₦airaland Forum

emeka123123:
You are just being emotional over nothing. Gift Monday hasn't exactly delivered for the Super Falcons. Speak with facts and not emotions.

As for me, I don't belong to the school of thought that loves suggesting to sportspeople how and when to retire. Time will always tell and retire them effectively. Atimes we forget that life after playing sports is something these people actually can't fathom and as such not everyone approaches with a particular mindset. E no easy o, make we no dey deceive ourselves. Not all of our most prominent global icons chose how and when to retire. Time took/takes charge.

Ijamilusi slow? Oh well...I guess we have players with variegated weaknesses, similar to how their strengths are.

Let's just support the choices of the coach and move on...no list would ever be perfect for all. Kapish!?

Sorry to say… Folashade Ijamilusi isn’t slow at all arguably one of the fastest Forward in the team..


This is my Ranking according to their level of pace..

🚩Top level
1• Chioma Okafor
2• Rasheedat Ajibade
3• Asisat Oshoala

🚩Above Average
4• Folashade Ijamilusi
5• Rinsola Babajide
6• Chinwendu Ihezuo

🚩Average speed!
7• Esther Okoronkwo
8• Ifeoma Onumonu

AkinDS:
The young lady IS Malawian - she speaks their local language fluently.
The Malawian FA touted her as the future of their women's football team, only for Nigeria to hijack the process.
This was quite a major coup by Nigeria. Can fully understand the Malawians being pissed off.

She’s probably more Malawian due to the fact she was born and raised there before moving to the US…

Again it was going to be difficult to turn down Nigeria among any African countries when the offer is there..

Chioma Okafor is a big catch for us.. She brings that raw speed, Speed the likes of Chawinga sisters, Banda, Clara Luvanga and Kundananji have coupled with her deadly left foot…

I can see comments on the media saying Nigeria now have their own Chawinga/Banda, I was just laughing because it’s the truth😂😂😂

lovewins:
This sadly isn't peculiar to Ordega, it's a Nigerian problem. Culturally, Nigerians hardly resign on principle and find it hard to retire too. The current IG of police is past his due retirement, but laws were circumvented to keep him there. Buhari did same for some of his folks. Onome still hasn't officially retired, Ahmed Musa who is clueless is still looking for a way back to the Super Eagles.

The few examples of those who retire (particularly early) in our national teams are those who weren't raised in Nigeria. Victor Moses retired from the National team at 25. Oderah Chidom retired from the D'tigress at 29 on principle. You can be sure Ordega isn't looking at r to retiring, and giving the current climate she'll keep getting callups.

On the women’s game Stella Mbachu announced that she will be retiring after the 2014 WAFCON in Namibia and she retired after winning the WAFCON..

Perpetua Nkwocha and Precious Dede said the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup was their last for Nigeria and they brilliantly retired after the 2015 World Cup

Desire Oparanozie announced her retirement after the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia/NZL..

What’s wrong with the likes of Onome Ebi, Tochukwu Oluehi, Rita Chikwelu, Franny Ordega and Co following same path when they know fully well that they ain’t up there again in the pecking order..

No one is forcing anyone to retire but know when to leave when the ovation is on the low side.. Is not difficult following the path of Mbachu, Nkwocha and Co.

The Midfield is really really stacked…! But right now who will be out starting trio with Ayinde, Ucheibe, Abiodun, T Payne and Echegini

Watch Chioma Okafor short Highlights and see what to expect from her …


https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BH7iFSsx8/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Who is Chioma Okafor? 🇳🇬🇲🇼

▪️UConn Huskies forward 🇺🇸
▪️Born in Malawi to 🇲🇼 mom & 🇳🇬 dad
▪️Chose Nigeria over Malawi
▪️2024/25: 13 goals, 4 assists in 23games🔥
▪️All-American & Big East Best XI
▪️MAC Hermann Trophy Semi Finalists
▪️Pace. Power. Finishing. 💫

Now called up to join the Super Falcons ahead of #WAFCON2024 🦅 #WAFWOS

lovewins:
Posting without comments. Emphasis on the later part of the post.

This OSASU for just mention Ruth David name straight away!

Unlimited22:
How did Fran make this list ahead of Gift Monday?
What happened to Uchenna Kanu ?


