Ajakaye, Afolabi in as NFF unveils Falconets squad for FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying tie vs Tanzania

Falconets head coach Christopher Danjuma has, through the Nigeria Football Federation, revealed his roster of 19 players ahead of the upcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying clash against Tanzania, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria and Tanzania will trade tackles in the first leg of the qualifiers in Dar es Salaam this Sunday, with the return fixture set for Abuja a week later.

Danjuma’s carefully curated squad comprises three goalkeepers, six defenders, five midfielders, and five forwards.

The squad features key players such as Faith Omilana, Taiwo Afolabi, Comfort Folorunsho, and Opeyemi Ajakaye, all of whom contributed significantly to some of Nigeria’s recent victories at the youth level.

Having undergone rigorous training in Abuja for over two weeks, the Falconets are all set for their showdown at the Azam Sports Complex in Dar es Salaam. 

The outcome of this crucial two-legged faceoff will determine which team progresses to the third round in the race towards the 2024 U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.

Nigeria’s qualification for the third round was secured after Mauritius withdrew from the qualifiers.

In preparation for the crucial clash, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed a proficient team of officials for both legs of the tie.

Letticia Antonella Viana from e-Swatini will oversee the first leg as the center referee, accompanied by Patricia Mkhaliph, Siphiwayikhosi Nxumalo, and Nothando Nkhumane as assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2, and fourth official, respectively.

Additionally, Margaret Omondi from Kenya has been entrusted with the role of match commissioner for the event.

Looking ahead to the second leg, Rachel Nzigire from the Democratic Republic of Congo will take the helm as the center referee, with Ngarassoum Victorine, Carine Puazi, and Carine Ampur fulfilling the roles of assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2, and fourth official. Meanwhile, Christine Ziga from Ghana has been designated as the match commissioner for the second leg.

FALCONETS SQUAD FOR TANZANIA TIE

Goalkeepers:
Anderline Mgbechi (Delta Queens); Shukura Bakare (Nasarawa Amazons); Faith Omilana (Naija Ratels)

Defenders:
Oluchi Ohaegbulem (Nasarawa Amazons); Comfort Folorunsho (Edo Queens); Rihanat Kasali (Bayelsa Queens); Jumoke Alani (Edo Queens); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); Semilore Oladeji (Naija Ratels)

Midfielders:
Adoo Yina (Nasarawa Amazons); Taiwo Afolabi (Delta Queens); Shola Shobowale (Nasarawa Amazons); Aminat Folorunsho (Rivers Angels); Chioma Olise (Edo Queens)

Forwards:
Opeyemi Ajakaye (FC Robo Queens); Judith Okah (Remo Queens); Chiamaka Okwuchukwu (Rivers Angels); Chisom Chima (Bayelsa Queens); Janet Akekoromowei (Asisat Academy)