Justine Madugu Names Oshoala, Ajibade, Nnadozie in Super Falcons Squad for Senegal Friendlies

Head Coach Justine Madugu has unveiled a 23-player squad for Nigeria’s senior women’s national team’s upcoming international friendly matches against Senegal Women’s National Football Team, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and veteran striker Asisat Oshoala leading the list.

Madugu has also handed recalls to experienced midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene and forwards Francisca Ordega and Gift Monday as preparations intensify for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The squad includes opportunities for Belarus-based forward Blessing Nkor and Turkey-based midfielder Kafayat Shittu to make their mark in the national team setup.

Also selected are home-based goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, defenders Rofiat Imuran, Sikiratu Isah, and Tosin Demehin, midfielders Halimatu Ayinde and Toni Payne, as well as forwards Folashade Ijamilusi and Joy Omewa.

Madugu has further rewarded the trio of Christy Ucheibe, Shukurat Oladipo, and Rinsola Babajide following successful title-winning campaigns with their respective clubs during the recently concluded season.

The Super Falcons will host Senegal in two friendly matches at the Remo Stars Sports Complex. The first encounter is scheduled for June 5, with the second taking place on June 8.

Both teams are using the matches as part of their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Senegal has been drawn in Group A alongside Morocco, Algeria, and Kenya, while the 10-time champions Nigeria Women’s National Football Team will face Egypt, Zambia, and Malawi in Group C.

The tournament, scheduled for July 25 to August 16, will also serve as the African qualifying competition for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with four teams earning automatic qualification and a fifth entering an intercontinental playoff.

Super Falcons Squad for Senegal Friendlies

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Comfort Erhabor, Anderline Mgbechi.

Defenders: Shukurat Oladipo, Rofiat Imuran, Glory Ogbonna, Oluwatosin Demehin, Sikiratu Isah, Blessing Ilivieda, Christy Ucheibe.

Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade, Halimatu Ayinde, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, Toni Payne, Jennifer Echegini, Kafayat Shittu.

Forwards: Asisat Oshoala, Gift Monday, Joy Omewa, Francisca Ordega, Folashade Ijamilusi, Omorinsola Babajide, Blessing Nkor.

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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