Randy Waldrum released his killer squad to face South Africa in upcoming high profile Olympic Qualifiers.
I take a brief look at each department:
I think it's high time we unveil or unearth another high profile Super Falcons goalkeeper. Jiwuaku is a rookie and Oluehi is long-in-the-tooth goalkeepingwise (she remains a wonderful and vibrant personality).
I am so delighted to see the return of Chidinma Okeke to her rightful place. She was explosive at the 2019 World Cup, hopefully she is here to stay. I love Demehin but Okeke might give her a run for her money. Nicole Payne now needs to cement her slot in the team with a mature showing.
The midfield has a healthy balance of defensive and offensive midfielders. The likes of Ucheibe and Abiodun are shock-absorbers whilst Echegini and Payne provide creative sparks with Ajibade acting as lubricant.
In attack Esther Okoronkwo is slowly knocking Onumonu into a cocked hat whilst a big performance is expected from Rinsola Babajide even as a sub.
I pray Oshoala is permanently moved to the wings where her raw pace and power can still wreac havoc.
This is a strong squad. It's going to be fight to the finish.
Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia); Linda Jiwuaku (Bayelsa Queens)
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Nicole Payne (Portland Thorns FC, USA); Chidinma Okeke (Mynavi Sendai Ladies, Japan)
Midfielders: Deborah Abiodun (University of Pittsburgh, USA); Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosengard, Sweden); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Jennifer Echegini (Juventus Ladies, Italy); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid FC, Spain); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain)
Forwards: Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Esther Okoronkwo (Changchun FC, China); Ifeoma Onumonu (SLC Utah, USA); Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA); Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Chiwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico)