Dennerby calls Chikwelu, nine other overseas-based stars for Gambian test

Super Falcons’ Coach, Thomas Dennerby has invited 10 foreign-based players to camp ahead of next month’s Women African Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against The Gambia.

Skipper Rita Chikwelu tops the list that also has experienced defenders, Onome Ebi, Osinachi Ohale, Josephine Chukwunonye and Faith Ikidi. Also in the list are midfielders Halimat Ayinde and Ngozi Okobi and forwards Asisat Oshoala, Desire Oparanozie and Francisca Ordega.

The overseas-based players will start arriving in camp on May 29. Barcelona Women FC of Cyprus defender Ngozi Ebere had been training with the home-based group since they set up camp penultimate week.

The Gambia will host the opening leg at Bakau’s Independence Stadium on June 5, with the concluding encounter at the Udoukaha Jacob Esuene Stadium, Calabar on June 11.

While a number of Nigeria’s home–based contingent has been perfecting strategies in Abuja for the fixture, the Gambians (who eliminated Burkina Faso in the first round of qualifiers) have also been preparing hard for the eight-time African champions ahead of the matches.

The full list of invitees contains defenders Osinachi Ohale (Vittsjo GK, Sweden); Onome Ebi (Henan Huishang, China); Josephine Chukwunonye (Asarum IF, Sweden) and Faith Ikidi (Pitea IF, Sweden).