Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has named a 23-woman squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Cameroon, with team captain Rasheedat Ajibade set to lead the side in the absence of star forward Asisat Oshoala.
Oshoala, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated players, is a notable exclusion from the list, as Madugu focuses on assessing squad depth ahead of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. The two-legged friendly series against the Indomitable Lionesses will take place on May 31 in Ikenne and June 3 in Abeokuta.
The squad reflects a strong trust in local talent, with nine home-based players earning call-ups. Edo Queens dominate the home contingent with four representatives: goalkeeper Morufa Ademola, defender Miracle Usani, midfielder Amarachi Odoma, and striker Emem Essien. Bayelsa Queens’ Linda Jiwuaku and Blessing Ilivieda also make the list, alongside Nasarawa Amazons’ Sikiratu Isah and Josephine Mathias. Olamide Bolaji of Remo Stars Ladies completes the home-based selections.
Ajibade, who is expected to make a move away from Atlético Madrid this summer, retains the captaincy. She will be joined in midfield by Paris Saint-Germain’s Jennifer Echegini, Benfica’s Christy Ucheibe, and Deborah Abiodun of Dallas Trinity in the United States. The attack will feature Toni Payne (Everton), Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier), Rinsola Babajide (Costa Adeje Tenerife), and the returning Francisca Ordega, now plying her trade in Saudi Arabia with Ittihad Ladies.
Defensively, the squad is bolstered by experienced centre-back Osinachi Ohale of Pachuca (Mexico), Michelle Alozie of Houston Dash, Rofiat Imuran of London City Lionesses, and Oluwatosin Demehin of Galatasaray. Shukurat Oladipo, recently signed by AS Roma, also makes a return to the team. In goal, first-choice Chiamaka Nnadozie of Paris FC remains the dependable presence between the sticks and is expected to start both matches.
All selected players are expected to report to camp in Ijebu-Ode on May 26. The friendlies serve as vital preparation for July’s WAFCON in Morocco, where Nigeria will compete in Group B alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana.
The Super Falcons’ last international outing was in November 2024, where they narrowly lost 2-1 to France in a high-profile friendly. Prior to that, the team hosted Algeria in a two-legged friendly in Lagos and Ikenne in October 2024.
