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Madugu Rings Five Changes as Super Falcons Target First WAFCON 2026 Win Against Zambia

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1 day ago

6:05 pm

Madugu Rings Five Changes as Super Falcons Target First WAFCON 2026 Win Against Zambia

Nigeria’s head coach, Justine Madugu, has made five changes to the Super Falcons’ starting lineup for their crucial second Group C fixture against Zambia at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The changes come after Nigeria’s disappointing 3-2 defeat to Malawi in their opening group match.

Dropped from the starting XI are Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, Halimatu Ayinde, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Shukurat Oladipo. They have been replaced by the experienced Asisat Oshoala, Christy Ucheibe, Uchenna Kanu, Deborah Abiodun, and Rofiat Imuran.

Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie retains her place alongside Osinachi Ohale, Jennifer Echegini, Tosin Demehin, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Michelle Alozie, who all keep their spots in the starting lineup.

The Super Falcons head into the clash knowing that only a victory will revive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage. Anything short of three points could leave Nigeria on the brink of elimination, especially if Malawi secure a win over Egypt in the other Group C encounter.

The 10-time African champions are yet to bow out from the group stage of the tournament since inception in 1998.

Another loss here will mark an abysmal record for the West African giants signalling the end of their campaign in the competition and ultimately ending their 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification dreams.

They have made it to every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup since 1991, the only African side with an ever-present record.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams. In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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