The exclusion of Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene from the Super Falcons’ squad for the 2023 Women’s World Cup has sparked controversy and raised questions about the team’s preparations. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) abruptly canceled the team’s training camp in Abuja, which was supposed to begin on June 20. As a result, the Falcons now have limited time to prepare for their first game against Canada on July 21 in Melbourne, as they will fly to Australia on July 2 to start their preparations.
Coach Randy Waldrum released the final squad of 23 players, including familiar names like captain Onome Ebi, Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, Francisca Ordega, Michelle Alozie, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Halimatu Ayinde, and others. However, there were notable exclusions such as Vera Ihezuo, Charity Adule, and Regina Otu. Veteran midfielder Rita Chikwelu is also absent, reportedly due to retirement from international football.
The most prominent omission was Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, the talented midfielder based in Spain, who has been a key player for the team in recent years. Okobi-Okeoghene’s exceptional individual performance in the WAFCON quarter-finals secured Nigeria’s World Cup ticket, as she skillfully maneuvered through the Cameroonian defense and set up Rasheedat Ajibade for the winning goal.
Fans and sports pundits expressed shock and disappointment over Okobi-Okeoghene’s exclusion. Some questioned why such a vital player was left out of the World Cup squad. Okobi-Okeoghene, who trained with her former club Eskilstuna United in Sweden for the World Cup, denied being injured and claimed to be in good shape.
There are indications that Okobi-Okeoghene may have become a victim of internal politics within the Falcons camp. It is alleged that the NFF insisted on including at least one home-based player in the squad, recommending Falconets goalkeeper Omini Oyono to the coach. The federation officials reportedly threatened to prevent Waldrum’s American assistant from joining the team if Oyono wasn’t picked. Balogun, the US-based third-choice goalkeeper favored by Waldrum, would have had to make way if Oyono was selected. The coach initially submitted a list with four goalkeepers, including Oyono, Nnadozie, Oluchi, and Balogun, but it was rejected as it exceeded the maximum of three goalkeepers allowed.
In the final squad, captain Onome Ebi and midfielder Deborah Abiodun were listed as the two home-based players. However, it was discovered that Ebi did not play a single game for the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) side Abia Angels, and Abiodun had signed for Pittsburgh’s Panthers, Waldrum’s university team in the US. Eventually, Oyono was dropped, and Abiodun was selected as the “home-based” player for the World Cup, leading to Okobi-Okeoghene being dropped from the squad.
Coach Waldrum defended his selection, stating that the chosen players give the team the best chance of winning. He also praised Abiodun’s abilities and expressed confidence in her future with the team.
