Oloko thrilled to be learning from her role model Nnadozie

Abia Angels goalkeeper Fatima Oloko has expressed her delight at being called up to the Super Falcons, describing it as a dream come true, particularly given the opportunity to join forces with her idol, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Nigeria's number one and Brighton and Hove Albion player.

n

Oloko, who has had an impressive season with four clean sheets in the Nigeria Women’s Football League and a Goalkeeper of the Week award to her name, was shocked to learn of her selection for head coach Justine Madugu’s 25-player squad for the upcoming friendlies against Cameroon's Indomitable Lionesses.

n

Upon receiving the news, Oloko's initial reaction was one of disbelief, stating "At first, I felt like I was dreaming, I was not expecting it, it is all God, it’s a privilege and also an honour to be among the team, it’s a dream come true for me," in an interview with PUNCH Sports Extra.

n

The chance to train alongside the illustrious Chiamaka Nnadozie, a three-time consecutive African best female goalkeeper and fourth-place finisher at the 2025 Yashin Trophy, was a major highlight for Oloko, who holds Nnadozie in high esteem as one of the world's finest female footballers.

n

Oloko took to X to express her gratitude to Nnadozie, writing "It was an honour meeting you and having the privilege to train with you, thank you so much, this truly means a lot to me," and sharing photos of the two together.

n

Fatima Oloko and Rivers Angels goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi are the only two home-based players in the squad, with the remaining players hailing from overseas, including notable figures such as captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Nnadozie, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, and Gift Monday.

n

The friendlies against Cameroon are part of the team's preparations for the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, set to take place in Morocco, where the top four semi-finalists will secure direct qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

n

Following consultations with FIFA and other stakeholders, CAF announced on Thursday that the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, initially scheduled for March 17 to April 3, has been rescheduled to occur from July 25 to August 16.