The head coach of Nigeria women’s national team, Randy Waldrum has announced his final 23-woman squad to represent the country at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Two-time UEFA Women’s Champions League winner Asisat Oshoala headlines the list and will be hoping to bring a winning mentality into the squad after her heroic performance in winning the Spanish League and the Champions League.
Desire Oparanozie will be making her fourth World Cup appearance for the Super Falcons after her short exile that saw her miss out on the last Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Also, on the list is a 40-year-old veteran defender and team captain Onome Ebi will become the first African player (male or female) to play in six World Cup tournaments and the oldest African player to play in a FIFA women’s tournament.
While Okobi is a notable omission on the list, 21-year-old Gift Monday will be representing Nigeria in a major international competition for the first time.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian League will have no player for the first time in the history of Nigeria Women’s World Cup.
The Super Falcons will be looking to make history as preparations for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup take a step further to improve on their performances at the 2019 edition when they the round of 16, breaking a 20-year record.
Nigeria is drawn in Group B alongside co-hosts Australia, Olympic champions Canada and debutants the Republic of Ireland at the upcoming global showpiece, involving 32 teams for the first time, from July 20 to August 20, 2023.
The list comprises three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders, and seven attackers for the nine-time African champions.
Full Squad List:
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Tochukwu Oluehi, Yewande Balogun
Defenders: Onome Ebi, Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Tosin Demehin, Ashleigh Plumptre, Rofiat Imuran, Glory Ogbonna
Midfielders: Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne, Deborah Abiodun, Francis Ordega, Jennifer Echegini, Halimat Ayinde
Forwards: Asisat Oshoala, Desire Oparanozie, Rasheedat Ajibade, Ifeoma Onumonu, Ijeoma Okoronkwo, Uchenna Kanu, Gift Monday.
MOLATsportgist 