The winds of change are blowing through the Nigerian women’s national football team, as interim coach Justin Madugu takes the reins and sets his sights on nurturing the next generation of Super Falcons. In a bold move that signals a shift towards youth and domestic talent, Madugu has named a squad for the upcoming friendlies against Algeria that features a whopping 19 players from Nigeria’s domestic league.
A Glimpse Into the Future
While the absence of many established stars plying their trade in the NWSL and Europe may raise eyebrows, insiders suggest that this is all part of a carefully orchestrated plan to inject fresh blood into the team. According to a close source within the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), the goal is to “see more of the younger players introduced into the team” and provide “more quality and more competition” as some of the older guard near the end of their illustrious careers.
Rising Stars From the U20 World Cup
Madugu has wasted no time in identifying potential future stars, calling up four players from the U20 team that reached the Round of 16 at this year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup. Comfort Folorunsho, Shukurat Oladipo, Chioma Olise, and Janet Akekoromowei will all have the chance to showcase their talents and stake a claim for a permanent spot in the senior setup.
“Even though the Falconets lost in the Round of 16, they showed a lot of promise and they lost to a good team who went to the Final,” revealed the NFF source. “Having new players in the team will provide more quality and more competition, now that we may see some of the older players leaving the team.”
Passing the Torch
This youthful injection comes at a time when several Super Falcons stalwarts are approaching the twilight of their careers. Goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi (37), defender Osinachi Ohale (32), and forward Ify Onumonu (30) may all be set to pass the torch to the next generation in the coming years. Even captain Asisat Oshoala and midfield maestro Toni Payne will celebrate their 30th birthdays next year, though both still have plenty to offer the team.
Keeping an Eye on the Flamingoes
But Madugu’s youth revolution doesn’t stop with the U20s. The NFF source confirmed that the coach is also closely monitoring the progress of the Flamingoes, Nigeria’s U17 team currently competing at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in India.
“We have the likes of [Tosin] Demehin and Rafiat Imuran who came up from the Falconets, and if a player in the junior category show promise, they will also get a chance,” the source explained, hinting at a potential fast-track to the senior side for the most talented youngsters.
Continuing Waldrum’s Legacy
This focus on rejuvenating the squad with the best young domestic players is not a new idea, but rather a continuation of the vision set out by former coach Randy Waldrum. In an interview with ESPN before his departure, Waldrum had spoken about his plans to refresh the team after the Olympic Games in Paris. Now, it seems, his former assistant Madugu is picking up where he left off and running with it.
Historic Home Friendlies
The upcoming friendlies against Algeria on October 26 and 29 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos will mark a historic occasion, as the Super Falcons play international friendlies on home soil for the first time since the Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament in 2021. Fittingly, that tournament was won by South Africa, who defeated the Super Falcons in the final – a result that underscored the need for Nigeria to continue evolving and developing new talent to stay ahead of the chasing pack in African women’s football.
As Madugu’s young guns take to the field against Algeria, all eyes will be on the potential future stars of the Super Falcons. The journey to the next Africa Women Cup of Nations begins here, and Nigeria will be hoping that this youthful squad can lay the foundations for continued success in the years to come. A new era is dawning for the Super Falcons – and the future looks bright.
