Nigeria World Cup Squad 2023: Nigeria is the most successful African team in the annals of women’s football, having won the African Cup of Nations an incredible eleven times, and being the only African team to compete in every FIFA Women’s World Cup since its inception in 1991.
Despite their consistent presence at the World Cup, their record has been disappointing, as they have never won a game in the knockout phases and have only reached the knockout stage twice.
In the 2023 edition, they have been assigned in Group B with co-hosts and in-form Australia, Olympic gold medalists Canada, and promising debutants Republic of Ireland. In addition, controversy off the pitch between the players and the Nigerian federation has threatened to derail their tournament preparations.
The Sporting News has all the information regarding the ultimate 23-man Nigeria squad and the Super Falcons in general.\
Nigeria World Cup roster summary
Here are the most important insights from the Super Falcons:
Super Oshoala is in the lead.
There is little doubt that Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala will be Nigeria’s marquee player and the key to the Super Falcons’ World Cup success.
She has scored 83 goals in 89 games for the Spanish team that is storming Europe, dominating the domestic league and winning two Champions League titles in the last three years. Oshoala became the first African woman to win the Champions League in 2021.
This past season, she scored 27 goals and added nine assists for the Catalans, making her a shoo-in for the Nigerian player of the season award. She has also won the African player of the year award five times (and is in the running for a sixth time) and has been nominated for the award six times.
She is one of the few players on the Nigerian team capable of turning the tide of a match, particularly against Australia and Canada. While Nigeria may be a Group B underdog, Oshoala is capable of winning games on her own.
Young and old defenders to maintain the rearguard
The Nigerian defence must remain resolute in Group B, particularly against Canada and Australia. Coach Waldrum will rely on both a seasoned veteran and a rising star to keep the opposition at bay.
The 40-year-old captain Onome Ebi has more than 100 caps for her nation, and her experience in a remarkable six World Cups since 2003 means she is unlikely to be intimidated by the likes of Sam Kerr.
Oluwatosin Demehin, who plays for the French club Reims, is also anticipated to play a key role in the defence, as she is regarded as one of the bright young stars of this Nigerian team.
If Demehin can hold her own against the brilliant Matildas attack and a gold medal-caliber attack in Canada, it could help Nigeria pull off a shocking upset and position her up for a successful career in the future.
Spain Women’s FIFA World Cup 2023 Squad: Final Selection Revealed with Key Inclusions and Exclusions
Nigeria World Cup Squad 2023:
- GK: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC)
- GK: Yewande Balogun (Saint-Étienne)
- GK: Tochukwu Oluehi (Hakkarigücü Spor)
- DF: Osinachi Ohale (Deportivo Alavés)
- DF: Ashleigh Plumptre (Leicester City)
- DF: Glory Ogbonna (ALG Spor)
- DF: Oluwatosin Demehin (Reims)
- DF: Rofiat Imuran (Reims)
- DF: Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash)
- DF: Onome Ebi (Abia Angels)
- MF: Halimatu Ayinde (Rosengård)
- MF: Christy Ucheibe (Benfica)
- MF: Toni Payne (Sevilla)
- MF: Deborah Abiodun (Bittsburgh)
- MF: Rasheedat Ajibade (Atlético Madrid)
- MF: Jennifer Echegini (Florida State Seminoles)
- FW: Asisat Oshoala (Barcelona)
- FW: Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville FC)
- FW: Ifeoma Onumonu (NJ/NY Gotham)
- FW: Desire Oparanozie (Wuhan Chegu Jianghan)
- FW: Esther Okoronkwo (Saint-Étienne)
- FW: Gift Monday (UD Granadilla Tenerife)
- FW: Francisca Ordega (CSKA Moscow)