Oshoala returns to Super Falcons fold as Madugu unveils star-studded squad for WAFCON 2024
After nearly a year away from the national team, Nigerian football icon Asisat Oshoala has been recalled to the Super Falcons squad for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. Head Coach Justine Madugu named the Bay FC striker among a 24-player list that includes captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and veteran forward Francisca Ordega2.
Oshoala’s absence from previous call-ups had sparked speculation, but Coach Madugu clarified that her exclusion was a strategic decision to give younger players international exposure.
‘Her leadership and experience are not in doubt,” he said, emphasizing that the move was never personal4. A dip in club form—seven goalless matches for Bay FC—may also have influenced earlier decisions.
Now back in the fold, Oshoala joins a dynamic mix of experience and youth. The squad features Saudi-based defender Ashleigh Plumptre, US-based fan favorite Michelle Alozie, midfielders Jennifer Echegini and Christy Ucheibe, and home-based talents like goalkeeper Rachael Unachukwu and defenders Sikiratu Isah and Miracle Usani.
The team began training in Abuja on Thursday and will continue through Saturday before heading to Lisbon, Portugal, for a final camp. There, they’ll face Portugal in a friendly on June 23, followed by a clash with Ghana’s Black Queens in Morocco on June 29. Nigeria’s WAFCON campaign kicks off July 6 against Tunisia, with subsequent group matches against Botswana and Algeria5.
The Super Falcons are chasing a record-extending 10th continental title—and with Oshoala back in the mix, expectations are soaring.
SUPER FALCONS FOR 13TH WAFCON FINALS:
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (just finished contract with Paris FC, France); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia); Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Edo Queens)
Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (just finished contract with Atletico Madrid, Spain); Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosenburg, Sweden); Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)
Forwards: Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies Club, Saudi Arabia); Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Chioma Okafor (University of Connecticut, USA)
