Waldrum snubs homebased stars, names final Nigeria squad for Women’s World Cup

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has announced the names of 23 players that will represent the country at the FIFA Women’s World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, beginning from July 20.

None of the stars from the revered country’s Women’s Football League Premiership made the list as Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum has named all 23 players from oversea clubs to his final squad.

Observers expected either of Delta Queens trio – Mercy Omokwo, Chinaza Agoh and goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi and Rivers Angels’ Akudo Ogbonna, who has been part of Waldrum’s set up since 2021 would have made the cut.

The Nigerian league will have no players for the first time in history on the Women’s World Cup roster comprising of three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders, and seven attackers for the nine-time African champions.

The 23-women list includes European and Spanish champions, Asisat Oshoala of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid star, Rasheedat Ajibade as well clubless captain, Onome Ebi plus three foreign-based goalkeepers, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Tochukwu Oluehi, and Yewande Balogun made the list.

Surprised additions are midfield duo of Jennifer Echegini of Florida State University, USA and former U20 star Deborah Abiodun, who now plays for Pittsburgh University, USA on a full scholarship.

Shocking exclusions include veteran midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, Pitea dazzling forward Anam Imo, Russia topflight’s leading goalscorer Chinonyerem Macleans, South Korea based Chinaza Uchendu, Mexico based Chinwendu Ihezuo, Turkey based Vivian Ikechukwu and Sporting Braga’s Peace Efih and France based Regina Otu.

Waldrum’s side will face co-host, Australia, Canada, and debutant, Republic of Ireland in Group B and they will be aiming to surpass the country’s 1999 quarterfinal berth at this year’s global showpiece.

32 teams will take part in this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, the highest number since its inception in 1991.

NIGERIA FINAL SQUAD 

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Tochukwu Oluehi (Hakkarigucu Spor FC, Turkey); Yewande Balogun (AS Saint-Etienne, France)

Defenders: Onome Ebi (unattached); Osinachi Ohale (Deportivo Alaves, Spain); Glory Ogbonna (Besiktas JK, Turkey); Ashleigh Plumptre (Leicester City, England); Rofiat Imuran (Stade de Reims, France); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Oluwatosin Demehin (Stade de Reims, France)

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

Forwards: Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, Kentucky, USA); Gift Monday (UDG Tenerife, Spain); Ifeoma Onumonu (NY/NJ Gotham FC, USA); Asisat Oshoala (Barcelona, Spain); Desire Oparanozie (Wuhan Chegu Jianghan, China); Francisca Ordega (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Esther Okoronkwo (UDG Tenerife, Spain)