Julius OkorieNigeria international and Galatasaray defender, Oluwatosin Demehin, will be missing in action as Super Falcons file out today against France in an international friendly in Angers, France.
Demehin had to withdraw from the Super Falcons squad due to an injury sustained during a recent league match. The development leaves interim head coach, Justine Madugu, with 19 players to prosecute the match. Recall that the former assistant to former Coach Randy Waldrum, had invited 20 players who had been asked to fly straight to France from their various bases to the venue.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe match billed for 9:30 PM Nigeria time at the Stade Raymond Kopa Primebusiness.africa understands, will be graced by top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation.
According to a statement by the Football House, notable figures likely to show face at the venue include NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Women’s Football Committee Chairperson, Aisha Falode, and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi. Coach Madugu we further gathered had an official training sesssion at the venue Friday, thus giving the girls an opportunity to feel the pitch in readiness for today’s friendly show Les Bleues.
READ ALSO :Int. Friendly: Falcons Fly Straight To Venue, Eye First Victory Against France
Despite the absence of Demehin, the Falcons are expected to still have a formidable defence line with the likes of gentle but rugged Michelle Alozie who gave England a run for their strenght at the last FIFA Women World Cup in Australia and New Zealand veteran, Osinachi Ohale and returnee Super Falcons delight, Ashley Plumptre all good to go. England based Rofiat Imuran, Sikiratu Isah and Shukurat Oladipo are all available and ready to soar
In the midfield, Coach Madugu has a strong roster at his disposal, including Portugal-based Christy Ucheibe, England’s Toni Payne, and France-based Jennifer Echegini, who notably scored Nigeria’s only goal at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in France this summer. Also good to go are home based duo of Adoo Yina and Josephine Mathias.
With Captain Rasheedat Ajibade sidelined due to her injury, the onus will fall on the Spain-based duo of Gift Monday and Rinsola Babajide to lead the attack. They will be joined by local star Mercy Omokwo, along with Blessing Nkor and Ifeoma Onumonu.
Should Falcons earn a win against France, it will be the first time the Nigeria women team will be doing so in competitive and non-completive clashes with Les Bleues.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
