Nigeria’s Super Falcons Head Coach, Justin Madugu, has unveiled a strong 21-player squad ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying double-header against the Benin Republic later this month.
The list is led by team captain and Paris Saint-Germain forward Rasheedat Ajibade, who recently scored for her club in the UEFA Women’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid. Ajibade, who was voted Player of the Tournament at the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco, will be expected to inspire the Falcons as they begin their qualification journey.
Madugu’s squad also includes Africa’s reigning Goalkeeper of the Year, Chiamaka Nnadozie, alongside defensive stalwarts Michelle Alozie and Ashleigh Plumptre. The midfield will be anchored by Jennifer Echegini, Deborah Abiodun, and Christy Ucheibe, while the attack features established stars Asisat Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Esther Okoronkwo.
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A major talking point is the maiden call-up for 22-year-old Joy Omewa, who earns her first senior team invitation after a brilliant run of form with Danish side Fortuna Hjørring, where she has already scored 13 goals this season. However, there are notable absentees, with Gift Monday missing out despite her impressive club performances, while Chioma Okafor and Rinsola Babajide are also unavailable — the latter due to injury.
The first leg of the two-legged tie will be held at the Stade Kégué in Lomé, Togo, on Friday, October 24, as Benin currently lacks a CAF-approved home venue. The return leg is slated for the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
Full Squad List
Goalkeepers:
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion), Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels), Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders:
Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca), Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma), Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash), Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC), Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens), Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray), Miracle Usani (Abia Angels)
Midfielders:
Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain), Taiwo Afolabi (Rivers Angels), Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit), Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain), Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica)
Forwards:
Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal FC), Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca), Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto), Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjørring), Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng), Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens)
