an added advantage for the Nigerian national team. 

 Current Club: CSKA Moscow

By  Ezeh Amos