The Super Falcons will depart for the Revelation Cup Tournament in León, Mexico, on Saturday. The competition runs from February 15–21 in the city of León, Guanajuato, and features host nation Mexico alongside Nigeria, Costa Rica and Colombia. It serves as preparation for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand this summer.
Head coach Randy Waldrum has named a 23‑player squad that includes captain Onome Ebi, Spain‑based forward Asisat Oshoala and long‑time first‑choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Nigeria’s nine‑time African championship team will open the tournament against hosts Mexico on Wednesday, February 15, three hours after the Costa Rica‑Colombia opening match. On Saturday the Falcons face Colombia (7 p.m. Nigeria time), and on Tuesday, February 21, they play Costa Rica at 11 p.m. Nigeria time.
Waldrum’s side will also meet co‑hosts Australia, Olympic champions Canada and debutants Republic of Ireland at what promises to be the biggest Women’s World Cup finals ever. The Falcons are eager to end a five‑game winless streak; their last victory came with a 1‑0 win over Cameroon in the quarter‑finals of the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Waldrum expressed excitement about the surge of new talent emerging from Nigeria and abroad. “I think the current Falcons squad is loaded with so many talented players. There are a lot of players that have much to offer in the team and I am reasonably excited and hopeful,” he told thenff.com. He highlighted Oshoala’s excellent form and added, “When you add players like Desire Oparanozie, who is also very much in the mix, and Ifeoma Onumonu, Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo, no doubt we have many effective weapons offensively.”
Waldrum is confident the squad can build something special. He noted the contributions of emerging talents such as Rofiat Imuran and Tosin Demehin, alongside experienced players like Osinachi Ohale and the defensive addition Ashleigh Plumptre. “I love the strength of the team; it’s just about getting the best eleven to play on the pitch,” he said.
The coach believes that transfers to larger clubs and leagues will boost the players’ confidence as they prepare to face the world’s best in Australia and New Zealand. He reflected on the depth of talent in the senior women’s squad, noting that each week brings new young prospects making an impact in Europe and elsewhere. This depth has football strategists and enthusiasts, including Waldrum, speculating about how the Falcons will line up on the biggest stage in July.
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