THE Falconets of Nigeria, having already arrived in Colombia early for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, will play Australia and Mexico in friendly matches ahead of the tournament scheduled for August 31 to September 22.
Coach Chris Danjuma and his crew, which now includes fitness trainer Chima Michael, have been tuning up the Falconets since Monday, in preparation for the clash with Australia on Friday.
The tune-up clash with Australia has been scheduled for 10am Colombian time (4pm Nigerian time) on Friday, at the Club Banco de la República in Bogota. NFF’s FIFA Match Agent, Jairo Pachon, has assured that all arrangements have been concluded for the encounter.
Danjuma’s squad from the qualifiers has now been strengthened by the presence of a number of players who have seen action with the Super Falcons, including defenders Jumoke Alani, Rofiat Imuran, Comfort Folorunsho and forwards Opeyemi Ajakaye, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu and Flourish Sabastine.
Folorunsho and Ajakaye were in the Nigeria squad that finished in third place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India two years ago. Other members of that squad also with the Falconets in Colombia are goalkeeper Faith Omilana and forward Omowunmi Bello.
The Falconets will tackle Mexico in the second friendly match at the same venue on Monday.
NIGERIA’S SQUAD FOR FIFA U-20 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP COLOMBIA 2024:
Goalkeepers:
Anderline Mgbechi (Delta Queens); Faith Omilana (Naija Ratels); Shukura Bakare (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders:
Oluchi Ohaegbulem (Nasarawa Amazons); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); Jumoke Alani (Nasarawa Amazons); Comfort Folorunsho (Edo Queens); Rofiat Imuran (Unattached); Oluwabunmi Oladeji (Naija Ratels)
Midfielders:
Adoo Yina (Nasarawa Amazons); Chioma Olise (Edo Queens); Olushola Shobowale (Nasarawa Amazons); Joy Igbokwe (Naija Ratels); Shakirat Oyinlola (La Liga Academy, Spain)
Forwards:
Chiamaka Okwuchukwu (Rivers Angels); Mary Nkpa (Heartland Queens); Chiamaka Osigwe (Edo Queens); Janet Akekoromowei (Asisat Oshoala Academy); Flourish Sabastine (Stade de Reims, France); Aminat Bello (Otero College, USA); Opeyemi Ajakaye (Madrid CFF, Spain)
