Seunfunmi Joshua
The Nigerian national women’s football team, popularly known as the Super Falcons, has a storied history and is one of the most successful teams in African women’s football. The Super Falcons have been a force to be reckoned within African and global women’s football for a long time now. With a rich history of success, including multiple African women’s championship titles. Over the years, several players have risen to international prominence, making significant contributions both on and off the field.
Here are six (6) Super Falcons who have made a name for themselves in women’s football:
- Asisat Oshoala
Asisat Oshoala also known as (Agba baller) is one of the brightest stars in women’s football today. Born on October 9, 1994, in Lagos, Nigeria, Oshoala’s journey to international stardom has been nothing short of spectacular.Oshoala has played for top clubs in Europe, including Liverpool, Arsenal, and Barcelona. At Barcelona, she has won multiple league titles and played a crucial role in the team’s UEFA Women’s Champions League victory.Oshoala has been named the African Women’s Player of the Year five times (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020), showcasing her dominance in African women’s football.
She has represented Nigeria in several FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments and Olympic Games, consistently delivering standout performances Oshoala’s speed, skill, and goal-scoring ability have made her a household name in women’s football, and she continues to inspire young players across Africa and beyond.
- Mercy Akide-Udoh
Known as “Queen of the pitch”, Mercy Akide-udoh is a legendary Nigerian footballer who played for super falcons from 1994 to 2004. She was a prolific goal- scorer and is considered one of the greatest African female footballers of all time. Akide won numerous titles with the super falcons, including three African women’s Championship.
Beyond her playing career, Akide has been involved in coaching and mentoring young players, continuing to make a positive impact on the development of women’s football in Nigeria. Akide’s career paved the way for future generations of female footballers in Nigeria.
- Perpetua Nkwocha
Perpetua Nkwocha is a legendary figure in women’s football, known for her remarkable goal-scoring prowess and longevity in the sport. Born on January 3, 1976, Nkwocha’s career has spanned over two decades, during which she has left an indelible mark on the game. Perpetua is a highly decorated Nigerian footballer who played for super falcons from 1999 to 2014.
She is a four- time African women’s championship winner and was named the African Women’s footballer of the year in 2004 and 2005.
- Onome Ebi
Onome Ebi is a stalwart in Nigerian women’s football, known for her defensive prowess and longevity. Born on May 8, 1983, Ebi’s career has been marked by consistency and excellence. She has represented Nigeria in five FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments (2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019) and the Olympic Games.
Ebi has been named in the CAF Best XI multiple times and has received numerous accolades for her contributions to women’s football.
- Desire Oparanozie
Desire Oparanozie is known for her powerful presence on the field and her leadership qualities. Born on December 17, 1993, Oparanozie has been a key figure in Nigerian women’s football for over a decade.
Oparanozie has played for several clubs in Europe, including Guingamp in France and Wuhan Jianghan University in China, where she has consistently performed at a high level. Oparanozie has represented Nigeria in multiple FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments and the Olympic Games, contributing significantly to the team’s success. She has won the African Women’s Championship four times (2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018) with the Super Falcons.
- Precious Dede.
Precious Dede is a renowned Nigerian footballer, known for her outstanding career as a goalkeeper for the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s national women’s football team. She had a long and successful tenure with the team, playing in multiple African Women’s Championship tournaments and FIFA Women’s World Cup competitions. Dede’s leadership on and off the field was instrumental in the Super Falcons’ success during her time with the team.
She is celebrated for her exceptional goalkeeping skills and her contributions to Nigerian women’s football.
She was a key player in the Super Falcons’ dominance in the African Women’s Championship (AWC). Dede won the championship multiple times with the team, contributing to their victories in 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2014.Precious Dede’s legacy in Nigerian women’s football is marked by her exceptional talent, dedication, and the numerous titles and honors she helped the Super Falcons achieve.
She remains an inspirational figure for aspiring footballers in Nigeria and beyond.
- Ann Chiejine.
Ann Chiejine is a celebrated former Nigerian footballer who played as a goalkeeper for the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s national women’s football team. She is known for her significant contributions to Nigerian women’s football, both as a player and later as a coach. Chiejine represented Nigeria in multiple international competitions. She was part of the squad that played in the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1991, held in China. She also participated in subsequent World Cup tournaments, including the 1995 edition in Sweden.
Ann Chiejine made headlines when she played for the Nigerian national team while pregnant. During the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup in the United States, she was a member of the Super Falcons squad and played while four months pregnant. This remarkable feat showcased her dedication and commitment to the team and the sport, further cementing her legacy in women’s football.
Wrapping Up,
The Super Falcons have produced some of the finest talents in women’s football, with players like Maureen Mmadu (most capped super falcons player with 101 caps), Perpetua Nkwocha, Asisat Oshoala, Mercy Akide, Florence Omagbemi, Desire Oparanozie, Stella Mbachu, Osinachi Ohale, Precious Dede, and Onome Ebi to name a few who made significant contributions to the sport.
Current captain Rasheedat Ajibade, dearest oyinbo yellow wall Ashleigh Plumptre, Michelle Alozie and Jennifer Echegini are some of the next generation of Super Falcons flying the Nigerian flag.
These women have not only excelled on the field but have also served as inspirations and role models for future generations of female footballers in Nigeria and beyond.
