Is Coach Justine Madugu's Squad Strong Enough to Retain Wafcon Crown?

The list houses 6 recent graduates of the Falconets and Flamingo classes which is 25% of the squad and shows Madugu's commitment to integrating young players in the squad.

At least 9 of the ladies are 28 year-old which constitutes 36% of the squad. Whilst some observers might find this figure alarming, it is actually par-for-the-course for Nigeria. After all, 10 of the 23 players that Coach Randy Waldrum took to the 2023: World Cup are above 28 years old: a whopping 43%. Yet, the Super Falcons had a memorable tournament.

Fatima Oloko is a rising goalkeeping star in the domestic scene. With her imposing height and expansive frame, it will be interesting to see how she beds with international football if she is given the opportunity to strut her stuff.

For me, the team has too many players of football-retirement age: 5 in all; a 20% composition. The likes of Ohale, Ordega, Ayinde and even Rockstar Oshoala need to be managed delicately by Coach Madugu so that younger opponents don't run rings around them in crucial areas in crucial encounters.

All in all it's a decent squad for me, one definitely capable - on paper - to reach the semi-final of this tournament.

Wafcon Squad

Goalkeepers:

Chiamaka Nnadozie, Comfort Erhabor, Fatima Oloko

Defenders:

Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie, Rofiat Imuran, Shukurat Oladipo, Glory Ogbonna

Midfielders:

Deborah Abiodun, Sikiratu Isah, Christy Ucheibe, Halimatu Ayinde, Rasheedat Ajibade, Jennifer Echegini, Antoinette Payne

Forwards:

Folashade Ijamilusi, Esther Okoronkwo, Joy Omewa, Asisat Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Omorinsola Babajide, Francisca Ordega, Gift Monday, Uchenna Kanu