As the 11th edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup kicks off in Colombia, Nigeria's Falconets are among the 24 teams competing on the global stage.
This year’s tournament, spanning from 31 August to 22 September 2024, rekindles memories of the Falconets’ rich history in the competition.
Over the years, several Nigerian stars have emerged from this tournament, leaving an indelible mark on both national and international football. Here, we profile five Super Falcons players who first showcased their talents at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Asisat Oshoala
Asisat Oshoala‘s name is synonymous with excellence in women’s football, and her journey to stardom began at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada. Oshoala burst onto the scene with a performance that captured the world’s attention. She was named the tournament’s best player and claimed the top goalscorer award with seven goals, leading the Falconets to the final, where they narrowly lost 1-0 to Germany.
Since then, Oshoala has become a cornerstone of the Super Falcons, helping Nigeria to three consecutive Africa Women’s Cup of Nations titles in 2014, 2016, and 2018. Her international career also includes appearances in three FIFA Women’s World Cups (2015, 2019, 2023), where she scored in each tournament.
Oshoala’s prowess on the field has earned her a record six CAF Women’s Player of the Year awards, cementing her status as one of Africa’s greatest female footballers.
Chiamaka Nnadozie
Currently the first-choice goalkeeper for French club Paris FC, Chiamaka Nnadozie made her mark at the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Nnadozie was a key figure for the Falconets, particularly in their crucial 1-0 victory over Haiti, where her heroics earned her the Player of the Match award.
Nnadozie’s performances at the youth level paved the way for her ascension to the Super Falcons. She was part of the squad that clinched the 2018 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations and played a significant role in Nigeria’s campaign at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. At just 19 years old, she became the youngest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet in World Cup history during Nigeria’s 2-0 win over South Korea.
Her journey continued as she played a pivotal role in the Super Falcons' qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking Nigeria’s return to the Games after a 16-year absence. In 2020, Nnadozie signed with Paris FC and quickly established herself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. Her outstanding performances for both club and country were recognized when she was named African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year in 2023.
Rasheedat Ajibade
Rasheedat Ajibade’s journey through the ranks of Nigerian football saw her represent the Falconets at the 2016 and 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cups. In the 2018 edition, Ajibade was instrumental, scoring the decisive goal in Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Haiti, which secured their place in the quarter-finals.
Her talent did not go unnoticed, as she was quickly integrated into the Super Falcons setup, making the squad for the 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria emerged victorious. Ajibade has continued to shine on the international stage, representing Nigeria at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Currently plying her trade with Atletico Madrid, she has helped the Spanish club to domestic success, including winning the Spanish Women’s Cup and the Super Cup.
Halimatu Ayinde
Halimat Ayinde, like Oshoala, made her breakthrough at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Her performances in midfield were crucial to the Falconets’ run to the final, where they narrowly missed out on the title.
Ayinde’s vision and control in the center of the park have since become hallmarks of her game, earning her a regular spot in the Super Falcons lineup.
Deborah Abiodun
Deborah Abiodun was one of the standout performers for the Falconets at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica. Despite Nigeria’s quarter-final exit at the hands of the Netherlands, Abiodun’s tenacity and skill caught the eye of Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum, who called her up to the senior team.
Abiodun made her senior tournament debut at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she started in Nigeria’s goalless draw against Canada. However, her tournament was cut short by a red card in that match. She returned to the international stage at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where the Falcons faced a challenging group stage exit.
In the meantime, Abiodun has been balancing her international duties with her academic pursuits, having secured a full scholarship with the University of Pittsburgh’s women’s soccer team in the United States.
