The FIFA U20 women’s world cup remains a site for unveiling the next-gen stars in Nigeria’s women’s football.
From the first edition in Canada, where Ifeanyi Chijiene reigned to the current record CAF African female footballer of the year Asisat Oshoala, the U20 is the team with a glimpse of future super falcons stars.
The Falconets class of 2022 scale the hurdles presented by the Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Cameroon and Senegal, winning six of seven matches (they only drew with Cameroon in Douala) to be eligible to represent Africa once more at the finals in Central America.
SportsintelNG provides a list of next-gen stars that will hold Nigeria and world football down with their immense abilities.
Captain, Leader and Defender.
Tosin Demehin is good enough to make the super falcons squad; that’s how talented the Rivers Angels defender is with her abilities to hold her defence together. Tosin moved from Sunshine Queens to Rivers Angels, where she further developed her game. She has been part of the super Falcons camp, with insiders saying she is the one for the future.
Flourish Sebastian:
A nifty attacker from the left wing, Flourish is a hot player in the football circle, so much so that two top NWFL clubs went to war to sign her. Flourish led the Falconets in goal-scoring during the qualifiers, with six goals in six matches. Her ability to get beyond defenders and her eye for scoring stand out.
Esther Onyenezide:
The main engine of the team, Esther’s ability to take the ball from the defence and pick quality passes to release the attacker, paints a picture of a midfield general. Also, if she is in the mood, she can be lethal in deadball situations. Esther is a product of the Eko Football initiative before moving to play in the NWFL league with FC Robo.
Deborah Abiodun
An intelligent passer, Deborah Abiodun, is one of the live wires of the Falconets and will be instrumental for the team. The combative and creative midfielder from Rivers Angels was one of the bright lights of the NWFL champions at the last CAF Women’s champions league in Morocco. Her asset is her long-range shots in-between spaces.
Next-Gen Stars – Honourable Mention: Rofiat Imuran.
Nigeria will play France, Canada and the Korean Republic in Group C of the 16-nation tournament starting on 10th August.
FALCONETS’ FINAL TEAM FOR FIFA U20 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
Goalkeepers: Nelly Ekeh, Monle Oyono, Peace Obidinma
Defenders: Oluwatosin Demehin, Omowunmi Oshobukola, Rofiat Imuran, Jumoke Alani, Chidinma Ogbuchi, Oluchi Ohaegbulem.
Midfielders: Bashirat Amoo, Esther Onyenezide, Adoo Yina, Motunrayo Amoo, Chinyere Kalu, Deborah Abiodun.
Forwards: Blessing Okpe, Joy Jerry, Mercy Idoko, Flourish Sabastine, Chioma Olise, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu.