Nasarawa Amazon Attacking Midfielder, Josephine Continues to Impress at Super Falcons
By Juliet Vincent
After impressing in her debut appearance for the Super Falcons of Nigeria during their 4-1 international friendly return-leg whitewash of the Female Fennecs of Algeria at the Mobolaji Johnson’s Arena, Lagos, in October, 2024, Nasarawa Amazons’ attacking midfielder, Josephine Matthias, has earned another call-up ahead of the international friendly between Nigeria’s Super Falcons versus the Les Bleues of France.
The encounter takes place on Saturday, 30th November, 2024, by 9.30pm, at the Raymond Kopa Stadium, Angers, France, as Coach Justine Madugu listed her and her club mates, midfielder, Yina Adoo, defender, Sikiratu Isah, and goalkeeper, Rachael Unachukwu, in the 20-woman squad.
In a statement by Eche Amos, Head of Public Relations, Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the Benue-born 24-year-old midfielder’s impressive performance in her maiden international game for Nigeria was a huge proof of her hard work and dedication to the sport as she left lasting impression on the coaches and fans alike, through her exceptional ball control, vision, passing ability, stamina and resilience during the 45 minutes she enjoyed in the return-leg of the friendly game against Algeria.
Born in Southern Kaduna to Idoma parents, Josephine began her football career at a young age with YSFON Queens FC of Kaduna between 2013-15, before joining Nasarawa Amazons FC of Lafia, Nasarawa State, in 2016, and helped the Lafia-based side win the Nigeria Women’s Premier League title the following year.
She later joined Rivers Angels of Port-Harcourt, also helping the side to a league title and runner-up finish at the 2019 Women’s Aiteo Federation Cup(FA Cup), after losing to her previous Club, Nasarawa Amazons, in the final at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.
The 62kg and 1.66 metre-tall free-scoring attacker also had stint in the Turkish League, playing for Trabzon Idmanocagi in 2018, before rejoining Nasarawa Amazons in 2021.
Her rapid rise through the hierarchies earned her a spot in the Nigerian National Team, where she made her senior debut in 2024.
The player continues to enjoy a growing reputation as one of the most exciting midfielders in women’s football in Nigeria as she continues to develop her skills and gain experience.
With a blend of a unique talent, size, and commitment, Josephine will definitely contribute to the success of the Super Falcons and Nigeria as she will be one to watch at international competitions, especially as Nigeria prepares for the AWCON Tournament Finals.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria who are nine-time winners of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations are pitched alongside Tunisia, Algeria and Botswana in Group B of the 2025 AWCON Finals Tournament in Morocco, in the summer.
