5 Women Atop Nigeria’s Women’s Football History

When considering women’s football in Africa, the Nigerian Super Falcons stand as formidable Amazons, relishing triumphs throughout the continent. With an astounding 9 African Women’s Nations Cup and a legacy of achievements on the broader African platform, they have ascended to the pinnacle of African women football mostly hitch free .

Although the same cannot be said on a global level, with the country’s best result being a quarter-final slot at the  2023 World Cup, there  are a few names credited with building   the Super Falcons dynasty with the magic of their football boots. Here are five players who have etched their names in the sands of time as Super Falcons greats.

Perpetua Nwakocha 

Only a few names can brag of perpetually bearing the Super Falcons midfield on their shoulders. Nwakocha’s  prowess on the field earned her a spot on the Nigerian women’s national team, the Super Falcons. As captain, Nwakocha demonstrated excellence and leadership on the field of play throughout the 2004 Nations Cup, setting a goal-scoring record of nine in the tournament. She even scored four goals in the final against Cameroon, where she was named the tournament’s best player. She was also named African Women’s Footballer of the Year by the Confederation of African Football,CAF  four times. Perpetua has won five AFCONtitles and competed in four World Cups and three Olympic Games.

 With her strong tackles, midfield prowess, and leadership qualities, Nwokocha quickly became a crucial component of the team’s backbone. Her performances in international competitions earned her respect and admiration not only from her teammates but also from opponents and fans worldwide.

Mercy Akide-Udoh

Mercy Akideh- Udoh strikes the ball

Mercy Akide Udoh, is a name that resonates with passion, skill, and dedication in Nigerian women  football. Akide Udoh’s journey through the beautiful game has left an indelible mark on the  country’s football community. Her story is one of perseverance, breaking barriers, and inspiring generations of female athletes.

Akide Udoh’s breakthrough on the international stage came during the late 1990s and early 2000s, a time when women’s football was beginning to gain more recognition globally. She became the  linchpin of the Super Falcons, and played a pivotal role in their success on several  fronts. Her scoring prowess and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations earned her a reputation as one of Africa’s finest female footballers. She became the first African Women Footballer of the Year  in 2001—a well deserved honor.  Mercy is also a three-time African Women’s Championship winner, winning in 1998, 2000, and 2002. She was the first African woman to play professional football in the United States as a striker.

One of the most notable highlights of Akide Udoh’s career was her performance in the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup held in the United States. She played an integral role in leading the Super Falcons to the quarterfinals, a historic achievement for an African women’s team at that time. Her speed, strength, and clinical finishing ability made her a nightmare for opposing defenders and a source of inspiration for aspiring female players across Africa.

As a testament to her incredible journey, Mercy Akide Udoh was inducted into the United Soccer Leagues Hall of Fame in 2013.

Onome Ebi 

Onome Ebi

Ebi’s international career with the Nigerian women’s national team, the Super Falcons, has been nothing short of remarkable. Her dedication to the team, spanning over two decades, has seen her participate in several FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments and other prestigious competitions. With her towering presence on the field, aerial dominance, and ability to read the game, Ebi has been a cornerstone of the Super Falcons’ defense.

This list would be incomplete without Onome Ebis’s name. Rock solid at the heart of the defense, captain leader, and all-round fighter, Onome Ebis has proven to be a legend, so much so that at the 2023 Women’s World Cup on the 16th of June 2023 in Australia and New Zealand, she became the only African, to play in six women’s world cups. She has also gone on to win the African Women’s Championship four times.

What truly sets Ebi apart is her perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. She has overcome injuries, setbacks, and challenges that could have deterred a lesser spirit. Her commitment to her craft and her team has been an inspiration to teammates and fans alike. Ebi’s leadership qualities and her willingness to mentor younger players have solidified her role as a role model for aspiring female footballers.

Asisat Oshoala 

Asisat Oshoala, ecstatic after her goal against Australia

Asisat Oshoala’s goal against Australia tied her with Nigerian legends Rita Nwadike, Nkiru Okosieme, and Cameroonian Gaelle Enganmouit as Africa’s highest World Cup goal scorers. Adding this to her long list of achievements, including being the first African woman to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League, the first African woman to win five Caf Women’s African Player of the Year awards, and the first African woman to win the Liga F golden boot, she truly is a force to be reckoned with.

Asisat was a star at the 2014 U20 Women’s World Cup, where she was the highest goal scorer and named the tournament’s best player. She was also named best player and second-top goalscorer with the Super Falcons team that won the 2014 African Women’s Championship. Oshoala, a five-time African women’s player of the year, is a legend in her own right. Asisat has been nominated for the CAF Player of the Year. If she clinches the award, it will mark her sixth triumph, solidifying her status as an unequivocal Nigerian and African great.

Desire Oparanozie

Desire Oparanozie training ahead of a game at the FIFA Womens World Cup 2023

Desire, a superb winger who began her career with Bayelsa United, also deserves special recognition. She scored two goals in the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and three goals in the 2012 tournament as a junior international. In April 2019, Coach Thomas Dennerby nominated her as Super Falcon  Captain, citing her “discipline and good character.” She won four African women’s championships between 2010 and 2014, 2016 and 2018.

As the Nigerian Super Falcons continue to soar across the African football landscape, these five remarkable players have not only left their indelible mark on the team’s legacy, but also illuminated the path for future generations, embodying the true spirit of excellence, dedication, and passion for the beautiful game.

Photo Credit: Justina Aniefiok