The Super Falcons’ preparations for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games have received a significant boost with the arrival of key players Uchenna Kanu and Chinwendu Ihezuo at the team’s camp in Sevilla, Spain.

According to a statement from the Nigeria Football Federation, the two strikers joined the camp on Thursday afternoon, bringing the number of players present to 20. Only defender Oluwatosin Demehin and forward Chinonyerem Macleans are still expected, as the nine-time African champions intensify their preparations for their return to the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament.

Demehin and Macleans are scheduled to arrive at the team’s Hotel Barceló Montecastillo Golf and Resort on Friday afternoon. A full camp by Friday will give Coach Randy Waldrum and his assistants five days to work with the entire squad, including alternates, ahead of Wednesday’s training match against reigning Olympic champions Canada.

Early arrivals included team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie and Tochukwu Oluehi, defenders Chidinma Okeke and Nicole Payne, midfielders Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne, Deborah Abiodun, and Jennifer Echegini, as well as forward Esther Okoronkwo. Alternates goalkeeper Morufa Ademola and forward Gift Monday were also among the early arrivals.

The Super Falcons will fly into France on Thursday, 18 July, a week before their tournament-opening match against the formidable Brazilian Women’s team at the Stade Bordeaux. Their other group phase games, against Spain and Japan, will take place at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes.