On Friday, Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum announced the inclusion of Onome Ebi and Desire Oparanozie in the squad for the upcoming Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Ebi, who turned 40 last month, will become the oldest player to participate in the World Cup. This will be her sixth appearance in the prestigious tournament, making her the captain with the most appearances in Women’s World Cup history.
Oparanozie returns to the squad after being overlooked following her outburst during the World Cup in France in 2019. The team also features notable players such as Barcelona’s Asisat Oshoala, Atletico Madrid’s Rasheedat Ajibade, first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Osinachi Ohale and Oluwatosin Demehin, midfielders Halimatu Ayinde and Christy Ucheibe, as well as forward Esther Okoronkwo.
Nigeria is set to face Canada, co-host nation Australia, and the Republic of Ireland in that order during the tournament. This edition of the Women’s World Cup will feature a record-breaking 32 teams, matching the number of teams in the men’s World Cup held in Qatar last year. The Nigerian team will arrive in Australia on Tuesday, July 4, for a 15-day final training camp before the tournament kicks off on July 20.
