Spain, July 9, 2024 — Nigeria’s senior women’s football team, the Super Falcons, has begun preparations for their return to the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament after a 16-year hiatus. The team has assembled with 12 players currently in camp in Spain, marking a significant step towards their participation in the tournament.
Ademola Olajire, Head of Communications for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), confirmed in a statement that the team resumed camping in Spain on Friday, with 18 players expected initially, and 12 players currently present at their camp in Jerez de la Frontera near Sevilla.
Mary Oboduku, the team’s administrator, reported that the camp at Hotel Barceló Montecastillo Golf and Resort is lively, with players showing high spirits and enthusiasm ahead of the tournament in France.
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie are among the players already in camp, along with Tochukwu Oluehi, Chidinma Okeke, Nicole Payne, Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne, Deborah Abiodun, Jennifer Echegini, Esther Okoronkwo, Morufa Ademola, and Gift Monday. Defenders Osinachi Ohale and Michelle Alozie are expected to join the team later in the day.
The Super Falcons, nine-time African champions, last competed in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in 2008 in China. They are scheduled to face reigning Olympic champions Canada in a training match in Sevilla on July 17th, as part of their preparations.
In their previous Olympic outings, Nigeria faced challenges against strong opponents but remains determined to excel in the upcoming tournament in Tokyo, where they are grouped alongside Spain, Brazil, and Japan.
The Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, which kicks off on July 26 and runs until August 11, promises to be an exciting event as teams vie for the coveted Olympic title.