Paris Olympics: Waldrum invites Okeke, Ihezuo, Oshoala, 19 others for South Africa clash

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Coach Randy Waldrum has extended invitations to former junior internationals Chidinma Okeke and Chiwendu Ihezuo ahead of the two-legged Paris Olympics final qualifying fixture against South Africa in April.

Also included in the 22-player shortlist are Rasheedat Ajibade, US-based Asisat Oshoala and dependable goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Saudi Arabia-based duo Ashleigh Plumptre and Tochukwu Oluehi are invited alongside veteran defender Osinachi Ohale. Also, diminutive midfielder Deborah Abiodun, and forwards Uchenna Kanu and Esther Okoronkwo are also listed.

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Delightfully, Falconets defender Shukurat Oladipo gets her first senior call-up and is one of two home-based players invited. 2019 World Cup participant Chidinma Okeke gets a recall, as well as forward Chiwendu Ihezuo.

The Super Falcons are at home for the first leg scheduled for Friday, 5th April at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. On 9th April, they will then jet out to Pretoria for the return leg at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Interestingly, the winner over two legs will claim one of Africa’s two tickets to this year’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament. Zambia and Morocco will clash for the other available ticket on the same dates.

ALL INVITED PLAYERS:

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia); Linda Jiwuaku (Bayelsa Queens).

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Nicole Payne (Portland Thorns FC, USA); Chidinma Okeke (Mynavi Sendai Ladies, Japan).

Midfielders: Deborah Abiodun (University of Pittsburgh, USA); Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosengard, Sweden); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Jennifer Echegini (Juventus Ladies, Italy); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid FC, Spain); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain).

Forwards: Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Esther Okoronkwo (Changchun FC, China); Ifeoma Onumonu (SLC Utah, USA); Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA); Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Chiwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico).