Madugu unveils 25-player Super Falcons WAFCON squad
By Tosin Omojola
Justin Madugu has named a 25-player Super Falcons squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with captain Rasheedat Ajibade leading a star-studded team that includes reigning African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Chiamaka Nnadozie, veteran defender Osinachi Ohale, midfielder Jennifer Echegini and prolific striker Asisat Oshoala.
Nigeria will defend their continental crown at the 14th edition of the tournament, scheduled to take place in Morocco from July 26 to August 16, 2026, as they chase a record-extending 11th WAFCON title.
Also named in the squad are home-based goalkeeper Fatima Oloko, defenders Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin and Christy Ucheibe, midfielders Halimatu Ayinde, Deborah Abiodun and Toni Payne, alongside forwards Esther Okoronkwo, Francisca Ordega, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Gift Monday, Uchenna Kanu and Omorinsola Babajide.
The Super Falcons have been drawn in Group C alongside Egypt, Zambia and tournament debutants Malawi, with all their group matches to be played in Morocco’s capital city, Rabat.
The expanded championship will feature 16 teams for the first time. The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while the fifth-placed team will advance to the intercontinental playoff tournament.
Nigeria remain Africa’s most successful women’s national team and have featured at every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the inaugural edition in China in 1991. They secured their 10th continental title after defeating hosts Morocco 3-2 in last year’s final.
The goalkeeping department comprises Chiamaka Nnadozie, Comfort Erhabor and Fatima Oloko, while the defenders are Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Shukurat Oladipo, Rofiat Imuran, Glory Ogbonna, Oluwatosin Demehin, Sikiratu Isah and Christy Ucheibe.
The midfield features Rasheedat Ajibade, Halimatu Ayinde, Deborah Abiodun, Toni Payne and Jennifer Echegini, while the forwards are Asisat Oshoala, Gift Monday, Esther Okoronkwo, Joy Omewa, Francisca Ordega, Folashade Ijamilusi, Omorinsola Babajide, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Uchenna Kanu.
