Coach Okon Releases Falcons' Final World Cup List, Names Usual Suspects

Coach of the Super Falcons, Edwin Okon has released his list of 23 players for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada slated to begin next week.

BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, made the list with other usual suspects such as team captain Evelyn Nwabuoku and Precious Dede.

Other players that made the cut are fans favourite, Desire Oparanozie, Halimatu Ayinde, veteran striker Perpetua Nkwocha and Ini-Abasi Umotong are also included, as well as US –based forward Francisca Ordega. Courtney Dike also had a place in the squad as she anticipates facing USA, the team of the country where she plies are trade.

Goalkeeper Sandra Chichi, Chiwendu Ihezuo and Mariam Ibrahim are some of the notable players that did not make coach Okon's list for the World Cup.

Nigeria is in the group D alongside Sweden, Australia and USA, with their first match against Sweden in Winnipeg on Monday, 8th June.

THE FULL LIST

Goalkeepers: Precious Dede (Ibom Angels); Christy Ohiaeriaku (Rivers Angels); Ibubeleye Whyte (Rivers Angels)

Defenders: Blessing Edoho (Pelican Stars); Osinachi Ohale (Rivers Angels); Onome Ebi (FC Minsk, Belarus); Josephine Chukwunonye (Rivers Angels); Ugo Njoku (Rivers Angels); Ngozi Ebere (Rivers Angels); Sarah Nnodim (Nasarawa Amazons)

Midfielders: Evelyn Nwabuoku (BIIK Kazygurt, Kazakhstan); Halimatu Ayinde (Delta Queens); Martina Ohadugha (Rivers Angels); Cecilia Nku (Rivers Angels)

Forwards: Perpetua Nkwocha (Clemensnas IF, Sweden); Esther Sunday (FC Minsk, Belarus); Asisat Oshoala (Liverpool Ladies, England); Desire Oparanozie (En Avant Guingamp, France); Ngozi Okobi (Delta Queens); Francisca Ordega (Washington Spirit, USA); Loveth Ayila (Rivers Angels); Courtney Dike (Oklahoma State University, USA); Iniabasi Umotong (Portsmouth Ladies, England)