Preparations for the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) got underway on Monday in Ijebu-Ode as Super Falcons stars Rasheedat Ajibade, Jennifer Echegini, and Omorinsola Babajide arrived early for Nigeria’s two-match friendly series against Cameroon.
Also among the early arrivals was USA-based defender Michelle Alozie, who expressed her enthusiasm about rejoining the national team ahead of the continental tournament scheduled for Morocco between July 5 and 26.
“I am excited for the upcoming training camp and to be back with the Super Falcons; it’s my first time in Ogun State,” Alozie said. “Everyone is looking forward to the Women’s AFCON and that is our main focus. The way we are treated has changed in the past few years, for the better, especially with our continued success over the years. I am happy to see the steady change as women’s sports across the world continue to achieve and fight for more equality.”
Alozie, who featured in the 2022 WAFCON in Morocco and was a key player during the Super Falcons’ unbeaten run in regulation time at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, joins a squad gathering at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo.
More players, including Toni Payne, Deborah Abiodun, and Ifeoma Onumonu, are expected to arrive later on Monday. Others listed for arrival include defenders Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, Rofiat Imuran, Shukurat Oladipo, Sikiratu Isah, and Blessing Ilivieda; goalkeepers Linda Jiwuaku and Morufa Ademola; midfielders Amarachi Odoma and Josephine Mathias; and forwards Francisca Ordega and Olamide Bolaji.
Former junior international Miracle Usani and Emem Essien are also due to join the team on the same day. First-choice goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday, while Portugal-based midfielder Christy Ucheibe is expected on Wednesday.
The friendly matches against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses, who were runners-up in the 2016 edition of the tournament, will take place on Saturday, 31st May at Ikenne-Remo, and Tuesday, 3rd June at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.
Meanwhile, at the 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State, the Golden Eaglets will play for bronze after a 2-1 semi-final loss to Team Ogun. They will face the loser of the other semi-final between Team Kwara and Team Kaduna, who qualified for the final with a one-goal win.
In the women’s event, the Flamingos advanced to the final following a 1-0 victory over Team Ogun, with Shakirat Moshood converting a late penalty. They are set to face Team Delta, who defeated Team Osun 4-1, in the final match scheduled for Tuesday at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex. Third-place matches for both categories will be held at the Remo Stars Stadium.
The participation of both the Golden Eaglets and Flamingos in the festival aligns with the National Sports Commission’s Invited Junior Athletes initiative.
