Full house as Deborah Abiodun hits camp on Wednesday for Cape Verde clash

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

A total of 21 invited players were at Nigeria’s senior women’s national team camp on Wednesday morning following the arrival of Deborah Abiodun from the United States ahead of the 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Qualifiers against Cape Verde.

Only the University of Pittsburgh of America midfielder, who left her abode in Pittsburg, United States on Monday morning was still expected, with 20 others taking part in Tuesday training session before she finally arrived the Blue Spring Hotel in the week hours of Wednesday morning.

The arrival of Abiodun marked her return to the Super Falcons fold for the first time since the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where Nigeria reached the Round of 16.

The former Nigeria U20 star will hope to continue with her impressive display following the World Cup, having made the final five-player shortlist for the 2023 CAF Player of the Year award.

With Abiodun in, it’s a full house, with Goalkeepers, Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC), Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia), and Christiana Obia of Edo Queens already in camp.

Also in were defenders Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca FC, Mexico); Glory Edet (FCF TP Mazembe, DR Congo); Rihanat Kasali (Bayelsa Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Stade de Reims, France); Akudo Ogbonna (Remo Stars Ladies); and Rofiat Imuran (Stade de Reims, France).

As well as midfielders Motunrayo Ezekiel (Rivers Angels); Esther Onyenezide (FC Robo Queens); Peace Efih (Sporting Club de Braga, Portugal); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid FC, Spain); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain); and Chioma Olise (Edo Queens).

Just as forwards Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Chiamaka Chukwu (Rivers Angels); Esther Okoronkwo (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA); and Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain) complete the cast of players in camp.

The nine-time champions reached the final stage of the qualification series following the withdrawal of Sao Tome’s senior girls from a second-round fixture in September.

The Super Falcons will have its final official training at the mainbowl of the MKO Abiola National Stadium on Wednesday evening from 5 pm.