Africa’s most decorated football team is returning to the Olympics after 16 years.
Nigeria has not qualified for women’s Olympic football since Beijing in 2008, when the country finished last in its group. Despite this, Nigeria stands in reasonably good stead for this year’s Olympics.
While not getting out of the round of 16 stage, they played well at last year’s World Cup, especially as getting out of a group consisting of Canada, Australia and the Republic of Ireland was always going to be a challenge.
Nigeria held Olympic gold medallists Canada to a 0-0 draw, and eventually finished second to Australia in their group, meaning Canada left the World Cup surprisingly early.
This means that Nigeria have the potential for success at the Olympics, and that this may see an exciting new era for the team.
Coach Randy Waldrum also coaches the University of Pittsburgh’s women’s soccer team and has previously coached the University of Notre Dame’s women’s soccer team to success. He was appointed head coach of Nigeria in 2020.
Key players:
Star name Asisat Oshoala has scored 37 goals in over 60 appearances and so is undoubtedly an asset for Nigeria. As well as that, five years at Barcelona prove she has what it takes to be a winner, winning the Premier División champion four times, the UEFA Champions League twice and a slew of other medals.
Another big name is 22-year-old forward Gift Monday, who plays for UD Tenerife and has scored five goals and one assist.
In midfield, Christy Ucheibe played well at the World Cup and was a leader as Nigeria gained a point against Olympic champions Canada.
In defence, fullbacks Ashleigh Plumptre and Michelle Alozie had breakout moments last year, aged 25 and 26 respectively, but their best is still yet to come.
In goal, 23-year-old Chiamaka Nnadozie is leading as a top goalkeeper. And Rasheedat Ajibade, whose penalty ensured Nigeria’s return to the Olympics, is a worthy captain to lead Nigeria to success.
The squad is full of talented players, both young and experienced, a blend that may see Nigeria reach success.
Full squad list:
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Tochukwu Oluehi
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie, Nicole Payne, Chidinma Okeke
Midfielders: Deborah Abiodun, Ifeoma Onumonu, Christy Ucheibe, Jennifer Echegini, Toni Payne
Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade, Esther Okoronkwo, Asisat Oshoala, Uchenna Kanu, Chiwendu Ihezuo, Chinonyerem Macleans.
Opponents:
Nigeria is in Group C with Brazil, Spain and Japan. They will play matches on these dates:
- Thursday 25 July Nigeria vs Brazil
- Saturday 28 July Spain vs Nigeria
- Wednesday 31 July Japan vs Nigeria
As Nigeria faces World Cup winners Spain and strong sides Brazil and Japan, it will be interesting to see what the team achieves.
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