MADUGU NAMES 23-WOMAN SUPER FALCONS SQUAD FOR CAMEROON FRIENDLIES WITHOUT OSHOALA
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has announced a 23-player squad for Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade set to lead the team in the absence of star striker Asisat Oshoala.
Oshoala, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most decorated female footballers, has been left out of the squad as Madugu uses the double-header to test the depth of his team ahead of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The squad reflects a blend of youth and experience, with nine home-based players earning call-ups, underscoring Madugu’s growing confidence in the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL).
Edo Queens lead domestic representation with four players: goalkeeper Morufa Ademola, defender Miracle Usani, midfielder Amarachi Odoma, and striker Emem Essien. Bayelsa Queens contribute two — goalkeeper Linda Jiwuaku and defender Blessing Ilivieda. Nasarawa Amazons’ Sikiratu Isah and Josephine Mathias also make the list, while Olamide Bolaji of Remo Stars Ladies is included in the forward line.
Ajibade, who is expected to exit Atlético Madrid this summer, retains the captain’s armband and is joined by fellow Europe-based stars Jennifer Echegini (PSG), Christy Ucheibe (Benfica), and Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity) in midfield.
The attack features Everton’s Toni Payne, Montpellier’s Ifeoma Onumonu, Rinsola Babajide of Costa Adeje Tenerife, and the returning Francisca Ordega, now plying her trade with Ittihad Ladies in Saudi Arabia.
Defensively, veteran Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca) is joined by Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash), Rofiat Imuran (London City Lionesses), Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray), and Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma), who returns to the national fold.
Chiamaka Nnadozie of Paris FC retains her spot as first-choice goalkeeper and is expected to start both fixtures.
The players will report to camp in Ijebu-Ode on May 26. Nigeria will face Cameroon on May 31 in Ikenne and again on June 3 in Abeokuta. The matches serve as key preparations for the WAFCON, where the 11-time African champions have been drawn in Group B alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana.
The Super Falcons last played in November 2024, losing 2–1 to France in a friendly. Prior to that, they hosted Algeria in a two-legged series in October.
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