Falconets Call Up 4 Foreign Based Players for U20 World Cup

Coach Christopher Danjuma has announced the inclusion of four foreign based professionals in the training camp for the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia. The selected players are Rofiat Imuran and Flourish Sabastine from Stade de Reims France, Reilly Adebowale from Bohemian FC Republic of Ireland, and Aminat Bello from Otero College USA.

The Falconets will compete in Group D against Germany, the Korea Republic, and Venezuela.

Full Squad List:

• Goalkeepers Anderline Mgbechi Delta Queens, Rachael Unachukwu Nasarawa Amazons, Faith Omilana Naija Ratels, Shukura Bakare Nasarawa Amazons
• Defenders Oluchi Ohaegbulem Nasarawa Amazons), Jumoke Alani Nasarawa Amazons, Shukurat Oladipo FC Robo Queens, Oluwabunmi Oladeji Naija Ratels, Folashade Adegbemile Delta Queens, Chidera Okenwa Delta Queens, Comfort Folorunsho Edo Queens, Taiwo Lawal
• Midfielders Adoo Yina Nasarawa Amazons, Olushola Shobowale Nasarawa Amazons, Aminat Folorunsho Rivers Angels, Chioma Olise Edo Queens, Chinyere Kalu Nasarawa Amazons, Joy Igbokwe Naija Ratels, Rofiat Imuran Stade de Reims, France, Zikora Agama Naija Ratels
• Forwards Delight Nwosu Dannaz Ladies, Adaobi Okah Remo Stars Ladies, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu Rivers Angels, Chinaza Agoh Delta Queens, Mary Nkpa Heartland Queens, Chiamaka Osigwe Edo Queens, Janet Akekoromowei Asisat Academy, Mary Offor Adamawa Queens, Flourish Sabastine Stade de Reims, France, Sharon Ulumma Heartland Queens, Aminat Bello Otero College, USA, Reilly Adebowale Bohemian FC, Republic of Ireland.

Editorial

The inclusion of foreign based professionals in Nigeria’s U20 Women’s World Cup squad highlights the growing recognition and integration of international experience in national teams. We believe that this strategic move by Coach Christopher Danjuma is aimed at bolstering the team’s strength and versatility ahead of the global competition in Colombia.

The selection of players like Rofiat Imuran, Flourish Sabastine, Reilly Adebowale, and Aminat Bello reflects a blend of homegrown talent and international exposure, which is crucial for the team’s success. These players bring diverse experiences and skills acquired from playing in competitive leagues abroad, which can significantly enhance the team’s performance.

This approach also emphasizes the importance of scouting and nurturing talents both locally and internationally. By tapping into the reservoir of Nigerian players excelling in foreign leagues, the Falconets can create a more robust and competitive squad capable of tackling the challenges posed by formidable opponents like Germany, Korean Republic, and Venezuela.

We are confident that the blend of domestic and international talents will create a dynamic and formidable team. The experience gained by the players in various leagues will provide tactical advantages and a broader understanding of different playing styles, which is essential in a global tournament.

As the Falconets prepare for the World Cup, we hope to see them demonstrate exceptional skill, teamwork, and resilience. This integration of foreign-based players sets a positive precedent for future team selections and underscores the global nature of modern football.

Did You Know?

• Rofiat Imuran and Flourish Sabastine both play for Stade de Reims in France, highlighting the growing presence of Nigerian players in European leagues.
• Reilly Adebowale represents Bohemian FC in the Republic of Ireland, bringing experience from the Irish league to the Falconets.
• Aminat Bello is currently playing for Otero College in the USA, showcasing the diversity of the Nigerian diaspora in football.
• The Falconets will face tough competition in Group D, including teams like Germany, known for their strong footballing tradition.
• The 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup will be held in Colombia, providing a new and exciting challenge for the Nigerian team.