In an unexpected turn of events, Sao Tome and Principe’s women’s football team has withdrawn from the upcoming 2024 women AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations) first-round qualifiers against Nigeria’s Super Falcons.
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The scheduled fixture was set to take place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Friday, September 22nd, with the return leg planned for Tuesday, September 26th.
A credible source has confirmed this withdrawal, prompting the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to promptly inform clubs of Sao Tome’s decision.
This development adds a layer of complexity to the preparations for the Super Falcons, who had already announced their squad for the qualifiers earlier in the week.
The Super Falcons’ squad included a mix of established talent and emerging stars, with notable names such as goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade, and striker Asisat Oshoala among the 24 players invited to camp.
The team’s captain, Onome Ebi, along with regulars Michelle Alozie, Rofiat Imuran, Ifeoma Onumonu, Vivian Ikechukwu, and Gift Monday, were also part of the roster.
With Sao Tome and Principe’s withdrawal, the Super Falcons will now await the outcome of the first-round match between Liberia and Cape Verde to determine their opponent in the second round. The second-round stage is slated to occur from November 27 to December 5, 2018.
It’s worth noting that the Women AFCON, the continent’s premier women’s football competition, is set to return to Morocco, which previously hosted the tournament last year.
The withdrawal of Sao Tome and Principe adds an element of uncertainty to the Super Falcons’ journey in this qualifying campaign, as they gear up to face a new opponent in their quest for African glory.
