Super Falcons' team news: Plumptre available to face Banyana Banyana, Okafor to be assessed

Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu was on media duties on Monday, on the eve of his side's 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations semifinal clash against defending champions South Africa's Banyana Banyana.

Tuesday's match at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca is a bit of a grudge match as the Super Falcons were beaten 2-1 by South Africa at the 2022 Wafcon. 

During Sunday's workout, former Leicester City defender Ashleigh Plumptre did not participate in team training, sparking speculation over her availability for the upcoming semifinal clash.

With the exception of the group game against Algeria, the former England youth teamer has played every minute of the Super Falcons' matches at the ongoing tournament in Morocco.

Madugu has confirmed that Plumptre is available for selection ahead of the high-stakes clash against Banyana Banyana.

"There are no worries for Ashleigh — just precautionary measures. No issues, no problems at all," Madugu told reporters at the pre-match press conference.

Madugu also provided an update on Chioma Okafor, who had been nursing a hand injury.

"As for Chioma Okafor, like I said earlier twelve days, she returned to the hospital and the cast, or whatever was on her hand, has been removed. She has now been cleared.

"So we'll assess her and see how we can possibly give her an opportunity when the need arises.”

Madugu, however, emphasized that reintegrating players into a settled team comes with its challenges.

"The team has played many games and built strong chemistry. It's not easy to disrupt what we've built, so that's another factor we have to consider. We'll see how it goes."

The Nigeria Football Federation won the recruitment battle for Okafor, beating the Football Association of Malawi to the services of the United States-based forward, but she is yet to feature in a cap-tying match for the nine-time African champions.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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