National Teams
Oshoala, Uchiebe, Echegini, Ayinde pull out as Madugu names replacements for Cape Verde duel
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigeria head coach Justin Madugu will miss the services of three players, including superstar Asisat Oshoala in the 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Qualifiers against Cape Verde this week.
Madugu will also be without Florida State University (FSU) midfielder, Onyi Echegini, SL Benfica midfielder Christy Uchiebe and Rosenberg midfielder Halimatu Ayinde due to injury.
As replacements, the interim Super Falcons manager called up SC Braga midfielder Peace Efih, also handed first time invitations to Rivers Angels duo Chiamaka Okwuchukwu and Motunrayo Ezekiel and Edo Queens’ Chioma Olise.
NFF’s Assistant Director (Technical), Abdulrafiu Yusuf, said the two players had been sent their flight tickets to travel to Nigeria a whole week before they announced on Saturday that they would be unable to join the squad.
“We were surprised that they had the flight tickets for so long and did not say anything, only for them to send different messages on Saturday that they would be unable to make the trip. However, Coach Madugu has moved swiftly to call up replacements for them.”
Sweden-based midfielder, Halimatu Ayinde is out due to injury and recently started her recuperation training.
Gotham FC forward, Ifeoma Onumonu whose side recently won the NWSL Championship also requested to be left out, saying she is nursing an injury, while defender Michelle Alozie told the team administrator that she would be undergoing surgery.
The first leg of the qualifiers will be held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Thursday, November 30, 2023.
The second leg is scheduled for the Santiago-Estadio Nacional Blue Shark in Praia on Tuesday, 5th December.
NEW LIST OF INVITED PLAYERS:
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia); Christiana Obia (Edo Queens)
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); Rofiat Imuran (Stade de Reims, France)
Midfielders: Motunrayo Ezekiel (Rivers Angels); Esther Onyenezide (FC Robo Queens); Peace Efih (Sporting Club de Braga, Portugal); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid FC, Spain); Deborah Abiodun (University of Pittsburgh, USA); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain); Chioma Olise (Edo Queens)
Forwards: Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Chiamaka Chukwu (Rivers Angels); Esther Okoronkwo (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain)
