Justin Madugu invites seven home-based players as Blessing Nkor gets maiden call-up for France friendly

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The head coach of Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, Justine Madugu, has released the roster for the team’s international friendly match against France.

20 players made the squad for Saturday’s international friendly match with Le Bleues on Saturday.

Seven home-based players, including Mercy Omokwo, Shukurat Oladipo, Josephine Mathias, and Rachael Unachukwu, made the roster.

Saudi Arabia-based Ashleigh Plumptre, who missed the Paris 2024 Olympics as a result of injury, returned to the team alongside Christy Ucheibe, who also recovered from a recent knock.

CAF Awards nominee, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Osinachi Ohale Jennifer Echegini, and forwards Gift Monday and Rinsola Babajide also made the cut.

Former Ibom Angels and Sunshine Queens player who is now playing for Pyramids FC in Egypt got her first-ever senior national team call-up.

All the invited players will fly directly to France for the match, to be joined by the coaching crew and backroom staff.
While the Super Falcons is using the match to prepare for next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, France is preparing for the UEFA Women’s Euros next year and the Nations League.

Nine-time African champions were drawn to face Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana in Group B for WAFCON 2024.

SUPER FALCONS FOR LES BLEUES CHALLENGE:
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Club de Futbol, Mexico); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia); Rofiat Imuran (London City Lioness, England); Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey)

Midfielders: Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Josephine Mathias (Nasarawa Amazons); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); Adoo Yina (Nasarawa Amazons)

Forwards: Blessing Nkor (Pyramids FC, Egypt); Gift Monday (Costa Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Omorinsola Babajide (Costa Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Mercy Omokwo (Bayelsa Queens)