Can anything be done for Nicole Payne?

Nicole Payne… ACL injury, stop taking us back and forth

Uchenna Kanu just recovered from injury so I’m not really so worried about her being dropped but again i would have preferred her to Chinwendu Ihezuo…

Monday Gift for Franny Ordega for sure, nothing like she’s offering experience because Asisat Oshoala is already there.!

isan:
Babajide will finally get plenty game time now , she's a sure starter with Ajibade

And the Small Chioma Okafor of a girl can as well be her Substitute to come in with her pace and power to run over already tired defenders from the Left Wing…

She’s left footed but uses both feet’s effectively.!

But again we shouldn’t forget Okoronkwo is there too, but who will start as no.9 at the WAFCON. Is going to be physical so ain’t starting Onumonu either.

lovewins:
Sincerely not a terrible list overall.

My Observations

Not surprised Ordega made the list even though I would have preferred Gift Monday or Uchenna Kanu (not sure of her health status) over her. Folashade is the girl that graduated from Oshoala's academy if I remember correctly. Looking forward to seeing her justify her inclusion ahead of a Monday Gift.

Very surprised at the inclusion of Chioma Okafor, it however makes sense that she switched as she was probably promised a spot on the roster. Would have however preferred she be included in a prior friendly to at the very least fight for a spot. She's getting in too easy in my opinion. However rooting for her.

Is the Super Falcons moving on from Imuran? Is Usani objectively better than she is? Cause if she isn't, it would make a lot more sense to continue building with her than start a new project with Usani.

Finally, our goalkeepers department is officially in trouble. What is the point in inviting young goalkeepers for friendlies when you won't go with any of them?. How does Oluehi being in the team help our future goals? Also has Rachel Udoka ever made any camp? Please @deltamani kindly indicate if she has. Are the previous invited goalkeepers not good enough? Is she objectively better than they are?

NB: This isn't a critique on the coach's decision. I always believe coaches should be allowed to make up their roster as they see fit, and only be judged by their result. So our duty really is to support the team

Racheal was in goal during the Algeria friendly where she conceded that cheap goal while in post during the second game.. And I don’t think she’s better than the rest but not a bad choice among the Home based goalkeeper’s..

lovewins:
Sincerely not a terrible list overall.

My Observations

Not surprised Ordega made the list even though I would have preferred Gift Monday or Uchenna Kanu (not sure of her health status) over her. Folashade is the girl that graduated from Oshoala's academy if I remember correctly. Looking forward to seeing her justify her inclusion ahead of a Monday Gift.

Very surprised at the inclusion of Chioma Okafor, it however makes sense that she switched as she was probably promised a spot on the roster. Would have however preferred she be included in a prior friendly to at the very least fight for a spot. She's getting in too easy in my opinion. However rooting for her.

Is the Super Falcons moving on from Imuran? Is Usani objectively better than she is? Cause if she isn't, it would make a lot more sense to continue building with her than start a new project with Usani.

Folashade Ijamilusi isn’t Asisat Oshoala Academy product but FC Robo, she have played for Nigeria at the U17, U20 and SuperFalcons level, currently 24yrs. Was supposed to be in the Squad for the 2018 U20 World Cup in France alongside Nnadozie, Rash, Ucheibe and Anam IMO, but missed out because of serious knee injury which kept her out for a long while..

She can play all positions upfront and a very fast player as well but hopefully she proves herself..

Monday Gift should be the surprise exclusion for sure… Kanu just returned from injury so I’m not surprised..


Miracle Usani is better than Imuran all round… She can play as a Fullback, left and Right back just like Faith Ikid.. Madugu got this right.

As for Chioma Okafor, I think she’s a good catch, I only do like her she plays like Tabitha Chawinga, a left footed forward who drives from the Left wing.. But again College Pace ain’t thesame as the pro level.. Let’s watch and see first… 23games, 10goals and 4 assists for her this past season..

AkinDS:
Quite a surprise decision, considering she speaks their local language fluently. Not sure what has changed, as she had previously committed to them.
Chioma Okafor also was nominated as a semi finalist for the Mac Hermann trophy this year (which Onyi Echegini won in 2024).
Wish her all the very best.

One of the reason I fancy about her is her Speed, is something we haves been lacking upfront, Her Speed and Strength can cause havoc from the Left Wing..

