By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
In a bold step to launch the rebuilding process for the senior women’s national team of Nigeria, Super Falcons for a better performance, the interim head coach, Justin Madugu has invited only six foreign-based players for the upcoming international friendly double-header against senior women’s team of Algeria slated for October 26 and 29, 2024 in Lagos.
The six foreign-based players will be joined by a handful of Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiership players.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons will participate in the next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Prompt News exclusively gathered that stand-in captain Rasheedat Ajibade of Atletico Madrid, Spain and first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie of Paris FC, France have been invited with two forwards Esther Onyenazide, Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem, Israel and Gift Monday of UD Tenerife, Spain.
Also invited are attacking midfielder Christy Ucheibe of S.L Benfica, Portugal and defence stalwart Deborah Abiodun of Pittsburgh Panthers, USA who have cemented her place in the backline of the Super Falcons since she broke into the squad two years ago from the junior team.
Recall that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has decided to invite foreign-based players to join the Super Falcons for their friendly matches against Algeria, reversing its initial plan to rely solely on local talent.
Already, Madugu has scouted players from the 2024 Betsy Obaseki Football Championship in Edo state which ended on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 with Nasarawa Amazons crowned champions after a penalty shootout win over Bayelsa Queens in the finals at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
It is expected that Madugu and his assistants Ann Agumanu-Chiejine and Auwal Makwalla, a goalkeeper trainer will use the two legged friendly matches against Algeria to merge fresh talents with experienced players as the Super Falcons prepare for upcoming competitions.
The team aims to bounce back from their disappointing group stage exit from the Paris 2024 Olympic in the summer and failure at the last WAFCON in Morocco respectively.
Invited players are expected to report to camp in Lagos from Monday.
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