THE head coach of the Super Falcons of Nigeria, Randy Waldrum has named European Cup winner Asisat Oshoala, attacking midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade and history-making captain Onome Ebi in his list of 23 for this year’s FIFA World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand.
First-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, as well as defenders Osinachi Ohale and Oluwatosin Demehin, midfielders Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, forwards Esther Okoronkwo and Desire Oparanozie all made the cut.
It’s interesting to know that only two home-based players, defender Onome Ebi of Abia Angels and midfielder Deborah Abiodun of Rivers Angels were named in the 23-man list.
Nigeria have a date to keep with Canada, co-host nation Australia and the Republic of Ireland in the group phase of the World Cup.
Thirty-two teams are set to debut at the championship – the same number as for the men’s finals in Qatar last year.
Nine-time African champions Nigeria, who were within whistling distance of the semi-finals before losing to Brazil in extra time in the United States of America in 1999, will touch down in Australia on Tuesday, 4th July for a 15-day final camping programme before the finals begin on 20th July.
Eighteen-Eleven Media