World Cup 2023: All you need to know about Nigeria

Nigeria come into the Women's World Cup as Africa's most successful team and with the hopes of a continent on their shoulders.

The Super Falcons are serial winners, victorious in 11 Africa Cup of Nations since the competition's inception in 1991. 

They are yet to translate that dominance on to the global stage, however, despite qualifying for every edition of the World Cup. 

Nigeria's best performance in the tournament came in 1999, when they reached the quarter-finals. Randy Waldrum's side will hope to make history this summer in Australia and New Zealand.

Nigeria's group stage fixtures and UK kick-off times

Nigeria vs Canada (Friday, July 21, 3.30am) 

Australia vs Nigeria (Thursday, July 27, 11am)

Republic of Ireland vs Nigeria (Monday, July 31, 11am)

How Nigeria qualified for Australia and New Zealand 2023

Nigeria made it to the World Cup through their performance in the Africa Cup of Nations, with qualification granted to the four teams that reach the semi-finals of that tournament. 

The Super Falcons squeezed into the final four by narrowly beating Cameroon 1-0, securing their spot in the process.

They suffered eventual disappointment at that event, losing on penalties against Morocco in the semi-finals but will hope to rectify that with a strong showing on the world stage.

Predicted XI

GK: Chiamaka Nnadozie 
RB: Toni Payne 
CB: Osinachi Ohale 
CB: Onome Ebi 
LB: Ashleigh Plumptre 
CM: Halimatu Ayinde 
CM: Christy Ucheibe 
RW: Ifeoma Onumonu 
AM: Rasheedat Ajibade 
LW: Uchenna Kanu
ST: Asisat Oshoala

Star player: Asisat Oshoala

Asisat Oshoala is one of the best players in the world. 

The 28-year-old scored 21 league goals last season for Barcelona, leading her side to domestic and Champions League glory. 

If Nigeria are to enjoy a successful World Cup, the five-time African Player of the Year will no doubt play a key part.

One to watch: Rasheedat Ajibade

Rasheedat Ajibade is an attacking sensation who can operate across the final third.

The 23-year-old scored nine league for Atletico Madrid last season. 

Nigeria will rely on firepower in Australia and New Zealand and have the option to start Ajibade from the off or bring her on as a substitute against tired legs.

The boss: Randy Waldrum

Randy Waldrum took charge of Nigeria in 2020 having previously presided over the Trinidad and Tobago women's side from 2014-16.

The Super Falcons then offered the 66-year-old American the position of technical adviser and head coach but he turned the opportunity down to become the University of Pittsburgh women's manager. 

However, in October 2020, Waldrum did finally land the Nigeria gig. 

After the nation's most recent disappointment at the Africa Cup of Nations, he will be hoping for a successful run Down Under.

Nigeria's official 23-player World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC), Tochukwu Oluehi (Hakkarigucu Spor), Yewande Balogun (Saint-Etienne).

Defenders: Ashleigh Plumptre (Leicester), Glory Ogbonna (Besiktas), Oluwatosin Demehin (Reims), Rofiat Imuran (Reims), Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash), Onome Ebi (Levante Las Planas), Osinachi Ohale (Alaves).

Midfielders: Halimatu Ayinde (Rosengard), Christy Ucheibe (Benfica), Toni Payne (Sevilla), Deborah Abiodun (Rivers Angels), Jennifer Echegini (Florida State Seminoles).

Forwards: Asisat Oshoala (Barcelona), Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville FC), Ifeoma Onumonu (NJ/NY Gotham), Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid), Desire Oparanozie (Wuhan Chegu Jianghan), Esther Okoronkwo (Saint-Etienne), Gift Monday (UD Granadilla Tenerife), Francisca Ordega (CSKA Moscow).

All information correct as of July 13