Nigeria Squad for Women’s World Cup 2023 Revealed
Nigeria’s participation in the upcoming Women’s World Cup 2023 has generated considerable excitement. Although the team has consistently qualified for every edition of the tournament, they have yet to progress beyond the quarter-final stage, which they achieved in 1999. However, as the most successful team from Africa and following their round of 16 exit four years ago, the Super Falcons, under the guidance of coach Randy Waldrum, carry high expectations into the competition.
The Super Falcons, who have clinched the Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title a record 11 times, find themselves in Group B alongside Australia, Ireland, and Canada. Their opening match is scheduled against Canada on July 21 in Melbourne. find out 2023 Women’s World Cup fixtures, groups, venues for African teams
Coach Waldrum finalized his 23-player squad for the 2023 Women’s World Cup on June 16. Let’s take a closer look at the selected players.
Goalkeepers:
Chiamaka Nnadozie, known for her exceptional performances in the 2018 U20 Women’s World Cup, earned her spot in the senior side. She started games in the 2019 Women’s World Cup and played a crucial role in Nigeria’s victory in the West African Football Union Cup (WAFU) by saving three penalties in a shootout. Yewande Balogun, who plays for AS Saint-Etienne in the French Division 2 Feminine, showcased her skills in the 1-0 friendly win over Costa Rica. Tochukwu Oluehi, a regular at her Turkish club, will provide valuable experience to the team.
Defenders:
The defensive line boasts a blend of youthful talent and seasoned experience. The promising young defender Oluwatosin Demehin has been named in the preliminary squad of 23, while veteran Onome Ebi is set to feature in her sixth consecutive World Cup finals, a feat achieved by only two other players in history. Osinachi Ohale, who has participated in the last three Women’s World Cup events, is also a key member of the team. Rofiat Imuran and Glory Ogbonna, both of whom featured in the U20 Women’s World Cup before making the transition to the senior team, will provide defensive depth. Ashleigh Plumtre, who made her Nigeria debut in 2022 after representing England’s age group national teams, and Michelle Alozie, called up by Coach Waldrum, complete the defensive roster.
Midfielders:
Coach Waldrum has chosen Deborah Abiodun from Rivers Angels, a 19-year-old player who recently committed to the University of Pittsburgh Women’s Soccer program. Abiodun’s versatility and performance in the U20 Women’s World Cup earned her the call-up. The midfield consists of a relatively young lineup, with Halimatu Ayinde and Toni Payne providing some experience. Jennifer Echegini, who was born in England, featured in a friendly against New Zealand. Rasheedat Ajibade and Christy Ucheibe, who have been part of Nigeria’s national team setup since the U17 level, add depth to the midfield.
Forwards:
The star performer among the forwards is Asisat Oshoala, a five-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year who scored 21 goals for Barcelona in the Spanish Liga F last season. Uchenna Kanu and Desire Oparanozie, who played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s progress to the knockout stage in the previous edition of the Women’s World Cup, also make the squad. Gift Monday and Francisca Ordega bring additional experience to the forward line, while Ifeoma Onumonu and Esther Okorinkwo provide youthful energy. Onumonu previously represented the United States U23 side.
Expected Starting XI:
In goal, Chiamaka Nnadozie is likely to be the first choice. Coach Waldrum might opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Asisat Oshoala leading the attack. The full-back positions could be occupied by Michelle Olozie and Rofiat Imuran on the right and left sides, respectively. Onome Ebi and Oluwatosin Demehin are expected to form the central defensive partnership. The midfield will likely feature Christy Ucheibe and Halimatu Ayinde, while Toni Payne assumes the number 10 role. Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okorinkwo are likely to operate on the wings.
Notable Absentees:
Coach Waldrum faced a difficult decision in excluding veteran midfielder Ngozi Okobi from the squad to make room for Deborah Abiodun. The American coach believed that Abiodun’s fitness level warranted her inclusion. Okobi, who has represented Nigeria since the age of 16, is the most significant omission. However, the Levante midfielder has had limited playing time for Nigeria in 2023.
The Nigerian squad for the Women’s World Cup 2023 is a blend of experienced campaigners and promising young talent. The team’s fans and supporters will eagerly await their performance as they strive to make history and surpass their previous quarter-final finish.
