Controversy surrounds the exclusion of Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene from the Nigerian women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, ahead of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, writes ‘TANA AIYEJINA.
The team’s preparations for the tournament have been disrupted by the last-minute cancellation of their training camp in Abuja, which was initially scheduled to begin on June 20. As a result, the team now has only 10 days to prepare before their first game against Canada on July 21 in Melbourne. They will fly to Australia on July 2 to start their preparations.
Coach Randy Waldrum announced the 23-woman squad for the World Cup, including familiar names like captain Onome Ebi, Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, Francisca Ordega, and others. However, there were also notable exclusions, with Vera Ihezuo, Charity Adule, and Regina Otu left out. Veteran midfielder Rita Chikwelu reportedly retired from international football.
The absence of Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, who plays in Spain, has raised eyebrows. She has been a key player for the team, displaying remarkable skills in midfield. Her exceptional performance in last year’s WAFCON quarter-finals, where she helped secure the World Cup qualification, has not been forgotten.
Fans and analysts have questioned the decision to exclude Okobi-Okeoghene, emphasizing her significant contributions to the team’s midfield. There are claims that she was dropped due to an injury, but she denies being injured and asserts that she has been following the World Cup training program.
Speculation suggests that Okobi-Okeoghene may have become a victim of power struggles within the Falcons camp. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) reportedly insisted that Waldrum include at least one home-based player in the squad, recommending Falconets goalkeeper Omini Oyono. NFF officials allegedly threatened to prevent Waldrum’s American assistant from joining the team if the recommended player was not selected. Ultimately, Oyono was dropped from the squad, and Deborah Abiodun, who had signed for Waldrum’s university team in the US, was chosen as the “home-based” player.
Waldrum defends his selection, stating that he picked the best players for the World Cup. He also dismisses claims of favoritism towards American-born players, asserting that the team comprises both local and foreign-based talents.
The Nigerian team’s preparations have been affected by the cancellation of the Abuja camp, while other countries participating in the World Cup are already finalizing their preparations. The delayed start to Nigeria’s preparations could potentially impact their performance in the tournament.
Despite the controversies and challenges, Coach Waldrum expresses confidence in the squad and believes they will represent Nigeria well in Australia and New Zealand.
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