Gift Monday Earns First WAFCON Start as Madugu Name Youthful Nigeria XI for Cameroon Clash

Nigeria head coach Justine Madugu has named a strong starting XI for the Super Falcons’ high-stakes 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Cameroon in Casablanca on Sunday, with a place in the semi-finals and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil at stake.

Forward Gift Monday headlines the changes as she makes her first-ever WAFCON start, leading the Nigerian attack in a major knockout-stage assignment.

Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie retains her place between the posts, while captain Rasheedat Ajibade leads the team from midfield.

The defensive unit comprises Omorinso​​la Babajide, Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie and Shukurat Oladipo, with Christy Ucheibe, Jennifer Echegini and Deborah Abiodun providing the midfield platform alongside Ajibade.

The stakes could hardly be higher. Victory over Cameroon will send Nigeria into the WAFCON semi-finals and secure the Super Falcons’ qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The quarter-final therefore represents a double prize for the defending champions, a step closer to a record-extending 11th continental title and a place at the next Women’s World Cup.

For Monday, meanwhile, the occasion offers a significant personal milestone as she makes her first WAFCON start, having previously featured from the bench during Nigeria’s campaign.

Cameroon stand between the Super Falcons and both objectives, setting the stage for another fiercely contested chapter in one of African women’s football’s biggest rivalries.

What is at stake

A win will see Nigeria book their place in the WAFCON semi-finals, where they will square up against hosts Morocco for a place in the final.

A defeat, however, will end the Super Falcons’ title defence and send them into a battle with South Africa for the intercontinental play-off spot for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

For Nigeria, it is therefore more than a quarter-final,,it is a fight for continental glory, World Cup qualification and a place among Africa’s final four.
Nigeria XI

Chiamaka Nnadozie (GK); Omorinso​​la Babajide, Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie, Shukurat Oladipo; Christy Ucheibe, Jennifer Echegini, Deborah Abiodun, Rasheedat Ajibade (C); Gift Monday.