Though I have never been a fan of Ifeoma Onumonu, it was reassuring to see that Coach Justin Madugu hasn't made a mass clear-out of prayers favoured by the previous manager.
This sense of continuity is most welcome.
I haven't always disliked Onumonu's game. I just felt her deployment as a winger was the worst example of round peg in square hole under Randy Waldrum. Her strongest position is a centre forward where she shone like a million stars for the team.
I had thought another player to be excluded was Michelle Alozie whose social media proficiency is not matched by her on-field productivity for the Super Falcons. Perhaps she will be a player re-born under Madugu.
Rinsola Babajide, who scored in a recent league match, is a much welcome accoutrement. Fans are itching for her to come alight in the Super Falcons.
This roster has an impressive curb appeal to be honest.
You can't go wrong with the intensity of Gift Monday and penetration of Blessing Nkor up front.
The midfield has heavy-hitters Echegini, Payne, Adoo and Ucheibe who bring solidity to the proceedings. With a stellar backline of Plumptre, Demehin, Ohale and Imuran, the defence is sturdy.
It's great to see fresh pair of hands complement Nnadozie in the goalie dept.
All in all a solid set-up that can produce a powerhouse starting 11 and decent substitutes.
Some exceptional players missed out on this occasion but they will get their chance.
For now, it's just to wait for how Coach Justin Madugu will blend this group into a cohesive unit capable of utilising physical/functional football to overcome a formidable foe.
Super Falcons Line-Up
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia); Rofiat Imuran (London City Lioness, England); Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey)
Midfielders: Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Josephine Mathias (Nasarawa Amazons); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); Adoo Yina (Nasarawa Amazons)
Forwards: Blessing Nkor (Pyramids FC, Egypt); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Mercy Omokwo (Bayelsa Queens)
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