Saudi Arabia-based defender, Ashleigh Plumptre is set to make her much-anticipated return to the Super Falcons squad after recovering from a six-month injury. Head coach Justin Madugu has included her in the 20-player squad for an international friendly against France on Saturday, November 30.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) revealed the squad on Sunday, featuring 15 foreign-based professionals and five home-based players.
Plumptre, who plays for Ittihad Ladies, missed the 2024 Olympic Games in France but recently returned to action with her club. She will be joined by another returning player, Rinsola Babajide, who was left out of the Olympic squad and the recent friendlies against Algeria. Pyramids of Egypt striker Blessing Nkor has also earned her first call-up to the team.
CAF Awards nominee and first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, alongside seasoned players like Osinachi Ohale, midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Jennifer Echegini, and forward Gift Monday, are also in the squad.
US-based defender Michelle Alozie, Turkey-based Oluwatosin Demehin, midfielder Adoo Yina, and forwards Mercy Omokwo and Ifeoma Onumonu have been called up for the match. Everton Ladies midfielder Toni Payne, Rofiat Imuran, and Shukurat Oladipo, who shone for the Falconets at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, will also feature.
Unfortunately, team captain and CAF Awards nominee Rasheedat Ajibade will miss the game due to injury.
The friendly, scheduled for 9:30 pm local time at Stade Raymond Kopa in Angers, France, is a crucial test for the Super Falcons. The French team, Les Bleues, are gearing up for the League of Nations and the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro, while the Falcons are focused on developing a new squad ahead of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Nigeria has been drawn in Group B for the continental tournament, alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana. Head coach Madugu sees this friendly as a valuable opportunity to prepare his nine-time African champions for the stiff competition ahead.
All invited players will fly directly to France, where they will be joined by the coaching crew and backroom staff.
