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Women's national football team representing Nigeria From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Nigeria women's national football team,[lower-alpha 1] nicknamed the Super Falcons, represents Nigeria in international women's football and is controlled by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The team is Africa's most successful international women's football team, having won a record eleven Women's Africa Cup of Nations titles;[3] their most recent title in 2018, after defeating South Africa in the final. The team is also the only women's national team from the Confederation of African Football to have reached the quarterfinals in both the FIFA Women's World Cup and the Summer Olympics.
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Nickname(s) | Super Falcons | ||
---|---|---|---|
Association | Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) | ||
Confederation | CAF (Africa) | ||
Sub-confederation | WAFU (West Africa) | ||
Head coach | Randy Waldrum | ||
Captain | Chiamaka Nnadozie | ||
Most caps | Onome Ebi (109) | ||
Top scorer | Perpetua Nkwocha (80)[1] | ||
FIFA code | NGA | ||
| |||
FIFA ranking | |||
Current | 36 ![]() | ||
Highest | 23 (July – August 2003; August 2004; March 2005) | ||
Lowest | 46 (August 2022) | ||
First international | |||
![]() ![]() (Nigeria; 16 February 1991) | |||
Biggest win | |||
![]() ![]() (Ivory Coast; 11 May 2019) | |||
Biggest defeat | |||
![]() ![]() (Karlstad, Sweden; 6 June 1995) ![]() ![]() (Leverkusen, Germany; 25 November 2010) ![]() ![]() (Le Mans, France; 6 April 2018) | |||
World Cup | |||
Appearances | 9 (first in 1991) | ||
Best result | Quarter-finals (1999) | ||
Olympic Games | |||
Appearances | 4 (first in 2000) | ||
Best result | Quarter-finals (2004) | ||
Women's Africa Cup of Nations | |||
Appearances | 14 (first in 1991) | ||
Best result | Champions (1991, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018) | ||
WAFU Zone B Women's Cup | |||
Appearances | 2 (first in 2018) | ||
Best result | Champions (2019) | ||
Medal record |
They are also one of the few teams in the world and only African team to have qualified for every edition of the FIFA Women's World Cup, with their best performance at the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup where they reached the quarterfinals.
This section needs additional citations for verification. (July 2023) |
They won the first seven African championships, and through their first 20 years lost only five games to African competition: 12 December 2002 to Ghana in Warri, 3 June 2007 at Algeria, 12 August 2007 to Ghana in an Olympic qualifier, 25 November 2008 at Equatorial Guinea in the semis of the 2008 Women's African Football Championship and May 2011 at Ghana in an All Africa Games qualification match.
The Super Falcons have been able to dominate beyond Africa in such arenas as the FIFA Women's World Cup or the Olympic Games however. The team has been to every World Cup since 1991, but managed just once to finish in the top two. In 2003, the Super Falcons turned out to be the biggest disappointment of the first round, failing to score a single goal and losing all three Group A matches. They did little better in 2007, drawing only one of their Group B matches. However, they faced the group of death in both 2003 and 2007, grouped both times with rising Asian power North Korea, traditional European power Sweden, and a historic women's superpower in the USA.
Nigeria hosted the African women's championship finals for the third time in 2001 which were then canceled due to a severe outbreak of gang induced violence within the Nigerian area, replacing Gabon, which was initially granted the right to host but later pulled out citing financial difficulties, and won it for the seventh time in a row. Nigeria's Super Falcons and Ghana's Black Queens represented Africa in China for the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup.
The "Falconets" are the country's junior team (U-20), which performed creditably in the 2006 FIFA U-20 Women's World Championship held in Russia when they beat Finland 8–0 before they were sent packing by Brazil in the Quarter-finals. They were the runner-up to Germany at the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. Nigeria also played in the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup held in Canada and lost to Germany in the finals 0–1, Asisat Oshoala got both the golden ball and golden boot.
The "Flamingoes" are the country's cadet team (U-17), which qualified for the inaugural women's U-17 World Cup New Zealand 2008. Nigeria qualified for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup where they were placed in Group A with South Korea, Norway and hosts France.
The Super Falcons have engaged in multiple disputes with the NFF over back pay, unpaid bonuses and bonus amounts, tournament preparation, and facilities, including sit-in protests, training boycotts, or threats to boycott matches in 2004,[4][5] 2007,[6] 2016,[7] 2019,[8][9] 2022,[10][11] and 2023.[12][13]
The Nigeria women's national football team has been known or nicknamed as the "Super Falcons".
Worst Ranking Best Ranking Worst Mover Best Mover
Nigeria's FIFA world rankings | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rank | Year | Matches played |
Won | Lost | Drawn | Best | Worst | ||||
Rank | Move | Rank | Move | ||||||||
41 | 2021 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 37 | ![]() |
41 | ![]() | ||
45 | 2022 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 39 | ![]() |
46 | ![]() | ||
40 | 2023 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 40 | ![]() |
45 | ![]() | ||
The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.