For example having Rash on the Right and someone like her on the Left is all about pace pace pace which we surely needed because Rash has been the only one giving us that upfront..

BREAKING NEWS🚨📰 NIGERIA SQUAD FOR THE 2024 WAFCON IN MOROCCO 🇲🇦

• ⭐️ Super Zee returns for her 6th WAFCON
• 🆕 11 debutants ready to make their mark
• 🇳🇬 3 NWFL stars repping the home front

These are Justin Madugu’s heroes for #MissionX
The quest for a historic 10th title begins now 🏆

Goalkeepers:🧤
1• Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France 🇫🇷)
2• Tochukwu Oluehi( Shulalat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦)
3• Rachael Udoka Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons, Nigeria 🇳🇬)

Defenders:🛡️
4• Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca CF, Mexico 🇲🇽)
5• Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray, Turkey 🇹🇷)
6• Ashleigh Plumptre (Al-Ittihad, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦)
7• Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA 🇺🇸)
8• Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy 🇮🇹)
9• Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons Nigeria 🇳🇬)
10• Miracle Usani (Edo Queens, Nigeria 🇳🇬)

Midfielders: 🧠
11• Halimatu Ayinde (Rosengard FC Sweden 🇸🇪)
12• Christy Ucheibe (Benfica FC, Portugal 🇵🇹)
13• Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity, USA 🇺🇸)
14• Jennifer Echegini (PSG, France 🇫🇷)
15• Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿)
16• Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid, Spain 🇪🇸)

Forwards 🥅
17• Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA 🇺🇸)
18• Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France 🇫🇷)
19• Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada 🇨🇦)
20• Chinwendu Ihezuo ( Pachuca, Mexico 🇲🇽)
21• Omorinsola Babajide (CA Tenerife, Spain 🇪🇸)
22• Chioma Okafor (University of Connecticut, USA 🇺🇸)
23• Francisca Ordega (Al-Ittihad, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦)
24• Ijamilusi Folashade ( Liaoning Baiye FC,China 🇨🇳)

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S FRIENDLY MATCH


https://www.facebook.com/share/v/192hJtmYsD/?mibextid=wwXIfr

#MRCMLW

27'| Goal!
Captain Tabitha Chawinga scores from the spot after a foul in the box

Morocco 0-1 Malawi (Tabitha Chawinga 27')

GeneralDae:
Good decision by her. Malawi FA for some reason do not do enough in terms of regulations and organisation to be allowed to participate in AFCON qualifiers. I wonder why they would expect her to choose Malawi who are only generally comfortable with just SAFA competitions rather than the AWCON.

Malawi are playing Morocco tonight in an international friendly match and only Tabitha Chawinga is available, her Sister isn’t available.. But again Malawi have the chance of qualifying for the 2026 WAFCON for the first time this time around except they mess up because they will be meeting a weaker opponent on paper.. Angola I think..

isan:
Which of her parents is from Malawi?......

Her Mother is from Malawi while her Dad is from Nigeria.. She was born there though before moving to the US

I really do see a lot of Tabitha Chawinga in her, Strong, Fast and dangerous Left foot. she love to play from the left the Wing as well…!

Good catch for Nigeria and herself..

BREAKING NEWS🚨📰

The Football Association of Malawi 🇲🇼(FAM) would like to inform the general public that, following discussions held with the parents of Chioma Okafor on 18th June 2025, USA-based women's football Scorchers international prospect Chioma Okafor has decided to commit her international football career to Nigeria 🇳🇬.

#Malawi #WAFWOS #scorcher

My Prediction For the WAFCON list and no player from outside the Standbye should be making the main roster either…

Goalkeepers:🧤
1• Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France 🇫🇷)
2• Linda Jiwuaku (Bayelsa Queens, Nigeria 🇳🇬)
3• Morufa Ademola (Edo Queens, Nigeria 🇳🇬)

Defenders:🛡️
4• Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca CF, Mexico 🇲🇽)
5• Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray, Turkey 🇹🇷)
6• Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦)
7• Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA 🇺🇸)
8• Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy 🇮🇹)
9• Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons Nigeria 🇳🇬)
10• Rofiat Imuran (London City Lionesses, England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿)

