On June 20, 2025, the NFF finally dropped the Super Falcons’ 24-woman squad for WAFCON 2024 in Morocco.
Oshoala, Ajibade, and Ordega make the cut—names that have always delivered when Nigeria needed a goal out of nothing.
This is Oshoala’s sixth WAFCON. That’s not just a record; that’s royalty stepping on the turf again.
Veterans like Ohale and Ayinde return to marshal the lines. Calm heads. Big-game players. They all have the experience.
But then came the surprise: no Uchenna Kanu. No Gift Monday. Two fan favorites, both left on the bench of selection.
Nobody’s said why. No injury news. No press briefings. Just a cold shoulder and hot debates over social media.
Their absence feels like missing your best winger during a must-win game. Fans are debating over their exit.
Madugu picked 24 players—three goalkeepers, ten defenders, six midfielders, and five forwards. A tight formation.
Only three home-based players made the squad. Just a slight bump. The local league still watches from the sidelines. This is a comment on X:
Diaspora players dominate. It’s clear the coach is still betting on foreign flair over domestic grit.
But there’s a twist—eleven debutants made it in. Young blood, first caps. Big test under big lights.
Players like Miracle Usani and Sikiratu Isah now get the ball. It’s their chance to show they can run the full 90.
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WAFCON is no trial match. These newcomers must prove they’re not just benchwarmers but starters for tomorrow.
Training drills: Lisbon camp and warm-up friendlies
Before Morocco, the squad heads to Portugal. A training camp in Lisbon sets the stage.
They’ll face Portugal and Ghana. Not easy matches, but the perfect chance to test tactics and team shape.
Coach Madugu knows what’s at stake. He’s drawing a line between glory and group-stage exit. Replacing Randy Waldrum wasn’t easy. But Madugu’s now holding the chalk. And he needs results.
The team’s style leans on resilience. No over-the-top flair. Just smart pressing, compact defense, and Oshoala up top to do the damage.
Chiamaka Nnadozie guards the sticks. A keeper who saves more than goals—she saves Nigeria from collapses.
Group stage preview
Nigeria sits in Group B with Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana. On paper, it looks like a walk in the park.
But African football doesn’t play by paper rules. One defensive error, and even minnows can bite.
The Falcons must stay sharp from the whistle. No time to warm into games.
They need six points from the first two matches—nothing less. Qualification shouldn’t go down to goal difference.
The group is winnable. But so was 2018—and look how that turned out.
Should they top the group, big guns like South Africa, Morocco, and Cameroon await. Heavyweight clashes. No room for missed sitters.
South Africa knocked us out before. Morocco has home support. Cameroon’s physical game is always a threat.
At that stage, it’s not about history. It’s about the now. Who wants it more? Who finishes their chances?
Tactics must adapt. Slow starts could spell an early flight home.
Legacy and change
Cutting seasoned players like Kanu shocked many. But Madugu might be playing the long game.
Older players bring stability. Youngsters bring spark. You need both to win tournaments and build a future.
Nigeria’s often criticized for sticking too long with the old guard. Maybe this is the break.
Still, fans want transparency. Every call-up tells an acknowledgement. Every snub creates noise.
Whether they lift the trophy or not, this team could mark a turning point for Nigerian women’s football.
Win or learn—either way, this tournament will be one for the watch.