Win Draw Lose Fixture
22 September 2024 AFWCON qualification First round | Nigeria ![]() | Cancelled | ![]() | |
16:00 WAT |
25 September 2024 AFWCON qualification First round | São Tomé and Príncipe ![]() | Cancelled | ![]() | |
17:00 WAT |
25 October 2023 2024 Olympic qualifying | Ethiopia ![]() | 1–1 | ![]() | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
15:30 UTC+3 |
|
|
Stadium: Abebe Bikila Stadium |
31 October 2024 Olympic qualifying | Nigeria ![]() | 4–0 (5–1 agg.) | ![]() | Abuja, Nigeria |
Stadium: Moshood Abiola National Stadium | ||||
Note: Nigeria won 5–1 on aggregate |
30 November 2023 2024 AFWCON qualification Second round 1st leg | Nigeria ![]() | 5–0 | ![]() | Lagos, Nigeria |
16:00 UTC+1 | Report (NFF) | Stadium: Onikan Stadium |
5 December 2023 2024 AFWCON qualification Second round 2nd leg | Cape Verde ![]() | 1–2 (1–7 agg.) | ![]() | Praia |
|
Stadium: Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde | |||
Note: Nigeria won 7–1 on aggregate. |
23 February 2024 2024 Olympic qualifying | Cameroon ![]() | 0–0 | ![]() | Douala Cameroon |
Stadium: Stade de la Réunification |
26 February 2024 2024 Olympic qualifying | Nigeria ![]() | 1–0 (1–0 agg.) | ![]() | Abuja,Nigeria |
|
Stadium: Moshood Abiola National Stadium | |||
Note: Nigeria won 1–0 on aggregate. |
5 April 2024 2024 Olympic qualifying | Nigeria ![]() | 1–0 | ![]() | Abuja,Nigeria |
17:00 UTC+1 | Report | Stadium: MKO Abiola Stadium Referee: Ghada Mehat (Algeria) |
9 April 2024 2024 Olympic qualifying | South Africa ![]() | 0–0 (0–1 agg.) | ![]() | Pretoria ,South Africa |
19:30 UTC+2 | Report | Stadium: Loftus Versfeld Stadium Referee: Dorsaf Ganouati (Tunisia) | ||
Note: Nigeria won 1–0 on aggregate. |
25 July 2024 2024 Olympic Games GS | Nigeria ![]() | 0–1 | ![]() | Bordeaux, France |
Stadium: Stade de Bordeaux |
28 July 2024 2024 Olympic Games GS | Spain ![]() | 1–0 | ![]() | Nantes, France |
19:00 | Report | Stadium: Stade de la Beaujoire |
31 July 2024 2024 Olympic Games GS | Japan ![]() | 3–1 | ![]() | Nantes, France |
Stadium: Stade de la Beaujoire |
On 11 July 2023, the coaching squad for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup was released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).[15]
Name | Role | Ref. |
---|---|---|
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Head coach | |
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Associate Head coach | |
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Assistant coaches | |
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Goalkeeping coach |
Name | Start date | End date | Notes | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|
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managed Nigeria at 1991 FIFA Women's World Cup, concurrently with the men's national team of Nigeria.[16] | |||
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regarded as the first coach of the women national team; managed Nigeria at 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup[17][18] | |||
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managed Nigeria to quarter finals at 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup, thus regarded as the most successful coach;[19][20] led Nigeria to 2000 Olympics and 2004 Olympics | |||
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2002 | managed Nigeria at 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup | ||
Godwin Izilien | managed Nigeria to win 2004 African Women's Championship[21] | |||
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managed Nigeria at 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup; led Nigeria to win 2003 All-Africa Games[22] | |||
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managed Nigeria at 2008 Olympics; led Nigeria to win 2007 All-Africa Games;[23] managed Nigeria to third-place finish at 2008 African Women's Championship[24][25] | |||
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October 2011 | managed Nigeria to win 2010 African Women's Championship; managed Nigeria at 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup | [26] | |
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April 2012 | November 2012 | led Nigeria to fourth place at 2012 African Women's Championship | [27] |
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June 2015 | managed Nigeria to win 2014 African Women's Championship; managed Nigeria at 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup | [28] | |
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September 2015 | led Nigeria to fourth place at 2015 All-Africa Games | [29] | |
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February 2016 | December 2016 | led Nigeria to win 2016 Africa Women Cup of Nations | [30][31] |
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January 2018 | October 2019 | led Nigeria to win at 2019 WAFU Zone B Women's Cup | [32][33][34] |
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2020 | October 2023 | [35][36] | |
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November 2023 | Interim Coach | ||
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November 2023 | |||
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Club | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | GK | Tochukwu Oluehi | 2 May 1987 | ![]() | ||
16 | GK | Chiamaka Nnadozie | 8 December 2000 | ![]() | ||
2 | DF | Michelle Alozie | 28 April 1997 | ![]() | ||
3 | DF | Osinachi Ohale | 21 December 1991 | ![]() | ||
4 | DF | Nicole Payne | 8 January 2001 | ![]() | ||
5 | DF | Chidinma Okeke | 11 August 2000 | Unattached | ||
14 | DF | Oluwatosin Demehin | 13 March 2002 | ![]() | ||
7 | MF | Toni Payne | 22 April 1995 | ![]() | ||
10 | MF | Christy Ucheibe | 25 December 2000 | ![]() | ||
11 | MF | Jennifer Echegini | 22 March 2001 | ![]() | ||
13 | MF | Deborah Abiodun | 2 November 2003 | ![]() | ||
15 | FW | Rasheedat Ajibade | 8 December 1999 | ![]() | ||
6 | FW | Esther Okoronkwo | 27 March 1997 | ![]() | ||
8 | FW | Asisat Oshoala | 9 October 1994 | ![]() | ||
9 | FW | Chinonyerem Macleans | 1 October 1999 | ![]() | ||
12 | FW | Uchenna Kanu | 20 June 1997 | ![]() | ||
17 | FW | Chinwendu Ihezuo | 30 April 1997 | ![]() | ||
18 | FW | Ifeoma Onumonu | 25 February 1994 | ![]() |
Following players have been called up to a squad in the past 12 months.
Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club | Latest call-up |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GK | Linda Jiwuaku | 6 June 2006 | ![]() |
v. ![]() | ||
GK | Christiana Obia | 28 February 2001 | ![]() |
v. ![]() | ||
GK | Monle Oyono | 28 November 2000 | ![]() |
v. ![]() | ||
DF | Jumoke Alani | 17 July 2005 | ![]() |
2024 Summer Olympics ALT | ||
DF | Morufa Ademola | 3 May 1999 | ![]() |
2024 Summer Olympics ALT | ||
DF | Ashleigh Plumptre | 8 May 1998 | ![]() |
v. ![]() | ||
DF | Shukurat Oladipo | 22 September 2004 | v. ![]() | |||
DF | Akudo Ogbonna | 9 April 2000 | ![]() |
v. ![]() | ||
DF | Rofiat Imuran | 17 June 2004 | ![]() |
v. ![]() | ||
DF | Glory Edet | 26 February 2001 | v. ![]() | |||
DF | Rihanat Kasali | 26 December 2004 | v. ![]() | |||
DF | Comfort Folorunsho | 28 February 2002 | ![]() |
v. ![]() | ||
DF | Onome Ebi (captain) | 8 May 1983 | ![]() |
v. ![]() | ||
MF | Regina Otu | 5 August 1996 | ![]() |
2024 Summer Olympics ALT | ||
MF | Halimatu Ayinde | 16 May 1995 | ![]() |
2024 Summer Olympics INJ | ||
MF | Peace Efih | 5 August 2000 | ![]() |
v. ![]() | ||
MF | Esther Onyenezide | 30 June 2003 | ![]() |
v. ![]() | ||
FW | Gift Monday | 9 December 2001 | ![]() |
2024 Summer Olympics ALT | ||
FW | Omorinsola Babajide | 17 June 1998 | ![]() |
v. ![]() | ||
FW | Opeyemi Ajakaye | 30 December 2005 | ![]() |
v. ![]() | ||
FW | Flourish Sabastine | 20 October 2004 | ![]() |
v. ![]() | ||
FW | Vivian Ikechukwu | 10 July 1997 | ![]() |
v. ![]() | ||
FW | Chiamaka Okwuchukwu | 7 August 2005 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
Notes:
Bold indicates winning squads
*Active players in bold, statistics as of November 2020.
Most capped players
|
Top goalscorers
|
Africa Women Cup of Nations record | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Round | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
1991 | Champions | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 2 | |
1995 | Champions | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 2 | |
![]() | Champions | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 0 | |
![]() | Champions | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 19 | 2 | |
![]() | Champions | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 15 | 2 | |
![]() | Champions | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 18 | 2 | |
![]() | Champions | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 2 | |
![]() | Third place | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | |
![]() | Champions | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 4 | |
![]() | Fourth place | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 4 | |
![]() | Champions | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 3 | |
![]() | Champions | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 13 | 1 | |
![]() | Champions | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 10 | 1 | |
![]() | Fourth place | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 4 | |
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Qualified | |||||||
Total | 11 Titles | 73 | 57 | 9 | 7 | 223 | 32 | |
African Games record | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Round | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
![]() | Champions | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 1 | |
![]() | Champions | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 2 | |
![]() | did not qualify | |||||||
![]() | Fourth place | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 11 | 7 | |
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See Nigeria women's national under-20 football team | |||||||
![]() | Runners-up | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 1 | |
Total | 4/4 | 18 | 13 | 1 | 4 | 52 | 11 |
WAFU Zone B Women's Cup | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Result | Position | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA |
![]() | 3rd | 3rd | 5 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 10 | 3 |
![]() | Winner | 1st | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 23 | 2 |
Total | Group Stage | 1/1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 17 |
Year | Result | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Turkish Women's Cup | 1st | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 0 | +11 |
2023 Women's Revelations Cup | 3rd | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | −1 |
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