Super Falcons Adjust Squad with New Addition for Olympic Qualifier

Ahead of their crucial 2024 Paris Olympic Games qualifier against South Africa, the Nigeria Football Federation has announced a significant roster update for the Super Falcons. Manager Randy Waldrum has called up Jumoke Alani to replace the injured defender Ashleigh Plumptre, just four days before the highly anticipated match in Abuja against the African champions, South Africa.

Ashleigh Plumptre, who starred in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, had to withdraw from the squad due to an injury, paving the way for Alani’s inclusion. Alani, is no stranger to international competition, having been a pivotal part of the Falconets squad at the 2022 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup alongside Super Falcons’ midfield maestro Deborah Abiodun.

Alani also featured in the Nigeria squad that faced Japan in an international friendly in October 2022, sharing the field with notable names such as Chiamaka Nnadozie, Christy Ucheibe, Rasheedat Ajibade, Ifeoma Onumonu, Uchenna Kanu, and Michelle Alozie.

For the upcoming Olympic qualifiers, Waldrum has summoned a balanced squad consisting of three goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards. On the other side, Banyana Banyana’s coach Desiree Ellis has selected a 24 player squad, which includes three goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders, and six forwards.

The South African team has already arrived in Abuja, landing on Easter Sunday, and commenced their first official training session on Monday, gearing up for the showdown with the Super Falcons.

Editorial

As the Super Falcons prepare to face South Africa in the Olympic qualifiers, the inclusion of Jumoke Alani for the injured Ashleigh Plumptre highlights the depth and adaptability of the Nigerian squad. This change not only showcases the team’s resilience in the face of setbacks but also the emergence of young talents ready to step up on the international stage.

The match against South Africa is more than just a qualifier it’s a testament to the growing competitiveness of African women’s football. Both teams boast a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talents, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter that fans eagerly anticipate.

As we look forward to this crucial match, the Super Falcons’ preparation and team spirit will be key. The blend of youth and experience in the squad underlines the team’s dynamic approach to facing challenges head on. With the Olympic dream at stake, every player’s contribution, whether on or off the pitch, becomes invaluable.

This qualifier is not just about securing a spot in Paris 2024 it’s about asserting dominance in African women’s football and showcasing the continent’s rich talent pool on the global stage. As the Super Falcons and Banyana Banyana lock horns, we’re reminded of the passion, dedication, and resilience that define the beautiful game.

Did You Know?

• Nigeria’s Super Falcons are one of the most successful women’s football teams in Africa, having won the African Women’s Championship a record eleven times.
• Ashleigh Plumptre, despite being born and raised in England, chose to represent Nigeria, the country of her heritage, at the international level.
• The FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup serves as a crucial platform for young talents to showcase their skills on the global stage, with many participants later shining in senior teams.
• The Paris 2024 Olympics will mark the first time the Olympic Games have been hosted by France since the 1924 Summer Olympics, also held in Paris.
• South Africa’s Banyana Banyana have been on the rise in recent years, clinching their first African Women’s Championship in 2018 and participating in their first FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019.