Paris 2024: Oshoala, Nnadozie & Ajibade lead killer Super Falcons squad for crucial South Africa clash

Nigeria's Super Falcons led by Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala and Chiamaka Nnadozie will face South Africa in a winner-takes-all clash for a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum has named a 22-player squad for Nigeria's crucial Olympic playoff against South Africa next month, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade, star striker Asisat Oshoala and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie among those selected.

The two-legged tie will determine which of the African rivals secures one of the continent's two spots at the 2024 Paris Olympics women's football tournament.

Key Players Ajibade, Oshoala & Nnadozie Included

Nigeria will host the first leg at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Friday, 5 April before travelling to Pretoria for the return fixture at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday, 9 April.

Ajibade, who plays her club football for Atlético Madrid, has been ever-present for the Falcons and will captain the side as usual.

Oshoala, the reigning African Player of the Year, will spearhead the attack after an impressive start to the season with new club Bay FC in the United States’ NWSL.

Meanwhile, penalty specialist Nnadozie has established herself as Nigeria's number-one goalkeeper after some excellent performances in goal and will retain her spot in the team.

The Super Falcons face a tough task against South Africa, who are the current African champions and stand between Nigeria and a place in Paris.

Battle for Final Olympic Spot

Zambia and Morocco will contest the other Olympic playoff, with their two-legged tie also being held on 5 and 9 April.

The two aggregate winners will represent Africa in the 12-team women's Olympic football tournament at Paris 2024 later this year.

Nigeria has featured in three Olympics, in 2000, 2004, and 2008 and will be hoping to avoid another disastrous miss. 

But they missed out on qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Games after losing a playoff to Ivory Coast.

Randy Waldrum's side will be determined to book their place in Paris and continue Nigeria's proud Olympic pedigree.

Full Squad

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)

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