Midfielders: 🧠
11• Halimatu Ayinde (Rosengard FC Sweden 🇸🇪)
12• Christy Ucheibe (Benfica FC, Portugal 🇵🇹)
13• Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity, USA 🇺🇸)
14• Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain, France 🇫🇷)
15• Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿)
16• Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid, Spain 🇪🇸)

Forwards 🥅
17• Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA 🇺🇸)
18• Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France 🇫🇷)
19• Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada 🇨🇦)
20• Monday Gift (Washington Spirit, USA 🇺🇸)
21• Rinsola Babajide (Costa Adeje Tenerife, Spain 🇪🇸)
22• Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA 🇺🇸)
23• Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦)



Standby;
1• Miracle Usani (Edo Queens, Nigeria 🇳🇬)
2• Josephine Mathias (Nasarawa Amazons, Nigeria 🇳🇬)
3• Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjorring, Denmark 🇩🇰)
4• Edna Imade (Granada UD, Spain 🇪🇸)
5• Tochukwu Oluehi …. We might see her return with the kind of rumours in town right now..

As for Edna if they can get her then she should be on the list ahead of Franny💯

ekehopp2:
WAFCON 2024: Super Falcons Eye 10th Title, Set for Training Camp in Lisbon.
https://superfalconsshow.com/wafcon-2024-super-falcons-eye-10th-title-set-for-training-camp-in-lisbon/

There were enough time to at least camp for 3-4 weeks with the exception of NWSL players and only Ayinde based in Sweden which the Swedish OBOS Damallskvenskan is still in season..

I wondered why this late preparation but they want to win… So Morocco 🇲🇦, Tanzania 🇹🇿, Botswana 🇧🇼, Algeria 🇩🇿 that have been in Camp for a while now doesn’t deserve to win the WAFCON??

daveP:
Why i dey fear say AP no go dey this man's list?

Ashleigh Plumptre will be there for sure…

isan:
It's the defensive midfield i dey talk, ucheibe and Ayinde are too injury prone

How is Ucheibe injury prone??

Yes we Understand Ayinde tends to get injured too many times, ACL, few knee injuries, ankle injury etc but again she has set in as well but she’s still very capable especially when she’s available for a major tournament.
You have Abiodun there as well..

Ayinde
Ucheibe
Abiodun
Echegini
Payne
are enough to do the job… Rasheedat can as well be drafted there even we don’t want to see her in Midfield…

Regina Otu will be a good pick but not on Madugu look right now… Favour Emmanuel lack of game time before she left San Diego Waves might work against her as well..

isan:
Then we are going to be short of 1 midfielder... there's no reason to pack the team with forwards...we all know ucheibe and Ayinde are very likely to get injured

We have
Halimatu Ayinde
Christy Ucheibe
Deborah Abiodun
Onyi Echegini
Toni Payne in Midfield as well as Rasheedat Ajibade who can be deployed there even though it reduces her effectiveness..

Who else can you recommend is good enough to take up a spot in Midfield??

Regina Otu, Emmanuel Favour? Cause Madugu might not look their way and he will opt for an Home based player.

Memories… You can rewatch the Super Falcons World Cup game against England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 here and some other games…

Full Game


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4H-8_oQYJ0Y?si=-hghKAq0DX5UY9uT

isan:
But you know Rash is not going to play in the middle she's our best attacker

I hope you read where I said i put her name in midfield to give room for more forwards…

Again Madugu will likely moved her to midfield occasionally as i saw in the last friendly against Cameroon.. She and Payne were rotating btw midfield and right wing.

AkinDS:
IF wishes were horses...

Edna and Onumonu can play as upfront strikers, with Oshoala coming in as a sub. This is no disrespect to the 'GOAT', but we cannot realistically expect her to hit on all cylinders for the full 90 at this stage of her career. I loved the role she played in the WC, coming in as a sub against Australia to devastating effect.
Wingers can be Okoronkwo, Ajibade and Babajide, which gives us enough cover on the wings, while the AMs will be Tonie Payne and Jen Echegini. There is also Chiamaka Okwuchukwu to consider - not sure if she can also be effective as a winger on this team, in addition to her being a striker for San Diego Wave.

The sad and unfortunate truth is Edna Imade and Joy Omewa should have been inculcated into this team a long time ago, and that opportunity was missed due to the incompetence of Magudu and the morons in the NFF.
Nigeria could easily have had a devastating team for this WAFCON...

