Nigeria v France: Atletico Madrid star Ajibade, Oshoala missing as 20 Super Falcons get set for Les Bleues friendly

The Nigeria Football Federation has announced the call-up of 20 players for the Super Falcons’ upcoming international friendly against the France women’s national team this week, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria will take on France at the Stade Raymond Kopa in Angers on Saturday, November 30, marking the first meeting between the two teams in five years.

The last encounter was at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, where a late penalty from Wéndéléine Renard condemned Nigeria to a 1-0 defeat.

The Super Falcons have struggled against France in their previous three meetings, failing to score a single goal and conceding a total of 10.

However, the 11-time African champions will be eager to break that winless streak in this international friendly.

To prepare for the clash, interim head coach Justine Madugu has selected a 20-player squad.

Among those called up are Nigeria’s France-based duo: goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie from Paris FC and Montpellier striker Ifeoma Onumonu. They will be joined by players from Spain, including Tenerife’s Gift Monday and Rinsola Babajide.

After recovering from a lengthy injury that forced her to miss the Olympics earlier this year, Saudi Arabia-based Ashleigh Plumptre returns to the national team fold.

United States-based Michelle Alozie has also been called up, along with veteran defender Osinachi Ohale, Galatasaray centre-back Tosin Demehin, new Everton signing Toni Payne, and Benfica star Christy Ucheibe.

Jenniffer Echegini, who scored twice and provided an assist in PSG’s 7-0 victory over Dijon on Saturday, has also earned a spot in the squad.

However, there are notable absentees.

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who missed Atlético Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Eibar in the Primera División Femenina on Sunday, has not been included.

Ajibade was one of Nigeria’s standout performers during the recent international friendlies against Algeria, scoring and providing key contributions.

Also absent is Asisat Oshoala, the reigning CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year. The former Barcelona forward, 30, has not featured for Nigeria since the Falcons’ 3-1 defeat to Japan in their final group match at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

In contrast, France’s Les Bleues have called up 30 players for the same fixture, including stars from top European clubs such as Juventus, PSG, and Real Madrid.