I welcome the inclusion of Imuran and Demehin in the Super Falcons squad. I think they would help bolster the fullback department which is one of the team’s susceptibilities.
These two have already worked with Waldrum in recent times so these invitations just represent continuation to their burgeoning Super Falcons careers.
Onyenezide and Abiodun, alumnis of the Falconets class of 2022, now have the chance to mix it with big girls in the world stage. Whether these invitations will translate to their inclusions in next year’s World Cup Squad remains to be seen as some more established faces might plot their routes back to the team in the coming months which might derail the immediate ambitions of the Falconets graduates.
I am also excited by the inclusion of 22 year old London born Jennifer Echegini whose midfield and attacking prowess are robust and effective. She is such an exciting prospect sure to capture the imagination of fans with her prudent brand of football.
Turkey based Amanda Mbadi Uju is another inclusion that catches the eye. With prescience to pick out defence splitting passes and mesmerising midfield movements, Uju might yet play her way into the plane to next year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. She could be seen as an immediate substitute for evergreen Rita Chikwelu if the legend becomes unavailable for the mundial.
All in all it looks like a decent yet experimental squad. I was hoping that 33 year old goal-minder Yewande Balogun, who last week moved to the French league, would be included and given a runout for one of the matches. Having played second fiddle to the duo of Oluehi and Nnadozie, one has to wonder when Yewande’s time will come.
Notable exclusions for one reason or another include Ashleigh Plumptre, Halimat Ayinde, Francisca Ordega, Rita Chikwelu and Desire Oparanozie to mention but a few. These absences will give others the chance to stake a claim in the team.
All in all an acceptable list. Should Randy Waldrum revert to type and go for his favoured 3-5-2 formation against a formidable foe, my fantasy starting 11 would be:
Chiamaka Nnadozie
Michelle Alozie, Nicole Payne
Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, Glory Ogbonna
Christie Ucheibe, Rasheedat Ajibade, Toni Payne
Ifeoma Onumonu, Uchenna Kanu
I would like to wish Randy Waldrum and his team good luck as they attempt to record their first win against a team placed ahead of them in the Fifa rankings.
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