Paris 2024: Plumptre returns as Oshoala, Ajibade lead Super Falcons for Cameroon showdown

Super Falcons stars Plumptre and Ajibade at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup | Imago

Paris 2024: Plumptre returns as Oshoala, Ajibade lead Super Falcons for Cameroon showdown

Izuchukwu Akawor 10:35 - 16.02.2024

Ashleigh Plumptre, Rasheedat Ajibade and Asisat Oshoala headline a star-studded Super Falcons for the Olympics qualifier against Cameroon.

A heavyweight Super Falcons squad packed with star power has been assembled to take on rivals Cameroon in a titanic two-legged clash. 

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports Ashleigh Plumptre is set to return in the clash between Nigeria and Cameroon that will decide Africa’s sole representative at the Paris 2024 Olympics. 

Plumptre joins Ajibade, Oshoala for Cameroon

In a communique released by the NFF, the Super Falcons' big guns led by Saudi Arabia-based defender, Plumptre, will look to help Nigeria see off the threat from the Indomitable Lionesses. 

The 25-year-old defender has yet to play for the Falcons since her impressive outing for Nigeria at the 2023 FIFAWWCc co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia. 

Ashleigh Plumptre in Saudi Arabia. (Photo Credit: Arab News)

Plumptre will be joined in the team by regulars, Rasheedat Ajibade of Atletico Madrid and six-time African Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala.

The Lionesses will look to upset the Falcons and get revenge for their male counterparts, the Indomitable Lions, who were knocked out of the AFCON 2023 by Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

Super Falcons stars Plumptre and Ajibade at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup | Imago

The first leg of the encounter will occur next Friday in Duoala, with the second leg slated for Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, four days later. 

Here is the full list of players invited. 

  •  Goalkeepers
Asisat Oshoala | Credit: Instagram

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); Oluwatosin Demehin (Stade de Reims, France); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Akudo Ogbonna (Remo Stars Ladies); Rofiat Imuran (Stade de Reims, France)

  •  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 (Henan FC, China); Ifeoma Onumonu (SLC Utah, USA); Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, Spain); Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain)