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Nigeria Superfalconet X-ray.


August 04

10:33

The U20 women’s World Cup is around the corner. The Falconets of Nigeria, two-time finalists, have a mountain to climb in a group comprising Germany, China and Haiti.

Coach Christopher Danjuma masterminded the team to five wins in the CAF qualifiers to seal a place at the World Cup.

TheCable takes a look at the 21 players who made the final cut for the tournament which kicks off Sunday.

GOALKEEPERS

Chiamaka Nnadozie (Rivers Angels)

Nnadozie is the favourite to be the number one goalkeeper. She has impressed many with her shot-stopping ability and distribution.

During the qualifiers, she conceded just two goals and kept four clean sheets in six appearances.

Okeke Onyinyenchukwu (Edo Queens)

Despite being Edo Queens’ number one for a number of years, Okeke has only earned two international caps for the Falconets.

A goalkeeper with great reflexes, she has pulled off a number of world-class saves in her career.

Rita Akarekor (Sunshine Queens)

The Sunshine Queens stopper has a solid all-round game. She has the best reflex among the three goalkeepers. She has a commanding presence behind the sticks.

Her distribution and concentration make her stand out.

DEFENDERS

Mary Ologbosere (Rivers Angels)

Ologbosere is key to the coach’s formation. She is dominant on the right and is a good crosser of the ball. She should be one of Nigeria’s key players at the tournament.

Sunday Opeyemi (Sunshine Queens)

Opeyemi comes up against some of the best attackers in the Nigeria Women Premier League every week and does her job solidly. She is a left-sided defender with immense energy.

Famuditi Oluwakemi (Confluence Queens)

Named Confluence Queens’ footballer of the year in 2017, the Falconets skipper will go to the World Cup brimming with confidence.

She can play as a right or left back, but the coach prefers to use her as a central defender, a position she will most likely be deployed to at the World Cup.

Ezekiel Blessing (Rivers Angels)

Ezekiel can play as a defender and also take up the defensive midfielder role. Her strength on the ball makes it difficult for opponents to dispossess her.

The budding starlet is one of the brightest young talents in Nigeria, and the World Cup will be a great experience for her.

Glory Ogbonna (Ibom Angels)

Ogbonna is capable of playing at left back, but it’s in the centre of defence that the Ibom Angels star features for the Falconets.

Big, strong, and fearless, Ogbonna is an excellent reader of the game and has hardly put a foot wrong in her 15 caps for the Falconets.

Duru Joy (Nasarawa Amazons)

In matches played for the youth sides, Duru has impressed — not only with her tackling but also her aerial prowess in the box.

She is agile, fast and loves to roam forward to support the attackers.

MIDFIELDERS

Amoo Bashirat (Confluence Queens)

Amoo will play as a roaming number 10, just behind Ajibade and Imo.

The recent friendlies showed that the trio can make an impact going forward and they will be key if Nigeria are to make it out of the group stage. On her day, Amoo is a great passer of the ball.

Christy Ucheibe (Nasarawa Amazons)

Christy played an important role during the qualifiers, as her guarding of the back four allowed Amoo to work her magic going forward.

It will be the same story in France as she will be tasked with winning back the ball in the middle of the park.

Her presence will be crucial in the opening game against Germany.

Taibat Odueke (Edo Queens)

Odueke is one of Nigeria’s brightest young talents but she may play a bit-part role in France.

She has a ferocious desire to win the ball, while she can also dictate the play with her excellent passing ability.

Mary Saiki (Rivers Angels)

A lot was expected from the Edo-born enforcer when she made the move to Rivers Angels and she has lived up to her potential.

A box to box midfielder, Saiki will be important for the Falconets in France.

Adebisi Saheed (Bayelsa Queens)

Adebisi is a decent passer of the ball, brilliant set-piece taker and will be a useful link between defence and attack.

Her great dribbling skills, lethal finishing in the box have made her one of the best midfielders in the Nigerian league.

Adebisi wasn’t impressive in the 2016 U20 Women’s World Cup, hence, she will be out to make amends in France.

