There’s a bubbling sense of anticipation across both the Super Eagles and Super Falcons camps as Nigeria’s senior men’s and women’s national teams step up preparations for their respective international engagements, Soccernet.ng reports.
In Ijebu-Ode, the Super Falcons are gradually assembling at the Am2pm Hotel ahead of their double-header international friendly matches against Cameroon. By 6:55pm on Monday, 18 of the 23 invited players had already reported to camp.
Leading the early arrivals is captain Rasheedat Ajibade, joined by key overseas-based stars Michelle Alozie, Toni Payne, Francisca Ordega, Omorinsola Babajide, Rofiat Imuran, Oluwatosin Demehin, Jennifer Echegini, and veteran defender Osinachi Ohale.
Several home-based players who featured in the recently concluded Nigeria Women Football League Super Six have also joined the squad. These include the tournament’s top scorer Olamide Bolaji, Josephine Mathias, Sikiratu Isah, Amarachi Odoma, Miracle Usani, Emem Essien, NWFL-winning captain Blessing Ilivieda, as well as goalkeepers Linda Jiwuaku and Morufa Ademola.
The remaining players, including midfield engine Deborah Abiodun, forward Ifeoma Onumonu, and first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, are expected to arrive by Tuesday. Portugal-based Christy Ucheibe is due to link up with the team on Wednesday.
The Falcons’ first friendly against Cameroon takes place on Saturday, May 31, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne. The second leg follows on Tuesday, June 3, at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, as Justine Madugu’s side continues preparations for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco (July 5–26).
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Super Eagles and Falcons camps spring alive as Nigeria plot double assault in Ijebu-Ode and London
Simultaneously in London, the Super Eagles camp is also gathering momentum.
As of Monday evening, 22 of the 26 invited players for the Unity Cup Invitational Tournament had checked into the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Ealing.
Nigeria will face long-standing rivals Ghana at the Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford, on Wednesday, May 28. Depending on the outcome of that clash, the Eagles will play either Jamaica or Trinidad & Tobago — who meet on May 27 — in a second fixture at the same venue on Saturday, May 31.
Both matches form part of the Eagles’ broader plan to rebuild and fine-tune their squad after a disappointing run in recent international fixtures.
SUPER FALCONS IN IJEBU-ODE
Rasheedat Ajibade, Michelle Alozie, Toni Payne, Francisca Ordega, Omorinsola Babajide, Rofiat Imuran, Oluwatosin Demehin, Olamide Bolaji, Josephine Mathias, Sikiratu Isah, Jennifer Echegini, Osinachi Ohale, Amarachi Odoma, Morufa Ademola, Miracle Usani, Emem Essien, Blessing Ilivieda, Linda Jiwuaku
SUPER EAGLES IN LONDON
Ahmed Musa, Simon Moses, Kelechi Iheanacho, Semi Ajayi, Frank Onyeka, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Felix Agu, Igoh Ogbu, Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Junior Harrison Nduka, Sodiq Ismaila, Waliu Ojetoye, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Papa Daniel Mustapha, Saviour Isaac, Collins Ogwueze, Sikiru Alimi, Adamu Abubakar, Stanley Nwabali, Samuel Chukwueze