Nigeria women’s coach Thomas Dennerby sprung several surprises when he named the squad for the World Cup in France next month. Dennerby promoted five players who earlier this month won the regional West African (WAFU) Nations Cup in Abidjan. Thirty-three-year-old midfielder Evelyn Nwabuoku, defender Chidinma Okeke, goalkeeper Alaba Jonathan as well as strikers Alice Ogebe and Uchenna Kanu shone at the WAFU cup to earn their places in the party to France next month. Nwabuoku caught the eye in a new defensive role at the tournament, while university undergraduate Kanu emerged top scorer with nine goals. Stars Asisat Oshoala, Desire Oparanozie and Francisca Ordega all made the 23-player final list while Onome Ebi, 35, will feature at her fifth World Cup.

Source: The Guardian May 25, 2019 15:00 UTC