Peace Efih (Edo Queens)

The Edo Queens midfielder has the necessary qualities you need in a central midfielder. She is very disciplined on and off the ball.

ATTACKERS

Rasheedat Ajibade (FC Robo Queens)

Rasheedat Ajibade heads to the World Cup in good form, having netted 10 goals in the qualifying series.

She is one of the most lethal strikers in the competition, and if Nigeria are to progress through the group stages, the forward needs to be on form.

Monday Gift (FC Robo Queens)

Gift was one of the key players during qualifying series for the World Cup, proving to be useful with her pace down the left.

Anam Imo (Nasarawa Amazons)

Imo is the most on form forward in the Nigeria Women Premier League, scoring breathtaking goals for Nasarawa Amazons.

In France, she will play up front with Ajibade. Her strength and pace can cut through any defence.

Aishat Bello (Nasarawa Amazons)

The wildcard in the Falconets squad, Bello has emerged, this season, as one of the biggest talents in the country and could go on to be one of the stars in France.

She is a strong and direct winger as well as a great dribbler with good technique.

Chidinma Okeke (FC Robo Queens)

It’s often debated whether Chidinma Okeke is a better option for the Falconets up front rather than Imo, and many believe Okeke has not had a chance to prove herself.

She is a deadly finisher in the box.

Grace Igboamalu (Nasarawa Amazons)

Igboamalu is a hardworking player who can play through the middle or on the right wing. She is a strong battler who gives 100 percent in every game.

Six players that have to hold it together for Africa at 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Home  Six players that have to hold it together for Africa at 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

        

George Nitro Duah, August 3, 2018, News, U20WWC, African, Ghana, Nigeria, 0 



The FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup has a reputation of an exciting tournament, though very predictable – three nations have won the previous eight tournaments. On the African continent, Ghana and Nigeria have held the torch for the previous five tournaments – that should be enough for you to predict.

“If you think you are too small to make a difference you haven’t spent a night with a mosquito” – “everyone has a package, not many people open theirs” – these and other African proverbs are some of the farewell messages families and friends are likely to infuse in the minds of these 42 players selected by both Nigeria and Ghana charged to hoist the flag of the continent.

Nigeria is the only African nation to have made it to all nine competitions and one of the four nations to have done so(USA, Germany and Brazil are the other three). They have made the final twice, losing to Germany on both occasions in 2010 and 2014.

The Super Falconets have been accompanied by the Black Princesses in the last five tournaments and the latter are yet to make it out of the first round of the tournament.

The continent undoubtedly boasts of a myriad of talents and some at this stage will float above their peers and it’s a matter of who wills it more as the 9thedition of the FIFA Under-20 Female World Cup kick-starts on Sunday, August 5.

In this article, I will be sharing with you orderly, six players, three from each team likely to ruffle shoulders to become the very best in the tournament and perhaps charge through to bring Africa the first title.

1. Ernestina Abambila – Unattached

It’s not a day’s job trying to reinterpret the tenets laid down by Ernestina Abambila. The 19-year-old have played in almost every role for the Black Maidens, Black Princesses and Black Queens.

She’s robust, skillful, very top on his passing game and has great shot power – all in one person.

The former FC Minsk midfielder is the only Ghanaian to score in UEFA’s prestigious Women’s Champions League, she scored in FC Minsk’s victory over Slovenia’s Ljubljana in the 2017-18 season.

Ernestina Abambila is a household name already; a 90-minute equaliser with a well-struck free-kick against Italy in the quarter finals of the 2014 FIFA U-17 World Cup will demand opponents to be more alert, she again scored a magnificent blast from range to put Ghana ahead in a group stage game against USA at Papua New Guinea – she has a knack for scoring screamers.

Her versatility should be able to propel Coach Yusif Basigi’s side; Abambila can play everywhere on the pitch.

2.   Rasheedat Ajibade – FC Robo

Rasheedat Ajibade seems bound to play at the very top of her career. Opportunely for her, she’s still 18 and this tournament is easily predicted one that should be a breakthrough for her.

