Paris 2024 Qualifiers: Oladipo gets debut call-up as Waldrum invites 22 players for Banyana clash

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, has unveiled its 22-player roster for the pivotal two-legged Paris 2024 Olympics Qualifiers against reigning African champions, South Africa.

Head coach Randy Waldrum has introduced FC Robo Queens’ Shukurat Oladipo to the national team for the first time, alongside the return of former FC Robo Queens star Chidinma Okeke and Mexican-based forward Chinwendu Ihezuo.

The squad includes familiar faces like Chiamaka Nnadozie, Ashleigh Plumptre, Asisat Oshoala, and Rasheedat Ajibade, along with veteran defender Osinachi Ohale and promising talents such as midfielder Deborah Abiodun and forwards Esther Okoronkwo and Uchenna Kanu.

The first leg will take place at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Friday, April 5th, with the return leg scheduled for the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Tuesday, April 9th.

The victor over the two legs will secure one of Africa’s two spots in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, with Zambia and Morocco vying for the other ticket on the same dates.

Super Falcons Squad for South Africa Clash:

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC), Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia), Linda Jiwuaku (Bayelsa Queens)

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico), Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia), Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens), Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA), Nicole Payne (Portland Thorns FC, USA), Chidinma Okeke (Mynavi Sendai Ladies, Japan)

Midfielders: Deborah Abiodun (University of Pittsburgh, USA), Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosengard, Sweden), Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal), Jennifer Echegini (Juventus Ladies, Italy), Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid FC, Spain), Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain)

Forwards: Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain), Esther Okoronkwo (Changchun FC, China), Ifeoma Onumonu (SLC Utah, USA), Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA), Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA), Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain), Chiwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico)