The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has unveiled the Falconets squad for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, scheduled to take place from August 31st to September 22nd, 2024.

As part of their preparation for the tournament, the NFF has organized a series of friendly matches to ensure the team is in top form.

The Nigeria U20 women’s team, the Falconets, are set to face Australia in Bogota, Colombia, in the first of two friendlies designed to hone their readiness.

According to an official statement released on Wednesday, the Falconets have fully recovered from their long journey to Colombia and are now focused on the upcoming match against Australia. 

The team has been undergoing intensive training sessions since Monday, specifically targeting their clash with the Aussies on Friday, as well as their overall performance in the World Cup.

The match is scheduled for Friday at 4:00 PM Nigeria time at the Club Banco de la República in Bogota. Following this, the Falconets will face Mexico in another friendly match at the same venue on Monday.

Nigeria’s Squad for FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024

Goalkeepers: Anderline Mgbechi (Delta Queens), Faith Omilana (Naija Ratels), Shukura Bakare (Nasarawa Amazons).

Defenders: Oluchi Ohaegbulem (Nasarawa Amazons), Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens), Jumoke Alani (Nasarawa Amazons), Comfort Folorunsho (Edo Queens), Rofiat Imuran (Unattached), Oluwabunmi Oladeji (Naija Ratels).

Midfielders: Adoo Yina (Nasarawa Amazons), Chioma Olise (Edo Queens), Olushola Shobowale (Nasarawa Amazons), Joy Igbokwe (Naija Ratels), Shakirat Oyinlola (La Liga Academy, Spain).

Forwards: Chiamaka Okwuchukwu (Rivers Angels), Mary Nkpa (Heartland Queens), Chiamaka Osigwe (Edo Queens), Janet Akekoromowei (Asisat Oshoala Academy), Flourish Sabastine (Stade de Reims, France), Aminat Bello (Otero College, USA), Opeyemi Ajakaye (Madrid CFF, Spain).

This squad, refined and experienced, has been boosted by the presence of several players who have featured for Nigeria’s senior team, the Super Falcons. 

Notable names include defenders Jumoke Alani, Rofiat Imuran, and Comfort Folorunsho, as well as forwards Opeyemi Ajakaye, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, and Flourish Sabastine.

Nigeria and Stade de Reims defender, Rofiat Imuran. Photo | Twitter (RofiatImuran17)

Both Folorunsho and Ajakaye were part of Nigeria’s U-17 squad that secured third place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India two years ago.