Madugu names 25-man squad for Cameroon friendlies

By Joe Apu

Head Coach Justine Madugu has unveiled a 25-player Super Falcons squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses in Yaoundé.

The squad features captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and forwards Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo. Notable inclusions are Canada-based midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, returning after several years, and U.S.-based forward Gift Monday, who missed last year’s Women AFCON triumph in Morocco.

England-based goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor receives her first call-up, while Mexico-based defender Chidinma Okeke also returns to the 10-time African champions. Midfielder Precious Christopher, based in Tanzania, joins the team for the first time. Several players retain their spots, including defenders Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin, Ashley Plumptre, midfielders Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, Deborah Abiodun, Jennifer Echegini, and forwards Rinsola Babajide and Folashade Ijamilusi.

The first friendly will hold on Saturday, 28th February, with the second scheduled for Tuesday, 3rd March. These matches serve as preparation for the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations, set to take place in Morocco from 17th March to 3rd April. All four semi-finalists at the tournament will qualify directly for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Super Falcons Squad for Cameroon Friendlies

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England), Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England), Fatima Oloko (Abia Angels), Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels)

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico), Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy), Michelle Alozie (Olivia Wynn, USA), Ashley Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia), Glory Ogbonna (FC Kiryat Gat, Israel), Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey), Sikiratu Isah (Bnot Netanya, Israel), Chidinma Okeke (Club America, Mexico)

Midfielders: Halimatu Ayinde (Christian Lundstrom, Sweden), Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene (Ottawa Rapids, Canada), Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA), Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France), Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal), Precious Christopher (Yanga Princess, Tanzania)

Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint Germain, France), Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico), Gift Monday (Washington Spirit, USA), Joy Omewa (Nottingham Forest, England), Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada), Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China), Omorinsola Babajide (AS Roma, Italy)