Plumptre Missing As CAF Names 4 Super Falcons Stars in WAFCON Team of the Tournament
- Chiamaka Nnadozie, Rasheedat Ajibade, Esther Okoronkwo, and Michelle Alozie make CAF’s WAFCON Team of the Tournament
- Asisat Oshoala and Ashleigh Plumptre surprisingly missed out despite Nigeria’s title win
- The Super Falcons clinched a record 10th WAFCON title with a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Morocco in Rabat
Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football was once again evident as four Super Falcons players were named in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Team of the Tournament for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
However, the announcement, made on Monday, raised eyebrows as six-time Women’s Player of the Year winner Asisat Oshoala and fan-favourite defender Ashleigh Plumptre were both excluded.
Source: Twitter
According to the Punch, the Super Falcons secured their record-extending 10th WAFCON title with a 3-2 comeback victory against hosts Morocco in Rabat on Saturday, and their performances earned significant recognition in the tournament’s Best XI.
Super Falcons dominate WAFCON Best XI
Topping Nigeria’s list of honorees is goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who was also crowned Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
The 23-year-old shot-stopper was outstanding throughout the competition, keeping four clean sheets and conceding only three goals in six matches.
Nnadozie’s key saves, particularly in the tense knockout games against Zambia and South Africa, were crucial to Nigeria’s march to the title.
Ajibade and Okoronkwo shine in attack
The Super Falcons also had two attackers in the prestigious selection.
Rasheedat Ajibade, Nigeria’s captain, was the heartbeat of the team and deservedly named Best Player of the Tournament.
She adapted brilliantly to a deeper midfield role, orchestrating attacks while still providing crucial forward runs. Ajibade also secured three Player of the Match awards, underlining her influence.
Source: Twitter
Alongside her, Esther Okoronkwo impressed with her pace and creativity.
She registered one goal and two assists, including a decisive contribution in the final against Morocco, where she earned the Player of the Match award.
Her ability to stretch defences and deliver in clutch moments made her an essential figure in Nigeria’s attack.
The fourth Nigerian star in the Team of the Tournament is Michelle Alozie, the energetic right-back whose overlapping runs and tackles were vital to Nigeria’s defensive balance.
Her contributions on both ends of the pitch showcased her growth into one of Africa’s finest full-backs.
Full WAFCON Best XI
Beyond Nigeria, South Africa had three players named, while hosts Morocco and Ghana earned two slots each, per Channels.
Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak, the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, headlined the midfield selections.
CAF’s official Team of the Tournament is as follows:
Goalkeeper: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
Defenders: Michelle Alozie (Nigeria), Bambanani Mbane (South Africa), Karabo Dhlamini (South Africa), Portia Boakye (Ghana)
Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria), Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco), Grace Asantewaa (Ghana), Refiloe Jane (South Africa)
Forwards: Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria), Ibtissam Jraidi (Morocco)
Despite the absence of Oshoala and Plumptre, Nigeria’s four representatives underline the Super Falcons’ quality and collective strength in reclaiming their WAFCON crown.
Governors receive Falcons at the airport
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the governor of Kwara state and chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF), Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, alongside the chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), Hope Uzodinma, and other dignitaries, received the victorious Super Falcons team at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The Super Falcons arrived in Nigeria on Monday, July 28, from Morocco, having successfully lifted their tenth WAFCON title, dubbed 'Mission X'.
Source: Legit.ng
