Justine Madugu Unveils 25-Player Super Falcons Squad to Defend WAFCON Crown in Morocco

Head Coach Justine Madugu has announced 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 determined to retain Nigeria’s continental title.

The squad features some of the country’s biggest names, including Africa’s top goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, experienced defender Osinachi Ohale, midfield playmaker Jennifer Echegini and prolific striker Asisat Oshoala.

Also included are home-based goalkeeper Fatima Oloko, defenders Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin and Christy Ucheibe, midfielders Halimatu Ayinde and Toni Payne, as well as forwards Esther Okoronkwo, Francisca Ordega, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Omorinsola Babajide.

Nigeria, the defending champions and record 10-time winners, will compete in Group C alongside Egypt, Zambia and tournament debutants Malawi. All of the group’s matches will be played in Rabat, Morocco’s administrative capital, during the competition scheduled for July 26 to August 16, 2026.

The 2026 edition marks the first time the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will feature 16 teams. The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while the fifth-placed team will earn a place in the intercontinental play-off tournament.

The Super Falcons secured their 10th African title after defeating hosts Morocco 3-2 in a dramatic final and will now aim to extend their dominance by winning an 11th continental crown. Nigeria has also maintained an impressive record of appearing at every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1991.

Super Falcons Squad for the 2026 WAFCON

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion, England), Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England), Fatima Oloko (Abia Angels).

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Tuzas, Mexico), Michelle Alozie (Olivia Wynn, USA), Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy), Rofiat Imuran (London City Lionesses, England), Glory Ogbonna (FC Kiryat Gat, Israel), Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray, Turkey), Sikiratu Isah (Bnot Netanya, Israel), Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal).

Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Halimatu Ayinde (BK Häcken, Sweden), Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA), Toni Payne (Everton Women, England), Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain, France).

Forwards: Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia), Gift Monday (Washington Spirit, USA), Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada), Joy Omewa (BK Häcken, Sweden), Francisca Ordega (Al-Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia), Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China), Omorinsola Babajide (AS Roma, Italy), Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca Tuzas, Mexico), Uchenna Kanu (Cruz Azul Femenil, Mexico).

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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