The Football Club Robo forward has tasted 10 games at FIFA organised competitions; 7 at the 2016 Under-17 World Cup and 3 at the 2016 Under-20 World Cup scoring 2 goals.

Ajibade impressively banged in 10 goals in the qualifiers and is likely the most expected to shine when Nigeria take to the field against 3 times Champions, Germany, before wrapping the group up against Haiti and China PR.

She has the ability to turn half chances to goals and will obviously be the live-wire upfront for the Super Falconets.

3.   Glory Ogbonna – Ibom Angels Football Club

The 19-year-old center back sparks a sense of constant watching and will be heading into the 2018 tournament as one of the few to have maintained their place in the team from the previous tournament.

Ogbonna is one of the 2016 squad to endure that painful exit from the world cup despite beating Spain and Canada.

She has honed her style as a footballer – a defender comfortable with the ball at her feet, eager to move forward and make things happen as much as shut out the oppositions.

She’s well expected to hold the lines for the Super Falconets.

4.   Grace Asantewaa – Ampem Darkoa Ladies

Arguably the most improved Ghanaian female footballer in the last two years. Asantewaa has featured in tournaments for the Black Maidens (Jordan 2016), Black Queens (WAFU 2018) and now completing the trend with Black Princesses.

Her sublime skills, marvelous techniques and ability to effortlessly ghost past opposition defense to create goal scoring opportunities at will makes her one of the players to lean on going into the tournament.

She has already lifted a trophy with the Black Queens and will look to overturn Black Princesses’ inability to make it out of the first round of the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

5.   Anam Imo – Nassarawa Amazons

At age 17, Imo has already neared a senior national team appearance and was omitted from the 2016 Super Falcons squad for the African Women’s Cup of Nations.

The Center Forward has the muscle, bustle and hustle to cause opponents damage and despite a few faults, would be a name to be feared on Super Falconets’ team sheet.

Anam Imo is a natural goal scorer exemplified by the fact that easily turn heads around effortlessly. She might be forced to start on the bench at the will of Rasheedat Ajibade, but will relish a little time prove her worth.

6.   Sandra Owusu Ansah – Supreme Ladies

Sandra Owusu Ansah doesn’t dribble as much; she relies on that poacher instinct of hers. She tends to play in and around the penalty box, cutting in from the left or getting on the end of crosses.

18-year-old Sandra Owusu Ansah will look to have a goal again against Les Bleuets goalie Mylene Chavas. The Supreme Ladies forward, who was 16 years old back then launched in a low strike to draw Ghana level against France, in an eventual two all draw.

The Supreme Ladies forward is earmarked to lead the lines for the Black Princesses at the absence of Priscilla Adubea.

She has already powered in 7 goals in 10 competitive outings for the Black Princesses including a goal France’s Mylene Chavas two years back.

Växjö DFF is very pleased to present the Nigerian national team player Osinachi Ohale as new player to the association! Osinachi was born in 1991 and comes closest to Vittsjö GIK in OBOS Damallsvenskan. Osinachi is defensive player, Osinachi likes to play out situations that fit very well into our game. Her strengths are above all that she has good spelling and is strong on her head. Offensive, she is always dangerous with her long incest. Welcome Ossy!

Ijamilusi Folashade and Charity Reuben........

[quote author=Daejoyoung post=69580500]What about Florence ljamilusi?[/quote The list is kind of Missed up... let wait for a while to confirm.

The following are the List of players who are currently in camp in Austria in preparation for the 2018 U20 FIFA Women's World Cup in France. Four more will be dropped before the world cup starts.

