By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
Expectedly, the Head Coach of Nigeria’s senior women’s football team, Randy Waldrum has decamped some home-based players to make room for the armada of foreign-based players ahead of Friday’s crucial Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON)) final qualifier first leg match between Super Falcons and La Elephantes of Cote d’Ivoire at Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
This is even as team captain and FC Barcelona feminine star, Asisat Oshoala and Atlectico Madrid midfielder, Rasheedat Ajibade have already trained with the rest of players in Abuja.
Prominent amongst players decamped by Waldrum are the only home-based goalkeeper, Christy Ohiaeriaku of Sunshine Queens and Nasarawa Amazons ace defender, Joy Ndidi Duru; midfielders, Grace Igboamalu and Amanda Mbadinuju both of Bayelsa Queens and forward Juliet Bassey of Bayelsa Queens.
Prompt News can confirm that Oshoala and Ajibade have linked up with the team and have also trained inside the mainbowl pitch of the refurbished Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja but the likes of attackers, Uchenna Kanu of Tigres Femenil, Mexico and Desire Oparanozie of Dejion FC, France have not shown up in the camp as at the time of this report.
Also, not in camp before the Tuesday morning training session at the stadium are winger Francisca Ordega of CSKA Mosco, Russia and veteran defender Osinachi Marvis Ohale of Diportivo Alaves, Spain.
Although these players have not arrived as at the time of this report, there are indications that the coach has them in his plans, the reason he has dropped five on Monday night and looks set to decamp more home-based players to arrive at the approved 25 players who will prosecute the two-legged encounter against La Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire.
