Australia name final Women’s World Cup squad for Nigeria showdown

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-host Australia has released it final 23-player list for this month’s tournament ahead of their face off with Nigeria.

The squad boasts of a blend of youth ad experienced players as Australia attempt to reach the last four for the first time, with head coach Tony Gusavsson picking 15 players from the 2019 edition.

While seven players in line for their FIFA Women’s World Cup debuts, Chelsea FC forward Sam Kerr will lead the team on home soil as the captain while attending her third World Cup.

Defender Steph Cartley will act as her assistant captain during her third appearance at the prestigious tournament.

The Aussies’ second group game is against Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium on July 27 after facing the Republic of Ireland on July 20. The co-host will end group campaign against Canada on July 31.

1. Lydia Williams (Brighton and Hove Abion), 2. Courtney Nevin (Leicester City), 3. Aivi Luik (BK Hacken), 4. Clare Polkinghorne (Vittsjö GIK), 5. Cortee Vine (Sydney FC), 6. Clare Wheelar (Everton FC), 7. Steph Carley (Arsenal FC), 8. Alex Chidiac (Raving Louisville), 9. Caitlin Foord (Arsenal FC), 10. Emily van Egmond (San Diego Wave), 11. Mary Fowler (Manchester City),

12. Teagan Micah (FC Rosengard), 13. Tameka Yallop (SK Brann), 14. Alanna Kennedy (Manchester City), 15. Clare Hunt (Western Sydney Wanderers), 16. Hayley Raso (Unattached), 17. Kyah Simon (Unattached), 18. Mackenzie Arnold (Westham United), 19. Katrina Gorry (Vittsjö GIK), 20. Sam Kerr (Chelsea FC), 21. Ellie Carpenter (Lyon), 22. Charlotte Grant (Vittsjö GIK), 23. Kyra Cooney-Cross (Hammarby IF)