The Super Falcons of Nigeria are set to face Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses with full force in two friendly matches, as Head Coach Justine Madugu vows there will be no holding back.
The clashes are scheduled for Saturday at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo and Tuesday at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, serving as crucial tests ahead of the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Coach Madugu emphasized the matches’ importance, stating, “Our objectives include improving our game philosophy and tactical approach. We want to assess the players in line with our philosophy, enhance coordination, team spirit, and the mentality to win the Women’s AFCON.”
Despite the friendly nature of the games, he insisted the team will approach them with a championship mindset. “We must treat these games with seriousness. A poor result could have an untoward psychological effect on the team heading to Morocco,” he added.
Madugu stressed the need for a positive mentality and adherence to the game plan, noting, “It’s important to use these games to underscore our preparedness for the Women’s AFCON.” The Super Falcons’ squad blends experience and youth, featuring stalwarts like captain Rasheedat Ajibade, award-winning goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Osinachi Ohale, midfielder Christy Ucheibe, and forwards Toni Payne and Francisca Ordega, alongside emerging talents.
Nigeria will face Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana in Group B at the upcoming WAFCON. The team’s roster for the friendlies includes:
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France), Linda Jiwuaku (Bayelsa Queens), Morufa Ademola (Edo Queens)
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico), Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy), Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA), Rofiat Imuran (London City Lionesses, England), Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons), Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey), Miracle Usani (Edo Queens), Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens)
Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid, Spain), Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity, USA), Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France), Josephine Mathias (Nasarawa Amazons), Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal), Amarachi Odoma (Edo Queens)
Forwards: Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England), Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies Club, Saudi Arabia), Olamide Bolaji (Remo Stars Ladies), Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France), Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain), Emem Essien (Edo Queens)