Watch: Nigeria’s Super Falcons complete first training in Spain ahead of Canada friendly pre-Paris Olympics

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have started their training in Seville, Spain, as they prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Soccernet.ng reports.

The team, which arrived on Friday, is led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Head coach Randy Waldrum has called up 18 players for the Olympic campaign, including star forward Asisat Oshoala, key midfielder Jennifer Echegini, and fan favourite Michelle Alozie.

However, Halimatu Ayinde has withdrawn from the squad due to injury, and Waldrum is expected to name a replacement soon.

Among the invited players, only 36-year-old goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi has previous Olympic experience. She was part of the squad that competed in the Beijing 2008 Olympics, although she did not make any appearances as Nigeria lost to Brazil, Germany, and North Korea.

The Super Falcons are holding a two-week training camp in Seville and will head to France on July 18.

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The Super Falcons had their first training earlier today in Seville.

Preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics in top gear. SoarFalcons #TheMTNSuperFalconsShow #ThisIsNaija #WhereFootballLives pic.twitter.com/nxGIwWTYYy— The Super Falcons Show (@Superfalconshow) July 7, 2024

This marks their first Olympic appearance in 16 years, a historic moment for the team.

Nigeria will play a friendly match against Canada on Wednesday, July 17, before departing for Paris on the 18th. The two teams played out a thrilling goalless draw when they met last year in the group stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia. 

The Super Falcons’ Olympic journey begins on July 25 with a match against Brazil at the Stade Bordeaux.

They will then face Spain on July 28 at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes, followed by their final group stage match against Japan at the same venue on July 31.

The Stade de la Beaujoire holds special significance for Nigerian football fans, as it was the site of the Super Eagles’ memorable 3-2 victory over Spain in the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC)
Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia)

Defenders
Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Club de Futbol, Mexico)
Oluwatosin Demehin (Stade de Reims, France)
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)
Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain)

Forwards
Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid FC, Spain)
Esther Okoronkwo (Changchun FC, China)
Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA)
Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA)
Chiwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca Club de Futbol, Mexico)
Chinonyerem Macleans (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia)

Alternate Players
Jumoke Alani (Nasarawa Amazons)
Ifeoma Onumonu (Utah Royals, USA)
Gift Monday (Costa Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain)
Morufa Ademola (Rivers Angels)