While 2022 might have thrown everything it could in the way of women’s football in Nigeria, players fought to help maintain the reputation of the nation on the international scene. All the players on this list are eligible to represent the Super Falcons of Nigeria on the international scene and will be hoping to have a wonderful outing in the 2023 calendar year. With the World Cup around the corner, Bounce Sports has put together a list of Top 10 Nigerian Female footballers to watchout for in 2023. 

10. Ifeoma Onumonu (Gotham FC – USA)

It will be fascinating to watch if Ifeoma leads the line at the 2023 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand in the summer after the Super Falcons of Nigeria’s disappointing performance at WAFCON 2022 held in Morocco. The 28-year-old scored two goals and assisted two in sixteen NWSL matches played in 2022.

9. Gift Monday (UD Granadilla Tenerife – Spain)

It’s time for Gift Monday to establish herself in Europe after gaining notoriety and moving from the Nigerian Women’s Football League to Spain in 2022. The 21-year-old Nigerian had a breathtaking season in the local league with Bayelsa United and was a revelation for the Falcons at the WAFCON tournament held in Morocco.

8. Tosin Demehin (Stade Reims – France) 

Demehin secured a move to France after making a strong impression at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2022, and she also earned her Super Falcons debut. Can she establish a name for herself in Europe going forward?

7. Roosa Ariyo (Club YLA – Belgium)

Roosa has adapted quickly to life in Belgium, and the lanky forward is knocking on the Super Falcons’ door once more in preparation for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which Australia and New Zealand will co-host.

6. Uchenna Kanu (UANL Tigres – México)

Uchenna Kanu will be seeking to make even more of an impression this year after winning the Mexican championship with her team in 2022. She had a great personal outing at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco.

5. Toni Payne (Sevilla- Spain)

Payne, who played the entire WAFCON 2022 for Nigeria in defense, is still a significant player for her club side in attack. Will she be given the liberty to play upfront and display her capabilities at the FIFA World Cup?

4. Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica – Portugal) 

During the WAFCON 2022, the combative midfielder announced herself to the lovers of women’s football in Africa. The former Nigeria Youth international will be attempting to win another double with her club in Portugal and be on Nigeria’s plane to the 2023 FIFA World Cup.

3. Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC – France)

Nnadozie, one of the best goalkeepers in women’s football, will be looking forward to helping her team make it to back to back wins in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Barring any injuries or suspension by the football governing body, she will be traveling with Nigeria to her second FIFA World Cup. The 22-year-old might potentially move if she has an exceptional tournament like that of 2019.

2. Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid – Spain)

Rasheedat will be aiming to work hand in hand with Asisat Oshoala during the World Cup in order to build on her WAFCON 2022 achievements. She will also want to help her club team qualify for the UWCL. The 23-year-old is currently unstoppable in Spain and is single handedly leading the RojiBlancos to a top three finish in the Primera Iberdrola.

1. Asisat Oshoala (FC Barcelona – Spain)

The current African Player of the Year hopes to continue doing as well at the club level as she did in 2022. Can she lead the Super Falcons to any type of glory at the 2023 Women’s World Cup after missing most of WAFCON 2022 due to injury?