THE Super Falcons began their preparations for the 2023 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations today with their first training session in Abuja.
The tournament will be held in Morocco from July 2 to July 21, with 12 teams participating for the first time.
Nigeria, the defending champions, opened their training camp in Abuja today with 19 players present, led by Asisat Oshoala and Onome Ebi.
The Barcelona striker and the veteran centre-back were joined at this afternoon’s training session by goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie and Tochukwu Oluehi, as well as defenders Osinachi Ohale and Akudo Ogbonna.
Midfielders Rita Chikwelu and Rasheedat Ajibade, and forward Gift Monday were also present as the team trained under the guidance of head coach Randy Waldrum.
US-based goalkeeper Yewande Balogun, defender Michelle Alozie and midfielders Amanda Mbadi and Toni Payne are expected in camp tonight.
Forwards Desire Oparanozie and Uchenna Kanu, as well as midfielder Regina Otu and US-based defender Nicole Payne are expected to arrive in Abuja by the weekend.
Leicester City defender Ashleigh Plumptre, midfielder Halimatu Ayinde and forwards Francisca Ordega, Vivian Ikechukwu and Ifeoma Onumonu are scheduled to join the squad in Morocco next week.
The Super Falcons, who have won nine of the 11 overall Women’s AFCON titles so far, will face regular foes South Africa, as well as upstarts Botswana and Burundi in the group stages in Morocco.
The champions battle Banyana Banyana in their first match at the Prince Heritier Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat on July 4 before clashes with Botswana on July 7 and Burundi three days later at the same venue.
All four semi-finalists at the Women’s AFCON in Morocco will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia/New Zealand in the summer of 2023.
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