Women's World Cup 2023: Super Falcons Key Players To Watch

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament is currently underway. Scheduled to take place from July 20 to August 20, the tournament is jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

It is also the first FIFA Women’s World Cup to have more than one host nation.

The Super Falcons are grouped alongside Canada, co-hosts, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland in Group B.

The 23-man squad is a good blend of old and new players, however, there are some key players in the Super Falcons squad Nigerian relies on to lead them to victory.

1. Onome Ebi

Onome Ebi, a center-back for Abia Angels stamps her name in the World Cup books. The 2023 tournament makes it her sixth World Cup finals making her one of the few players in history to achieve this feat. The only other players who have accomplished this are Brazil’s Formiga and Japan’s legend Homare Sawa.

In 2019 she became the first African footballer to play in 5 FIFA World Cup Tournaments. At age 40, She is also the oldest player in the World Cup finals.

2. Asisat Oshoala

Despite a not-so-impressive start, Asisat Oshoala is easily the star player of the Super Falcons World Cup Squad. Without a doubt, The Barcelona forward and five-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year is currently Nigeria’s biggest female player.

3. Deborah Abiodun

Deborah Abiodun’s inclusion in the World Cup squad was met with doubts and criticism, however, the 19-year-old warmed the hearts of millions after her outstanding World Cup debut performance against Canada, the reigning Olympic Champions in the opening group match.

Dubbed ‘Kante’, The River Angels midfielder was handed the first red card of the World Cup for her tackle on Ashley Lawrence.

Abiodun will miss Super Falcon’s next match against co-hosts, Australia on Thursday, July 27.

4. Chiamaka Nnadozie

Paris FC goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie is recognized as one of the top goalkeepers in the world and the best female goalkeeper in Africa.

The Super Falcons goalie who was also captain of the match was influential in Nigeria’s goalless draw against Canada as she also stopped a penalty.

5. Rasheedat Ajibade

Supers Falcons forward Rasheedat Ajibade is one player to look out for. Ajibade who currently plies her trade with Athletico Madrid made her competitive debut for the senior team at the 2018 WAFU Cup in Côte d’Ivoire. She has also represented Nigeria at U-17 and U-20 World Cups.

Ajibade will be ready for selection alongside teammate, Halimatu Ayinde after being ineligible in the first game.

The duo were shown straight red cards in the semi-final clash against Morocco at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.