Sports

Madugu Names 20 Squad For Int’l Friendly Against France

Published

1 month ago

Nov 25, 2024.

Dennis

Head Coach Justine Madugu has announced a squad of 20 players for Saturday’s international friendly against France’s Les Bleues at the Stade Raymond Kopa in Angers.

The list includes CAF Awards nominee goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Osinachi Ohale and Ashleigh Plumptre, midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Jennifer Echegini, and forwards Gift Monday and Rinsola Babajide.

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Other notable players called up are US-based defender Michelle Alozie, Turkey-based Oluwatosin Demehin, midfielder Adoo Yina, and forwards Mercy Omokwo and Ifeoma Onumonu. Everton Ladies’ Toni Payne, along with Rofiat Imuran and Shukurat Oladipo—both of whom impressed at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia—will also join the squad in France.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, another CAF Awards nominee, will miss the match due to injury.

While France sees the friendly as preparation for their upcoming UEFA competitions, including the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro, Madugu’s team views the match as a vital opportunity to integrate new players and continue preparations for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The Falcons are already placed in Group B alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana for the continental tournament.

The friendly will be a crucial test for the nine-time African champions as they aim to sharpen their skills against a formidable opponent before the Africa Cup of Nations next summer. All invited players will travel directly to France for the match, joining the coaching and support staff.