INTERIM Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu has called up 21 players, including goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and striker Asisat Oshoala, to camp ahead of next week’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final qualifying round, first leg clash against Cape Verde.
However, defenders Michelle Alozie, Nicole Payne and Ashleigh Plumptre as well as striker Ifeoma Onunonu are not included in the squad.
The nine-time African champions will host Cape Verde at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Thursday next week, with the return leg in Praia five days later.
To reach the final round, the Super Falcons secured a 5-1 aggregate win over Ethiopia, with the first leg in Addis Ababa ending 1-1 before a 4-0 thrashing of the East Africans in Abuja in the second leg.
All invited players have been advised to report to the team’s camp in Abuja early next week, according to the Nigeria Football Federation.
The Falcons have never failed to reach the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations since the competition was launched as the African Women’s Championship in Nigeria in 1998, and have claimed nine out of the 12 titles on offer.
INVITED PLAYERS SUPER FALCONS 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:
Christy Ucheibe (SC Benfica, Portugal); 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); Jennifer Echegini (Florida State University, USA)
Forwards:
Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Asisat Oshoala (FC Barcelona Feminine, Spain); Esther Okoronkwo (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain)
