Nigeria Names 23-Player Squad for Cameroon Friendlies Without Oshoala

Nigeria's Super Falcons have named a 23-player squad for upcoming friendly matches against Cameroon as they prepare for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. Notably absent is star forward Asisat Oshoala, who has struggled for playing time at her NWSL club Bay FC and has yet to score or assist this season. The squad includes captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and recalled forward Francisca Ordega, with a youthful average age below 26 and several local league standouts included. The two friendlies will be held on May 31 and June 3 in Ikenne and Abeokuta respectively, serving as critical preparation ahead of Nigeria’s group stage matches against Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana in July. Coach Justin Madugu emphasized the competitive nature of their WAFCON group and the need for hard work, while the team looks to rebound from their last loss to France in late 2023. The exclusion of Oshoala and some other players was not officially explained, but her limited club form is widely seen as a factor.