Two Super Falcons stars to arrive late as Ajibade, Onumonu, Alozie among early birds for Cameroon

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are set to begin preparations for their high-profile double-header against Cameroon, with the national camp officially opening on Monday in Ijebu-Ode, Soccernet.ng reports.

While the bulk of the squad is expected to report on the first day, two key players — first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and Portugal-based midfielder Christy Ucheibe — will arrive later in the week.

Nnadozie, who plays for Paris FC in France, is scheduled to join the team on Tuesday, while Ucheibe will link up with her teammates on Wednesday as final preparations begin for the delayed 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, which kicks off on July 5.

Among the early arrivals are team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Spain-based forward Omorinsola Babajide, PSG midfielder Jennifer Echegini, and dependable defender Michelle Alozie.

Houston Dash star Alozie, who was impressive at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, shared her enthusiasm ahead of the camp and the friendlies against the Indomitable Lionesses.

“I am excited for the upcoming training camp and to be back with the Super Falcons; it’s my first time in Ogun State!” said Alozie.

“Everyone is looking forward to the Women AFCON and that is our main focus. The way we are treated has changed in the past few years, for the better, especially with our continued success over the years. I am happy to see the steady change as women’s sports across the world continue to achieve and fight for more equality.”

Also expected in camp on Monday are midfielders Toni Payne, Deborah Abiodun, and Ifeoma Onumonu, along with defenders Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, Rofiat Imuran, Shukurat Oladipo, Sikiratu Isah, and Blessing Ilivieda.

Goalkeepers Linda Jiwuaku and Morufa Ademola will report alongside midfielders Amarachi Odoma and Josephine Mathias, and forwards Francisca Ordega, Olamide Bolaji, Miracle Usani, and Emem Essien.

The first match between the Super Falcons and Cameroon’s Lionesses will be held at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Saturday, 31 May. The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday, 3 June at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.

The two friendlies are seen as vital tests ahead of Nigeria’s quest for a 10th continental title at WAFCON 2024.

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SUPER FALCONS TO FACE 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)