Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has named a 23-woman squad for the upcoming international friendlies against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade leading the side in the absence of star forward Asisat Oshoala.
Oshoala, one of Nigeria’s most decorated players, is a notable omission from the list as Madugu turns his attention to testing the depth of the team ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The squad announcement reflects a strong faith in the Nigeria Women’s Football League, with nine home-based players earning call-ups.
Among them are four representatives from Edo Queens – goalkeeper Morufa Ademola, defender Miracle Usani, midfielder Amarachi Odoma, and striker Emem Essien.
Bayelsa Queens also see two of their players included, goalkeeper Linda Jiwuaku and defender Blessing Ilivieda. Nasarawa Amazons provide two key players in defender Sikiratu Isah and midfielder Josephine Mathias, while forward Olamide Bolaji is the sole representative from Remo Stars Ladies.
Alongside these local stars, the squad is headlined by established overseas-based players.
Ajibade, on the verge of leaving Atlético Madrid, retains the captain’s armband and will be joined in the midfield by Jennifer Echegini of Paris Saint-Germain and Christy Ucheibe from Benfica. Deborah Abiodun, who plays for Dallas Trinity in the United States, also features in the midfield.
The attack will be driven by Toni Payne of Everton, Montpellier’s Ifeoma Onumonu, Rinsola Babajide of Costa Adeje Tenerife, and the returning Francisca Ordega, now based in Saudi Arabia with Ittihad Ladies.
In defence, experienced centre-back Osinachi Ohale, currently playing in Mexico with Pachuca, is named alongside Houston Dash’s Michelle Alozie, London City Lionesses’ Rofiat Imuran, and Galatasaray’s Oluwatosin Demehin. Shukurat Oladipo, recently signed with AS Roma, also returns to the fold.
In goal, first-choice Chiamaka Nnadozie of Paris FC remains a key figure, expected to start both fixtures.
All players are expected to report to camp in Ijebu-Ode on 26 May as they face Cameroon on 31 May in Ikenne and again on 3 June in Abeokuta.
The matches offer Madugu a crucial opportunity to assess squad depth and chemistry ahead of July’s WAFCON tournament in Morocco, where Nigeria will compete in group B against Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana.
The last time the 11-time African champions were kept busy during the international break was in November 2024, when they lost 2-1 to France in a high-profile friendly.
Before then, they hosted Algeria in a two-legged friendly game played in Lagos and Ikenne in October 2024.
