Emem Essien Earns Maiden Super Falcons Call-Up

Edo Queens forward Emem Essien has received her first-ever call-up to the Super Falcons, following an impressive performance at the recently concluded NWFL Super Six.

Essien’s standout displays have earned her a spot in Head Coach Justine Madugu’s 23-player squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Cameroon.

This marks Coach Madugu’s second major camp since taking over the senior women’s national team from Randy Waldrum, and it comes at a crucial time as Nigeria gears up for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, set to take place from 5–26 July. The two friendlies against Cameroon will serve as vital preparation for the tournament.

The squad, which blends both home-based players and top professionals from Europe, Asia, and North America, will play two matches against the Indomitable Lionesses. The first leg is scheduled for Saturday, 31st May at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, while the second leg will take place on Tuesday, 3rd June at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.

In addition to Essien’s inclusion, notable players like Captain Rasheedat Ajibade of Atlético Madrid, Chiamaka Nnadozie of Paris FC, and Toni Payne of Everton are part of the squad. The Super Falcons will be hoping these friendlies will provide the right level of competition as they fine-tune their squad ahead of their WAFCON campaign.

Team Camp Details:

Arrival date: Monday, 26th May
Venue: Am2pm Hotel, Ijebu-Ode

The Super Falcons will also be looking to build team chemistry ahead of their WAFCON Group B matches against Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana.

Full 23-Player Super Falcons Squad:

Goalkeepers

Chiamaka Nnadozie – Paris FC (France)
* Linda Jiwuaku – Bayelsa Queens (Nigeria)
* Morufa Ademola – Edo Queens (Nigeria)

Defenders

* Osinachi Ohale – Pachuca (Mexico)
* Shukurat Oladipo – AS Roma (Italy)
* Michelle Alozie – Houston Dash (USA)
* Rofiat Imuran – London City Lionesses (England)
* Sikiratu Isah – Nasarawa Amazons (Nigeria)
* Oluwatosin Demehin – Galatasaray (Turkey)
* Miracle Usani – Edo Queens (Nigeria)
* Blessing Ilivieda – Bayelsa Queens (Nigeria)

Midfielders

* Rasheedat Ajibade (Captain) – Atlético Madrid (Spain)
* Deborah Abiodun – Dallas Trinity (USA)
* Jennifer Echegini – Paris Saint-Germain (France)
* Josephine Mathias – Nasarawa Amazons (Nigeria)
* Christy Ucheibe – SL Benfica (Portugal)
* Amarachi Odoma – Edo Queens (Nigeria)

Forwards

* Toni Payne – Everton (England)
* Francisca Ordega – Ittihad Ladies Club (Saudi Arabia)
* Olamide Bolaji – Remo Stars Ladies (Nigeria)
* Ifeoma Onumonu – Montpellier (France)
* Rinsola Babajide – Costa Adeje Tenerife (Spain)
* Emem Essien – Edo Queens (Nigeria)

Coach Madugu’s focus will be on ensuring that the team is well-prepared for the WAFCON and that the newly invited players, including Essien, settle into the squad and make their mark. With the tournament just around the corner, all eyes will be on the Super Falcons as they aim for their 10th continental title.