Goalkeepers: Mercy Vincent, Onyinyechukwu Okeke, Rita Akarekor, Chiamaka Nnadozie

Defenders: Glory Ogbonna, Opeyemi Sunday, Lilian Tule, Mary Ologbosere, Joy Duru, Blessing Ezekiel, Oluwakemi Famuditi

Midfielders: Christy Ucheibe, Bashirat Amoo, Peace Efih, Adebisi Saheed, Mary Saiki, Kikelomo Odueke

Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade, Anam Imo, Joy Jerry, Chidinma Okeke, Charity Reuben, Aishat Bello, Gift Monday, Grace Igboamalu

Official: Sevilla Snap Up American-Born Nigerian Winger Payne
Published: July 05, 2018
Spanish Primera División outfit Sevilla FC Femenino have strengthened their ranks with the signing of American-born Nigerian winger Antionette Oyedupe Payne.
The 23-year-old joins Sevilla from Dutch club AFC Ajax, whom she helped win the Eredivisie title and the KNVB Beker title in the last two seasons after joining the club in May 2017.
Payne displayed her wares in last season's UEFA Women's Champions League, making appearances against Brescia, Pärnu and Standard Liege.
She is the third player signed by Sevilla ahead of the new season following the arrivals of Pancha Lara and Noelia Ramos.
The Oak Mountain product has caps for the United States U15, U17 and U23 teams and has trained with the U20s.
Sevilla FC Women finished 12th in the Primera División Femenina standings last season.

Ex-Arsenal Striker Ubogagu Open To Playing For Nigeria, Speaks On Relationship With Iwobi
Published: June 30, 2018

Former Arsenal striker Chioma Ubogagu has admitted that she would be open to playing for the Nigeria Women's National Team, the Super Falcons.
Born in London, Chichi is eligible to represent England, United States and Nigeria at international level, but it is the Americans that are believed to be in pole position to secure her services at the moment.
The 25-year-old was a key member of the United States squad that won the 2012 Fifa U20 World Cup and was in action against the Falconets in a last four clash in Tokyo.
''I am always open to an opportunity. I am proud to be Nigerian. I am proud to be English. I am proud to be American,''
Ubogagu told scorenigeria.com.ng
''I think it’s an honour to represent one’s country, so if I ever earned that opportunity it is something I would consider and take very seriously.''
Now on the books of National Women's Soccer League, Orlando Pride, Ubogagu played for Arsenal for one year in 2015 and during that time she established a good rapport with Super Eagles winger Alex Iwobi.
''I don’t think admire is the right word, but I know Alex Iwobi. I think he’s a good player, and he’s always been extremely nice to me. I wish him all the best,'' she explained.
Ubogagu listed Coppell HS, Pali Blues, Stanford Cardinal and Houston Dash among her former clubs.
Igho Kingsley

Action pics

solonnachi:
Congratulations to our Falcons for qualifying for AWC 2018 at Ghana. I pray we find it easy in any group we are placed ooo. I don't pray for South Africa, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea because of the aging in our team. If Faith Ikidi is 35 years, Ebi Onome is 31, Rita Chikwelu should be 35/36., then it's time to get replacements immediately. The qualifiers for France 2019 will be very tough so our coaches need to scout for better young players. November 11th is getting closer. Work starts now..

Notice Sir
Onome Ebi is 35yrs
Faith Ikidi Michael is 31yrs
Rita Chikwelu is 30yrs
Goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi 31yrs are currently the only players that are 30 and above currently in the team
They are all doing fine and still playing the whole 90minutes for their club side in Sweden and China..
There are younger players in the team. the likes of Joy jegede, Josephine Chukwunonye, Glory Ogbonna, Ugo Njoku are still in the team defence. we also have Alaba Jonathan who is also a very much capable and reliable replacement for Oluehi
the coaches are in the best position to know who so ever fit into their game plane.

congrats Girls

FT: Nigeria 6-0 Gambia (7-0 agg) Reiging champions Super Falcons have qualified for the 2018 African Women's Cup of Nations which will be held in Ghana in November which will serve as the chase 3 African teams to the 2019

83' Goal! Desire Oparanozie fires home her fourth of the game to increase the hosts' tally Nigeria 6-0 Gambia (7-0 agg)

77' Nigeria subs! Francesca Ordega OUT Imo Anam IN Nigeria 5-0 Gambia (6-0agg)

74' Goal! Asisat Oshoala races through, breezing past the Gambian defence to slot home the fifth for us Nigeria 5-0 Gambia (6-0agg)

