Super Falcons

Thomas Dennerby explains Nwabuoku’s snub for Africa Women’s Cup of Nations

Nigeria women head coach Thomas Dennerby says he left Evelyn Nwabuoku out of his provisional squad for the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations as he admitted she is not in his plans.

The Swede named his 48-player team for his preparations ahead of next month’s tournament, comprising of 29 home-based and 19 foreign based players without the Rivers Angels midfielder.

Nwabuoku captained the Super Falcons to reclaim the African title in Namibia in 2014 and before missing Cameroon 2016 Awcon due to injury.

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Following her recovery, the 32-year-old has led the Port Harcourt ladies to 2017 Women’s Federation Cup title and 2018 Women’s Charity Cup success as well as this year’s Cup final.

After being dropped for the qualifier against Gambia, the 59-year-old explains that his choice to overlook her was due to his interest in more younger players for the women’s championship.

“She [Evelyn] was with us in the last camp during the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifier,” Dennerby told Goal.

“We had her in the squad then but didn’t take her for the match against Gambia. I think that we have younger players that are quicker and understand the way we want to play.

“I know that she is a good player but she is not the type we are looking for. That was the reason we did not bring her to the qualifier and the same reason is why we did not call her this time."

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