2023 FIFA WWC: Oshoala, Ajibade among Falcons key players for the tournament

The Super Falcons have been drawn in Group B alongside the co-host of the tournament Australia, the gold medalist winner at the 2020 Olympics Canada, and debutant the Republic of Ireland.

The record women’s African Cup of Nations winners will attempt to make the country proud by reaching or bettering their best achievement of 1999 when they reached the quarterfinals stage of the competition.

As loving and passionate Nigerian football fans are eager for the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand to get started, Soccernet.ng explores the players from the Super Falcons squad that can give the country a chance at the Mundial.

Asisat Oshoala

Anyone familiar with Women’s football games won’t have any doubt again about the ability of the talented Barcelona forward. The record five-time African women’s footballer of the year is today as good as any other female football player.

Her five goals in the Champions League last season were instrumental to her club’s triumph. She has been ever-present in the Falcons squad since making her senior debut and is arguably the star player on the team. The UEFA Champions League winner must be at her best for Nigeria to have a chance at the tournament.

Desire Oparanozie

This Nigerian women’s football veteran will be playing in her fourth World Cup after her first participation in the 2011 edition in Germany.

Surviving the struggle, with 100% focus on my intention, brings about strength. #GirlPower💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/klckxF7xpw

— oparanozie desire (@oparanozie9) May 5, 2023

The 29-year-old is known for her energetic and combative style of play and is another key player after Oshoala the fans can call upon to give Nigeria a chance against the established World-class teams the Falcons will battle in Australia and New Zealand.

Rasheedat Ajibade

“Rash” as her fans fondly call her, has taken the Spanish Liga F by storm since joining the Atlético Madrid Women’s team in 2020.

She scored a goal and made three Women’s Spanish Cup assists to help her club claim the trophy in the just-concluded season.

She has been a key player in the Falcons squad since making her senior debut in 2018. She has represented the country’s youth sides and is another key player for the West African country at the Mundial.

Ashleigh Plumptre

The Leicester City Women’s centre-back has a growing reputation in the English Women’s Super League. The 25-year-old was instrumental in helping her club retain its top-flight status.

The no-nonsense, energetic defender already has 11 caps for Nigeria and will be a key player for her country’s exploits at the tournament.

Chiamaka Nnadozie

To make a good team, the team must be good in all the departments. This is a reason why Chimaka’s greatness is needed for her country’s success at the World Cup.

The Paris FC goalkeeper is today arguably the best on the continent. She was important for her club reaching the Champions League playoffs in French Division 1 Feminine last season.

She helped Nigeria to a 2-0 victory over Korea at the 2019 World Cup, earning her the feat as the youngest player to keep a clean sheet at the World Cup at the age of 19. She is another key player who needs to be at her best for Nigeria to have a successful campaign.