Super Falcons Depart for Spain Camp Today Ahead of Paris 2024 Olympics

The Super Falcons of Nigeria are set to depart for a two-week training camp in Seville, Spain, as they prepare for the women’s football event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This marks Nigeria’s return to the Olympics women’s football event since their last appearance in 2008.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced the squad for the tournament on Wednesday. Players currently on holiday in Nigeria will join home-based players and team officials on an Air France flight from Abuja to Seville tonight, with the rest of the team and technical staff arriving on Friday.

Notable omissions from the squad include Saudi-based defender Ashleigh Plumptre, who is recovering from surgery, and defender Glory Ogbonna, a member of the 2023 World Cup squad. Veterans Onome Ebi and Francisca Orgeda were also left out despite efforts to join the team.

The 18-player roster includes Atletico Madrid forward Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and Asisat Oshoala. Defenders Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie, Nicole Payne, and Okeke are also part of the squad. The midfielders invited by Coach Randy Waldrum are Deborah Abiodun, Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, Jennifer Echegini, and Toni Payne. Forwards Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Uchenna Kanu, and Macleans complete the lineup.

Nigeria, nine-time African champions, will face Brazil, Spain, and Japan in the tournament. Their first match against Brazil is scheduled for July 25 at Stade Bordeaux, followed by games against Spain on July 28 and Japan on July 31.