If wishes were truly horses... But we seems to forget that Edna can actually play in all positions upfront as she uses both feet’s effectively, have got the pace and agility as well. And this past season is actually her first season playing as a No.9!! Because she has been Playing mainly as a winger in the past..

Joy Omewa 22yrs the Danish 🇩🇰 League golden boot winner can actually be the next Oparanozie if well nurtured as age is very much on her side.. A proper finisher good with both feet’s..

Maybe we can go with a forward line of
1• Asisat Oshoala
2• Ifeoma Onumonu
3• Edna Imade
4• Joy Omewa
5• Esther Okoronkwo
6• Monday Gift
7• Rinsola Babajide

Note; I will put Rash name among the 6 midfielders to give room for more forwards.., but they will tell you that Emem Essien, Olamide are the best forwards to be in the team just because they want to include Home-based players.

BascoVanVeli:
Esther Okoronkwo vs Vancouver Rise
Got an assist but was subbed off in the 2nd

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNWbPxufDaE

Surprisingly we get Edna Imade, Coupled with Asisat Oshoala and Ifeoma Onumonu, does this mean Esther Okoronkwo should be drifted to the Right Wing as a Winger alongside Ajibade or what does this look
Like??

Nigeria seems to forget that we once had Judith Chime who was 2nd choice to Ann then.. Rachael Ayegba same set with Precious Dede and Tochukwu Oluehi … Even Whyte was a little bit heavy…

Maybe Linda Juwuaku is the one for this present set..!

Linda Juwuaku 19yrs need to tone down for sure but she isn’t a bad goalkeeper as they seems to make it.. One i think they really need to keep a close eye on as well…


I think the next U20 World Cup Linda and this current U17 goalie should be the once battling it out because the promotion of goalkeepers from youth level to the SuperFalcons have been poor… We see different faces here and there..

Apart from Tochukwu Oluehi, Alaba Jonathan, Ibubeleye Whyte and Chiamaka Nnadozie I haven’t really seen any other ones been promoted from level to level..

Onyinyechi Okeke was good at U17 & U20 level but seems to have lost it, or may the coaches no longer look her way! Again she made a costly error against Morocco U20 one time past during the qualifiers then which i think also contributed to the coaches sidelining her as well..


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxbee4p9SoY?si=To9du7TfoPO3JrpY

If the Coaches are really serious about having a Capable No.2 and No.3 for the Super Falcons this two names should be considered alongside those in the league here…

1• Onyinyechukwu Patience Okeke
Club; Ashdod Panthers, Israel 🇮🇱
Age; (26yrs)
Height; 182cm
Weight; 63kg

2• Rita Akarekor
Club; Yanga Princess FC, Tanzania 🇹🇿
Age; (24yrs)
Height; 1.72cm
Weights; 60kg

isan:
The qualities of keepers coming out from the Home league has been poor ..same league produced Nnadozie

Chiamaka Nnadozie is a generational talent and such players come once in a while…

There was a time Tochukwu Oluehi and Alaba Jonathan came in… Same with Chiamaka Nnadozie.

I remember when Edwin Okon was trying to force the average at best Ibubeleye Whyte on Nigeria in the past even though we had Tochi and Alaba available, they hardly got call up…

Hopefully another one will spring up and better still those around improve…

lovewins:
Osasu posted this moments ago.

There are strong indications this is about the Super Falcons. Again, not exactly surprising, but saddening all the same.

Of course is about the Super Falcons… Who isn’t aware of Madugu illegal doings?? The team just need a better head coach who won’t be selling slots instead doing his or her job of inviting the best and well deserved players.:

AkinDS:
Great player, but...
She is no spring chicken, as she is not young - she just turned '30' in May 2025. Not to mention her being very injury prone.

For Nigeria, we need to have at least four (4) options that can be counted upon, without degradation in quality or performance.
Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, Debbie Abiodun and then who? The next candidate that can play at their level, for me, is Favour Emmanuel (if you consider the experience and the mentality to play that position).
That way, the team doesn't have to be over-reliant on Halimatu and she can be fit and available to last the 6 or 7 games in a major tournament.

Sorry , I mean to say Michelle Alozie, Not Ayinde Pls