Super Falcons’ Head Coach Justine Madugu has unveiled a 24-woman squad for Nigeria’s campaign at the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with star names Rasheedat Ajibade, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Francisca Ordega, and Asisat Oshoala making the cut.

The squad announcement marks the beginning of the team’s march toward a record-extending 10th continental title, with the tournament set to take place from July 5 to 26 in Morocco.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a portion of the squad began training in Abuja on Thursday and will continue sessions on Friday and Saturday before departing for a final training camp in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sunday.

Also included in the list are Saudi Arabia-based defender Ashleigh Plumptre, American fan favourite Michelle Alozie, veteran centre-back Osinachi Ohale, and midfielders Deborah Abiodun, Jennifer Echegini, and Christy Ucheibe.

Home-based talents like goalkeeper Rachael Unachukwu and defenders Sikiratu Isah and Miracle Usani have also been called up, while midfield general Halimatu Ayinde returns to bolster the team’s engine room.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed friendly matches to sharpen the team ahead of their Group B fixtures against Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria. The Falcons will face Portugal in Lisbon on Monday and square off against the Black Queens of Ghana in Morocco on June 29.

Full List of 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)

With high expectations and an experienced squad, the Super Falcons are poised to make a strong push for another continental crown in Morocco.

Super Falcons defender, Ashleigh Plumptre, has been named an ambassador for Mission 89, a global research and advocacy organization dedicated to combating child trafficking in sports.

The appointment, conveyed in a letter on Friday by Mission 89’s Executive Director, Lerina Bright, highlights the organization’s commitment to protecting young athletes and preserving the integrity of football.

Bright emphasized that the partnership with Plumptre comes at a crucial time as the sports industry grapples with rising challenges in safeguarding young talents from exploitation. She praised Plumptre’s dedication to social justice, noting that her influence will strengthen Mission 89’s efforts.

“Her extensive experience at the highest levels of professional football, alongside her passionate advocacy for ethical practices, positions her as an exemplary representative for this vital cause,” Bright said.

She further stressed the urgency of tackling sports trafficking, calling for immediate action from stakeholders, including governments, advocates, sports leaders, professional athletes, and policymakers.

Plumptre, in her acceptance remarks, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, acknowledging that her experiences as a footballer would play a key role in her new position.

“As a footballer, I have observed firsthand how aspirations can serve as both a source of hope and a potential vulnerability for young athletes,” she said.

“My experiences in professional sports have taught me that talent alone is insufficient; protection, education, and ethical pathways are vital components.”

The Leicester City defender described Mission 89 as more than just an organization, but a platform for reshaping the narrative around youth in football.

“We are not merely preventing trafficking; we are reclaiming the true spirit of the game — a spirit characterized by opportunity, dignity, and hope,” she said.

Plumptre reaffirmed her commitment to using her platform to protect young players who see football as a means to a better future.

“Football has the potential to transform lives. However, it is imperative that we ensure this transformation is both positive and secure,” she added.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged to honour victorious athletes that recently represented the FCT in various sporting events.

Wike made the pledge in a statement from the FCT sports department on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said that a reception, scheduled for Thursday, is in recognition of athletes that represented the FCT at the 2022 National Sports Festival, the 7th and 8th National Youth Games.

According to him, the honour is to appreciate the athletes for their acts of sacrifice, patriotism and determination that have brought glory to the FCT.

“We are committed to the development of sports in the FCT, and we will continue to create the enabling environment for sports to thrive.

“This is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s focus to engage youths to help discover their potentials and empower them to be better,” he said.