Defender Ashleigh Plumptre is back in the Super Falcons set-up after a lengthy absence due to injury, as the team get set for a high-profile friendly match with France.
Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has also called up CAF Awards nominee, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Osinachi Ohale, midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Jennifer Echegini, as well as forwards Gift Monday and Rinsola Babajide among a list of 20 players for Saturday’s friendly.
US-based defender Michelle Alozie, Turkey-based Oluwatosin Demehin, midfielder Adoo Yina and forwards Mercy Omokwo and Ifeoma Onumonu are also included in the squad for the encounter scheduled for the Stade Raymond Kopa in Angers, with kick-off set for 9.30pm French time.
Midfielder Toni Payne, now with Everton Ladies in England, as well as Rofiat Imuran and Shukurat Oladipo – who both starred for the Falconets at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia in September – will be in France for the big match.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who is also a CAF Awards nominee, is out as a result of injury.
Strikers Asisat Oshoala and Uchenna Kanu, as well as midfielder Deborah Abiodun are also not in the squad.
Already pitted against Tunisia, Algeria and Botswana in Group B of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, Madugu will be grateful for the stern test that the Les Bleues will provide for his nine-time African champions in Angers.
The Nigeria Football Federation says all the invited players will fly directly to France for the match, to be joined by the coaching crew and backroom staff.
SUPER FALCONS FOR FRANCE FRIENDLY:
Goalkeepers:
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders:
Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha 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 (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Mercy Omokwo (Bayelsa Queens)
