Super Falcons unveil 2023 Women’s World Cup squad

Nigeria Super Falcons, the most successful women’s team in Africa, has unveiled its final 23-member squad for the upcoming 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Despite their consistent qualification for the tournament, Nigeria is yet to progress beyond the quarter-finals.

However, under the guidance of coach Randy Waldrum, the Super Falcons aim to defy expectations and make a lasting impact in the competition.

Having won the Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) a record 11 times, Nigeria finds themselves in Group B alongside Australia, Ireland, and Canada. Their campaign commences with a clash against Canada on July 21 in Melbourne.

The goalkeeping department features the talented Chiamaka Nnadozie, who rose to prominence during the 2018 U20 Women’s World Cup and played a crucial role in Nigeria’s campaign at the 2019 Women’s World Cup.

Nnadozie’s heroics in saving three penalties during a shootout secured victory in the West African Football Union Cup (WAFU) final against Cameroon.

Joining her are Tochukwu Oluehi, a regular starter for her Turkish club, and Yewande Balogun, who plies her trade in France’s Division 2 Feminine with AS Saint-Etienne.

Nigeria’s defensive line boasts a combination of experience and youth. Legendary defender Onome Ebi is set to participate in her sixth consecutive World Cup, joining Brazil’s Formiga and Japan’s Homare Sawa as one of the few players to achieve this feat. Osinachi Ohale, a veteran of the last three World Cups, and Oluwatosin Demehin, a standout young talent, provide a well-rounded backline.

Other defenders include Glory Ogbonna, Ashleigh Plumtre, Rofiat Imuran, and Michelle Alozie.

Waldrum has opted for a youthful midfield, featuring the promising Deborah Abiodun, who recently committed to the University of Pittsburgh Women’s Soccer program in the United States.

Halimatu Ayinde and Toni Payne offer experience in the middle, while Jennifer Echegini, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Christy Ucheibe provide dynamic options.

In the forward line, Nigeria possesses the star quality of five-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, who shone for Barcelona with 21 goals in the Spanish Liga F last season.

Uchenna Kanu and Desire Oparanozie, both instrumental in Nigeria’s progress to the knockout stage of the 2019 Women’s World Cup, join Oshoala. Gift Monday, Ifeoma Onumonu, Francisca Ordega, and Esther Okorinkwo complete the attacking lineup.

Considering the available options, Waldrum may opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Nnadozie guarding the goal and Oshoala leading the line in attack.

The defense could feature Olozie, Demehin, Ebi, and Imuran, while Ucheibe and Ayinde provide stability in midfield. The creative duties may be entrusted to Payne, flanked by Ajibade and Okorinkwo.

As Nigeria prepares for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, the team carries the hopes of the nation, aiming to surpass their previous best performance and make an impact on the global stage.

With a balanced squad boasting a blend of youth and experience, the Super Falcons are poised to compete fiercely against their Group B opponents, hoping to advance further in the tournament and make their mark in women’s football.