Everton, PSG, Benfica stars top the list as Nigeria invite 23 for Cameroon friendlies

Nigeria have named a strong 23-woman Super Falcons squad ahead of their double-header friendly against Cameroon, as preparations intensify for the delayed 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), now scheduled for July 2025, Soccernet.ng reports.

Paris FC goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Everton’s Toni Payne, and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Jennifer Echegini headline the list. Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade is also included, despite announcing her departure from Atlético Madrid earlier this week.

Also making the cut is Benfica’s Christy Ucheibe, while Saudi-based Francisca Ordega returns to the national fold after missing recent World Cup and Olympic campaigns.

However, the squad is notable for the absence of two key names: record-breaking forward Asisat Oshoala and elegant defender Ashleigh Plumptre, both of whom are missing from the list for unspecified reasons.

Super Falcons Roster for two games vs Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon #MissionX #SoarSuperFalcons pic.twitter.com/eidHzMc2vn

— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) May 20, 2025

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Everton, PSG, Benfica stars top the list as Nigeria invite 23 for Cameroon friendlies

Nigeria’s interim head coach Justin Madugu has assembled a balanced side comprising three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders, and six forwards.

The squad includes Tenerife striker Rinsola Babajide and Montpellier’s Ifeoma Onumonu in attack, with veteran defender Ohale Osinachi offering experience at the back.

The friendlies mark the Super Falcons’ first outing since their 2-1 loss to France in December 2023 and bring an end to nearly two years of limited international action.

The first leg will be played on May 31 at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, with the return fixture scheduled for June 3 at the refurbished MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.

Nigeria are drawn in a challenging WAFCON group alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana. The upcoming friendlies provide Madugu and his coaching team with a crucial chance to fine-tune tactics and assess player readiness.

The Super Falcons are nine-time champions of the tournament but they have not lifted the trophy since 2018. With South Africa reigning as defending champions, Nigeria will be determined to reassert their dominance in African women’s football.

Super Falcons squad for Cameroon 

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Linda Jiwuaku (Bayelsa Queens); Morufa Ademola (Edo Queens)

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Rofiat Imuran (London City Lionesses, England); Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Edo Queens); Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens)

Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Josephine Mathias (Nasarawa Amazons); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Amarachi Odoma (Edo Queens)

Forwards: Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies Club, Saudi Arabia); Olamide Bolaji (Remo Stars Ladies); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Emem Essien (Edo Queens)