DEFENDING champions, Nigeria’s Super Falcons have opened training camp in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja ahead of next month’s 12th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Head coach Randy Waldrum and his assistants have the interesting challenge of quality and quantity of players a useful blend of the old guard, talented youngsters from the home front and a number of skilful foreign-born stars who have been holding their own brilliantly.
As of Friday morning, there were 19 players in the camp, Including captain Onome Ebi, alongside goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie and Tochukwu Oluehi, defenders Osinachi Ohale and Akudo Ogbonna, midfielders Rita Chikwelu and Rasheedat Ajibade, and forwards Francisca Ordega, Asisat Oshoala and Gift Monday.
US-based goalkeeper Yewande Balogun, defender Michelle Alozie and midfielders Amanda Mbadi and Toni Payne were being expected in the camp.
Forwards Desire Oparanozie and Uchenna Kanu, as well as midfielder Regina Otu and US-based defender
Nicole Payne will arrive in Abuja any time from now.
England-based defender Ashleigh Plumptre, midfielder Halimatu Ayinde and forwards Francisca Ordega, Vivian Ikechukwu and Ifeoma Onumonu are to join the squad in Morocco next week.
Nigeria, who has won nine of the 11 Women’s Nations Cup championships held so far, bundled out Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire in the qualifying series and will face South Africa, Botswana and Burundi in the group stages of Morocco 2022.
Nigeria tackles the Banyana Banyana of South Africa in their first match at the Prince Heritier Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Monday, July 4, before the games against Botswana (July 7) and Burundi (July 10) at the same venue.
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