Head Coach Justine Madugu has named a squad of 25 players for Nigeria’s Women Africa Cup of Nations title defence. The team includes Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, top goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Osinachi Ohale, midfielder Jennifer Echegini, and forward Asisat Oshoala. They will compete in the 14th edition of the tournament in Morocco from July 26 to August 16.
The squad also features home-based goalkeeper Fatima Oloko, defenders Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Christy Ucheibe. Midfielders Halimatu Ayinde and Toni Payne are part of the team, along with forwards Esther Okoronkwo, Francisca Ordega, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Omorinsola Babajide.
Nigeria, the defending champions, aim for their 11th title. They will face Egypt, Zambia, and first-timers Malawi in Group C. The matches will take place in Rabat, the administrative capital of Morocco.
In this tournament, 16 teams will compete for the first time. The semi-finalists will automatically qualify for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The team that finishes fifth will enter an intercontinental playoff tournament.
The Super Falcons have been part of every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the first one in China 35 years ago. Last summer, they won their 10th continental title by defeating the host team, Atlas Lionesses of Morocco, with a score of 3-2 in the final.
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