Saudi Arabia-based defender Ashleigh Plumptre is making her highly anticipated return to the Super Falcons squad, following a six-month injury setback.
Head coach Justin Madugu has officially invited her to participate in an international friendly match against France on November 30. This match marks a significant step in her rehabilitation and preparation for upcoming competitions.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced a 20-player squad for the friendly match, featuring a blend of experienced and up-and-coming talent. The roster includes five home-based players and 15 who play abroad.
Plumptre, who plays for Ittihad Ladies, missed the 2024 Olympic Games due to injury, but recently made her comeback with her club. She will join fellow returnee Rinsola Babajide, who was also absent from the team for the Paris Olympics and prior friendly matches against Algeria.
Madugu has also extended a call-up to Blessing Nkor, a striker from Pyramids of Egypt, adding fresh talent to the squad.
The team boasts a mix of experienced stars, including Chiamaka Nnadozie, a CAF Awards nominee and one of the top goalkeepers in the continent, and goalkeepers Osinachi Ohale and Michelle Alozie. Midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Jennifer Echegini, as well as forward Gift Monday, also return to the team.
The squad includes international players like US-based Michelle Alozie, Turkey’s Oluwatosin Demehin, midfielder Adoo Yina, and forwards Mercy Omokwo and Ifeoma Onumonu, who bring a wealth of experience to the team.
From the youth ranks, Everton Ladies midfielder Toni Payne will add creative flair, while Rofiat Imuran and Shukurat Oladipo, who impressed during the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, are also part of the squad.
Unfortunately, the Super Falcons will be without their captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, who is currently sidelined due to injury.
Les Bleues, the French national team, view this match as part of their preparation for the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro Championship in Switzerland, while the Super Falcons see it as an opportunity to integrate new talents and evaluate their performance ahead of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next summer.
All invited Super Falcons players will fly directly to France, where they will be joined by the coaching staff and backroom personnel, ensuring a comprehensive preparation leading up to the match at 9:10 PM Nigerian time at the Stade Raymond Kopa in Angers, France.
