In preparation for the upcoming FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying fixture against Burundi, Head Coach Christopher Musa Danjuma has extended invitations to a talented squad of 25 players.
The roster includes a blend of experienced and young talents, with notable names such as goalkeepers Anderlin Mgbechi and Shukurat Bakare, defenders Oluchi Ohaegbulam and Comfort Folorunsho, midfielders Taiwo Afolabi and Adoo Yina, and forwards Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, Chisom Chima, and Aminat Omowunmi Bello.
Joining them are other promising players including FIFA U17 World Cup bronze-medallist goalkeeper Faith Omilana, defenders Jumoke Alani, Emamuzo Edafe, and Shukurat Oladipo, midfielders Chinyere Kalu and Chioma Olise, and forwards Opeyemi Ajakaye, Oluwayemisi Samuel, and Janet Akekoromowei.
The players are expected to assemble at the Federal Capital, Abuja, starting Wednesday, 27th December, to begin preparations for the crucial qualifier against Burundi.
Having progressed to the third round following Mauritius’ withdrawal, the Falconets secured a hard-fought 3-2 aggregate victory against Tanzania in the previous round. This sets the stage for a face-off against Burundi after the East African team ousted U20 girls from South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo from the qualifiers.
The first leg of the fixture will take place in Bujumbura within the weekend of 12th – 14th January, with the return leg scheduled for Saturday, 20th January, at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The victor in this fixture will advance to the final round of the qualification series, scheduled for March 2024.
Invited Players List:
Goalkeepers:
– Kehinde Afuye (FC Robo Queens)
– Faith Omilana (Naija Ratels)
– Anderlin Mgbechi (Delta Queens)
– Shukurat Bakare (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders:
– Jumoke Alani (Edo Queens)
– Oluwabunmi Semilore (Naija Ratels)
– Oluchi Ohaegbulam (Nasarawa Amazons)
– Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens)
– Comfort Folorunsho (Edo Queens)
– Emamuzo Edafe (Rivers Angels)
– Rebecca Adegbemile (Delta Queens)
Midfielders:
– Taiwo Afolabi (Delta Queens)
– Chinyere Kalu (Nasarawa Amazons)
– Aminat Folorunsho (Rivers Angels)
– Shukurat Shobowale (Nasarawa Amazons)
– Chioma Olise (Edo Queens)
– Adoo Yina (Nasarawa Amazons)
Forwards:
– Chiamaka Okwuchukwu (Rivers Angels)
– Aminat Bello (Unattached)
– Opeyemi Ajakaye (FC Robo Queens)
– Chiamaka Osuigwe (Edo Queens)
– Chisom Chima (Bayelsa Queens)
– Mary Nkpa (Heartland Queens)
– Janet Akekoromowei (Asisat Academy)
– Oluwayemisi Samuel (Bayelsa Queens)