Madugu names Ajibade, Nnadozie and Oshoala in Super Falcons squad for WAFCON title defence
Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has named a 25-player squad to defend Nigeria’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title at the 2026 tournament in Morocco.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade leads the squad, which also includes Africa’s top goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, experienced defender Osinachi Ohale, midfielder Jennifer Echegini and star striker Asisat Oshoala.
Madugu has also handed places to 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 will begin the defence of their continental crown in Group C alongside Egypt, Zambia and tournament debutants Malawi. All of the Super Falcons’ group matches will be played in Rabat, the capital of Morocco.
The competition will take place from July 26 to August 16 and will feature 16 teams for the first time.
The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while the team that finishes fifth will secure a place in the intercontinental play-off tournament.
The Super Falcons are aiming to win a record-extending 11th WAFCON title after defeating hosts Morocco 3-2 in last year’s final to lift their 10th African crown.
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 Sportive, Turkey), Sikiratu Isah (Bnot Netanya, Israel), Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal).
Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint Germain, France), Halimatu Ayinde (BK Hacken, Sweden), Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA), Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, 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 Hacken, Sweden), Francisca Ordega (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).
