Super Falcons’ captain, Asisat Oshoala says the Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament will bolster the girl-child’s confidence in believing that her dream is very much attainable.
The 26-year-old FC Barcelona of Spain’s ace forward emphasized to ABC Media that the showpiece is an opportunity to spur every girl-child to live their dream.
“I see the tournament as a very good and laudable idea. I am really excited and looking forward to it,” she said. “Also, it is a way to test the strength of the teams to know how prepared we are ahead of the qualifying fixture for the Women Africa Cup of Nations against Ghana.
“It is also a good idea to have the tournament in Lagos where you have many girls playing football. They will also have the opportunity of seeing their heroes from other countries. We have South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, and some other countries that will be participating in the tournament. The Nigerian girl-child will get to see many stars and be convinced that themselves can also get to the top if they keep working hard.”
The four-time African Woman Player of the Year has netted 29 goals for the Super Falcons and won three AWCON titles in 2014, 2016, and 2018.
Nigeria name 23-woman provisional list for the tournament
Head Coach Randy Waldrum has named a 23-woman provisional list for the maiden edition of the Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Tournament, taking place in the City of Lagos, 13th – 21st of this month.
The list includes first choice goalkeeper Chiamaka, defenders Onome Ebi and Osinachi Ohale, midfielders Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene and forwards Asisat Oshoala, Francisca Ordega, and Rasheedat Ajibade.
THE FULL LIST
Goalkeepers: Tochukwu Oluehi (Maccabi Kishronot Hadera, Israel); Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Yewande Balogun (California Storm, USA)
Defenders: Onome Ebi (Minsk FC, Belarus); Glory Ogbonna (Umea FC, Sweden); Osinachi Ohale (Deportivo Alaves, Spain); Faith Ikidi (Pitea DFF, Sweden); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Akudo Ogbonna (Edo Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Rivers Angels)
Midfielders: Rita Chikwelu (Madrid CFF, Spain); Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene (Eskilstuna United, Sweden); Tony Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain); Regina Otu (Minsk FC, Belarus); Goodness Onyebuchi (Edo Queens); Joy Bokiri (AIK Sweden FC, Sweden)
Forwards: Asisat Oshoala (FC Barcelona, Spain); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Francisca Ordega (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Gift Monday (FC Robo Queens); Uchenna Kanu (Linkopings FC, Sweden); Desire Oparanozie (Dijon FC, France); Esther Okoronkwo (Saint Etienne, France)
