Super Falcons Set for Tough Challenge Against France in International Friendly, Invite 20 Top Players

Head Coach Justine Madugu has announced his squad for an upcoming international friendly match against France, set to take place on Saturday at the Stade Raymond Kopa in Angers. The match will serve as an important test for the Nigerian women's national football team, the Super Falcons, as they prepare for future competitions, including the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Madugu has called up a strong 20-player roster, including several key players who have been in fine form recently. Among the notable inclusions are CAF Awards nominee and Paris FC goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, as well as experienced defenders Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Club de Futbol, Mexico) and Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia). Also included in the squad are midfielders Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal) and Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France), as well as forwards Gift Monday and Rinsola Babajide.

Other players joining the squad are US-based defender Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash), Turkey-based Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive), and forward Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France). Midfielders Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England), Rofiat Imuran, and Shukurat Oladipo, both of whom featured prominently for the Falconets in the 2023 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, will also make the trip to France.

Unfortunately, team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, another CAF Awards nominee, will miss the game due to injury, a significant blow for the team’s leadership on the pitch.

The French team, Les Bleues, will use the match as part of their preparations for the 2025 UEFA Women's European Championship in Switzerland and the upcoming Nations League spring fixtures. For the Super Falcons, this encounter offers a vital opportunity to test the squad ahead of next summer's Women’s AFCON, where they will compete against Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana in Group B.

Madugu is optimistic that facing one of the top European teams will provide invaluable experience for his team as they continue to build toward the continental championship. “This match is an essential part of our preparations for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. France will provide a stern test, and we are looking forward to the challenge,” he said.

All 20 players are expected to fly directly to France for the match, where they will be joined by the coaching staff and backroom team. The match kicks off at 9:30 PM France time, and fans can expect a thrilling contest between the Super Falcons and the formidable French side.

Super Falcons Squad for the France Friendly:

Goalkeepers:

• Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France)
• Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels)
• Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)

Defenders:

• Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Club de Futbol, Mexico)
• Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA)
• Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia)
• Rofiat Imuran (London City Lioness, England)
• Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons)
• Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey)

Midfielders:

• Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France)
• Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England)
• Josephine Mathias (Nasarawa Amazons)
• Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)
• Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens)
• Adoo Yina (Nasarawa Amazons)

Forwards:

• Blessing Nkor (Pyramids FC, Egypt)
• Gift Monday (Costa Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain)
• Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France)
• Omorinsola Babajide (Costa Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain)
• Mercy Omokwo (Bayelsa Queens)

As the Super Falcons prepare for this high-profile friendly, all eyes will be on their performance as they look to gain valuable experience and sharpen their skills ahead of the upcoming continental and international challenges.