- MFA Žalgiris left-back Joy Duru, the Lithuanian top flight’s highest-scoring defender, has confirmed her readiness to feature for the Super Falcons after a four-year absence from the national team.
- The 25-year-old’s impressive goal-scoring form and natural affinity for the left-back position present a compelling solution to a long-standing personnel gap in the Nigerian national team defence.
MFA Žalgiris defender Joy Ndidi Duru has openly expressed her desire to return to the Super Falcons setup, aiming to end a four-year absence from the Nigerian senior side.
The 25-year-old left-back's readiness comes at a time when the Super Falcons have been notably lacking a specialist player in her position, often forcing players out of position to fill the void.
Duru is currently enjoying a remarkable season in Lithuania, where she has established herself as the Lithuanian women’s top flight’s highest-scoring defender.
With nine goals and one assist in 40 league appearances since joining MFA Žalgiris in 2024, five of those goals, including her sole assist, have come this season alone.
Her striking contributions have also landed her ninth place overall in the league's top scorers charts, an extraordinary feat for a full-back.
She was first called up in 2019 for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics qualifiers against Algeria and earned a subsequent call-up two years later for the final round of the 2022 WAFCON qualification against Côte d'Ivoire.
You've had a brilliant start to the season with MFA Žalgiris. With five goals and an assist already in eighteen league games. As a Nigerian, how closely have you been following the Super Falcons this year, and what thoughts go through your mind when you consider representing Nigeria at the senior level?
"As a Nigerian footballer, I've been following the Super Falcons' journey this year with great enthusiasm. Their recent victory over Morocco, securing their 10th WAFCON title, clearly showed the team's dedication and skill. I'm thrilled to see the team performing so well and inspiring young Nigerian players like myself.
Representing Nigeria is always a dream come true for any player. I'd be honored to wear the green and white and contribute to the team's success. The Super Falcons' rich history and talented players, especially in defense, make me eager to learn from them and grow as a player."
What would it personally mean to you to return to the Super Falcons and wear the green and white of Nigeria?
"Returning to the team would be a huge achievement, and I'd be proud to be part of the team's success. I'd love to bring my attacking skills to the table and help the team achieve more success. The thought of playing alongside talented players like Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Chiamaka Nnadozie is always exciting, and I always look forward to the opportunity to learn from them."
"Wearing the Super Falcons jersey means everything to me, and I'd give my all to make Nigeria proud."
Given your current form at club level, do you see this as an immediate opportunity for you to step in and make a difference?
"As a player with experience playing in various defensive positions, I believe I can make a difference."
"Yes, I see this as an immediate opportunity to step in and contribute to the team. With my current club form, I've shown my ability to get forward and create attacking opportunities. I'd love to bring that energy and creativity to the Super Falcons."
How confident are you in your ability to adapt quickly to the high-pressure environment and demanding tactics of a national team camp and major international tournaments?
"I'm extremely confident in my ability to adapt to the high-pressure environment and demanding tactics of a national team camp and major international tournaments. Throughout my career, I've demonstrated my ability to adjust to new teams, coaches, and playing styles."
"Playing for Žalgiris has prepared me for the challenges of international football, and I'm eager to bring my skills and experience to the Super Falcons."
If Coach Justin Madugu were reading this right now, what message would you want to send to him about your readiness to contribute to the Super Falcons?
"My ultimate goal for the upcoming seasons is to become a key player for the Super Falcons, contributing to the team's success and helping Nigeria achieve its footballing ambitions."
"I'm ready! I'm hungry to represent my country, bring my skills and experience, and work tirelessly to achieve success. I'll be excited if I'm part of the team and contribute to the Super Falcons footballing future."
The glaring absence of a natural left-back has been a recurring vulnerability for the Super Falcons. Recent major tournaments, including the Paris 2024 Olympics, saw centre-backs like Chidinma Okeke (who can also play right-back) man the left flank due to Ashleigh Plumptre’s injury.
Furthermore, Portland Thorns' Nicole Payne, also a versatile player, has often been utilised out of her natural position to cover the role.
While left-footed, Plumptre, primarily a centre-back, has on occasion struggled for pace against swift African wingers and offered limited attacking threat— a deficiency Duru's attacking statistics clearly address.
With the Super Falcons expected to return to competitive action at the 2026 WAFCON to pursue an 11th continental title, ignoring a natural positional fit who possesses such impressive attacking calibre appears insensitive.
Duru's current form provides a strong, much-needed specialist solution to a defensive gap that could otherwise be exposed against stronger opposition.
Ejim Kaycee
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