71' Chance! Gambia threaten our defence but Ohale puts the ball for corner. 4-0 (5-0 agg)

65' Goal! Okobi puts Oparanozie through and the latter latches home the fourth for us Nigeria 4-0 Gambia (5-0 agg)

49' Goal! Desire Oparanozie easily taps in Asisat Oshoala's sumblime pass Nigeria 3-0 Gambia (4-0 agg)

HT' Nigeria 2-0 Gambia (3-0 agg) - Desire Oparanozie 3' pk, Asisat Oshoala 45'

45' Goal! Oshoala finally scores! Nigeria 2-0 Gambia (3-0) aggregate

40' Chance! Asisat Oshoala dribbles past her marker plus goalkeeper Gaye but fires inches wide in the end Nigeria 1-0 Gambia (2-0)

8' OFFSIDE! Asisat Oshoala taps into a near empty net from inside the area but the referee rules it out for an offside 1-0

3' Goal! Oparanozie converts from the spot after Francisca Ordega was upended in the box to put us in front Nigeria 1-0 Gambia

Our opponents, Queen Scorpions starting XI Aminata Gaye, Amie Jarju, Ruggy Joof, Neneh Jallow, Mama Saidy, Penda Bah, Metta Sanneh, Mam Drammeh, Isatou Jallow, Aminata Camara, Adama Tamba

Daejoyoung:
Where is Ugo Njoku? She is not just a defender but an effective right wing back.

Ugo Njoku who plays for CSFA Ambilly Feminine in France Division 2 Women League is currently out of the pecking order. Her flop against the French side during the international Friendly games in April might have affected her alot. she is no longer 100% fit. she need to burn out alots of Calories. she is very heavy.

Live at Agege Stadium: We are out on the pitch for pre-match warm-up ahead of clash with Gambia #AWCON2018Q

OFFICIAL: Our starting XI vs Gambia
Oluehi Tochukwu 1
Ebere Ngozi 3
Obi Onome 5 (C)
Ohale Oshinachi 6
Oshoala Asisat 8
Oparanozie Desire 9
Chikwelu Rita 10
Okoronkwo Amarachi 12
Okobi Ngozi 13
Micheal Faith 14
Ordega Francisca 17
#AWCON2018Q
Veteran Defender Onome Ebi who is currently the oldest player and the member of the team retains the captain band.

Gambia: 'We Are Going for a Win' Fatou Bom Sowe
By Yankuba Jallow

Gambia's female senior team head coach, Fatou Bom Sowe has promised that the Gambia is going to win the Super Falcons of Nigeria on the second leg of the AWCON qualifiers slated to take place in Ghana.
The Super Falcons edged over The Gambia on Wednesday at the Independence Stadium following a lone goal by Nigeria's star player, Okoronkwo Amarachi at 18th minute in the first half.
Sowe speaking to the press at a post-match press conference said despite the Super Falcons being stronger than her side both physically and technically, they are going to collect a victory in Nigeria on the return leg.
"We are going to collect the three points, Nigeria being Africa's champion despite that fact we are going to win, we are very convinced of that. The public wasn't expecting that we will be able to contain them in the full game because many were predicting that we will be beaten 5-0 but that hasn't happened. It is unfortunate that we lost here but I'm warning the coach that I am coming to collect the three points in Nigeria" she said.

TheSuperNerd:
Top defender, Onome Ebi in training...

Even @ 35 the veteran defender is still getting better and stronger...

TheSuperNerd:
Faith Ikidi in training....

My Favorite SuperFalcons Defender.. she is experienced, confident, Versatile and a good game reader
Faith Ikidi Michael
Age; 31yrs
Current Club; Pitea IF, Sweden

We had our second training session on Saturday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium ahead of Monday's second leg qualifier showdown with Gambia in Lagos.

Our coach Thomas Dennerby received Swedish based duo of Rita Chikwelu and Oshinachi Ohale this evening, swelling the number of players in camp to 22 ahead of Monday's second leg showdown against Gambia at the Agege Stadium.