Super Falcons arrive in force as title defence countdown begins in Morocco

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have assembled 19 of their 25‐woman squad in Casablanca as preparations intensify for the defence of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) crown, with only six players still to report to camp.

Coach Justine Madugu’s side, who are reigning African champions, are putting the finishing touches to their build-up ahead of their opening Group game against Malawi on Tuesday, 28 July, with training shifting into full gear at the La Noria Club on Sunday evening.

Core of title-winning side now in Casablanca

The team base at the Hotel Marriott in Casablanca welcomed further arrivals on Sunday, with Sweden-based pair Halimatu Ayinde and Joy Omewa of BK Hacken flying in as the rest of the squad were being put through their paces by Madugu and his assistants.

At the same time, Mexican club Pachuca Tuzas’ duo of defender Osinachi Ohale and striker Chinwendu Ihezuo were en route to the North African kingdom, further bolstering the champions’ options across the pitch.

With 19 players now on ground, Nigeria have entered the final phase of preparations for a tournament they have historically dominated, as they look to begin their latest campaign with victory over Malawi.

Among those who checked into camp earlier are captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Shukurat Oladipo, Oluwatosin Demehin and Christy Ucheibe, midfielders Toni Payne and Jennifer Echegini, and forwards Asisat Oshoala, Francisca Ordega and Omorinsola Babajide.

Squad in Morocco: Experience and global spread

The current group in Casablanca features a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging talent drawn from leagues across Europe, North America, Asia and Africa.

Goalkeepers
– Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion, England)
– Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England)
– Fatima Oloko (Abia Angels, Nigeria)

Defenders
– Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Tuzas, Mexico)
– Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy)
– Rofiat Imuran (London City Lionesses, England)
– Glory Ogbonna (FC Kiryat Gat, Israel)
– Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportif, Turkey)
– Sikiratu Isah (Bnot Netanya, Israel)
– Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)

Midfielders
– Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
– Halimatu Ayinde (BK Hacken, Sweden)
– Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England)
– Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain, France)

Forwards
– Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia)
– Joy Omewa (BK Hacken, Sweden)
– Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia)
– Omorinsola Babajide (AS Roma, Italy)
– Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca Tuzas, Mexico)

The presence of Ajibade, Oshoala, Ohale and Ordega – all veterans of multiple Wafcon campaigns – underlines the wealth of experience available to Madugu as Nigeria aim to extend their record haul of continental titles.

Six players still to link up with the squad

Six players are yet to arrive in Morocco but are expected to complete the squad in the coming days as club commitments and travel schedules are finalised.

Defender
– Michelle Alozie (Olivia Wynn, USA)

Midfielder
– Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA)

Forwards
– Gift Monday (Washington Spirit, USA)
– Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada)
– Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China)
– Uchenna Kanu (Cruz Azul Femenil, Mexico)

Their arrivals will take the camp roster to the full complement of 25 players, giving the coaching crew depth in every department as the competition kicks off.

Focus turns to Malawi opener

With preparations in Casablanca described as being at “fever pitch”, attention is now firmly on Nigeria’s first match against Malawi on 28 July.

Madugu is expected to use the remaining days to fine-tune tactics, assess fitness levels and make key selection decisions as the Super Falcons set out to retain their continental crown and underline their status as the dominant force in African women’s football.