Super Falcons head coach; Florence Omagbemi has listed Arsenal Ladies forward, Asisat Oshoala, France-based Desire Oparanozie and 19 other players, as the team departed on Wednesday for the African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) to defend their title in Cameroon.
The list is a mixture of both local and foreign players, but notable absentee is team’s official captain Evelyn Nwabuoku who was conspicuously missing on the list for the tournament.
A contingent of 21 players and officials flew out ofAbuja to Lagos on Wednesday morning, and then traveled from Lagos to Douala by ASKY Airline flight on Wednesday afternoon.
However, NFF President Amaju Pinnick was at the team’s camp to offer words of motivation and encouragement, saying the federation is fully behind them and that they are as important as any other national team.
“We are totally behind you and we cherish you as much as we cherish all other teams, and we are always proud about all you have achieved which remains a record in the continent of Africa. We are hopeful that you will remain the champions of Africa after the finals in Cameroon.
“I want to assure you that we respect you and will do all we can to meet your needs in spite of the financial challenges we have presently. We do not take you for granted. We will always treat you as the champions that you are and hopefully, our financial situation will improve very soon and we will be able to practically demonstrate how much we treasure you.”
President Pinnick then prayed with the ladies and reiterated that the Federation has great plans for them and Nigeria women football going forward. The NFF President’s visit was one of numerous morale –boosting visits by the Nigerian authoritiesto the Super Falcons, with the country’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo also visiting the ladies and promising Government support and encouragement penultimate Tuesday.
Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr has been to the Falcons’ training twice, stating that he is very confident they can bring home the Cup to Nigeria from Cameroon. The Women Africa Cup of Nations will take place 19th November – 3rd December 2016.
The Super Falcons full list:
GOALKEEPERS: Alaba Jonathan, Rita Akarekor, Ibubuleye Whyte.
DEFENDERS: Ugo Njoku, Onome Ebi, Faith Ikidi, Ohale Osinachi, Ebere Ngozi, Gladys Akpa.
MIDFIELDERS: Osarenoma Igbinovia, Ngozi Okobi, Halimatu Ayinde, Glory Iroka, Rita Chikwuelu.
FORWARDS: Oparanozie, Francisca Ordega, Esther Sunday, Uchechi Sunday, Asisat Oshoala, Chioma Wogu, Ijeoma Obi.
