Nigeria duo make San Diego Wave final roster for NWSL season

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria duo Favour Emmanuel and Chiamaka Okwuchukwu have made the San Diego Wave 23-player roster for the 2025 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season.

Jonas Eideval’s side revealed their roster, which comprises three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards, this week.

Okwuchukwu joined the Wave from Nigeria (Women Football League NWFL) Premiership side, Rivers Angels after winning the President Federation Cup title and representing Nigeria at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.

Emmanuel moved to the NWSL from the Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow and has also played for NWFL Premiership outfit Bayelsa Queens.

Overall, five Nigerian players are expected to represent the West African country at the 2025 NWSL.

They are Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC), Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville), and Michelle Alozie (Hoston Dash) added to the San Diego Wave duo.

Deborah Abiodun who joined Washington Spirit has been loaned to USL side, Dallas Trinity FC.

2025 San Diego Wave FC Roster (as of March 12)

Goalkeepers (3): Hillary Beall, DiDi Haračić, Kailen Sheridan

Defenders (7): Trinity Armstrong (U-18), Sintia Cabezas (LOAN), Nya Harrison (STC), Hanna Lundkvist (INTL – SWE), Quincy McMahon, Kristen McNabb, Perle Morroni (INTL – FRA), Kennedy Wesley

Midfielders (6): Kimmi Ascanio (U-18), Gia Corley, Kenza Dali (INTL – FRA), Favour Emmanuel (INTL – NGA), Jordan Fusco (STC), Savannah McCaskill

Forwards (7): Melanie Barcenas (U-18), Trinity Byars (SEI), Kyra Carusa, Delphine Cascarino (INTL – FRA), Mya Jones (INTL – CAN, LOAN), Adriana Leon (INTL – CAN), Chiamaka Okwuchukwu (INTL – NGA), Makenzy Robbe (Doniak), María Sánchez

KEY:
INTL: International Player
LOAN: On Loan
SEI: Season Ending Injury
STC: Short Term Contract