Madugu Names 25-Player Super Falcons Squad for Cameroon Friendlies

Madugu Names 25-Player Super Falcons Squad for Cameroon Friendlies

By Niyi Busari 

Head Coach Justine Madugu has unveiled a 25-player Super Falcons squad for Nigeria’s upcoming international friendly matches against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in Yaoundé, as preparations intensify for the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and forwards Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo headline the roster for the two-match series.

Experienced midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene returns to the national team fold after an extended absence, while U.S.-based forward Gift Monday also rejoins the squad following her omission from last year’s triumphant WAFCON campaign in Morocco.

England-based goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor has earned her maiden call-up to the senior national team. Defender Chidinma Okeke, who plays club football in Mexico, also makes a return as Nigeria fine-tunes its squad ahead of the continental tournament.

Midfielder Precious Christopher, currently plying her trade in Tanzania, receives her first invitation, adding fresh options to the team’s midfield ranks.

Several regulars retain their places in the squad, including defenders Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin and Ashleigh Plumptre; midfielders Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, Deborah Abiodun and Jennifer Echegini; and forwards Rinsola Babajide and Folashade Ijamilusi.

The first friendly against Cameroon is scheduled for Saturday, 28 February, with the return fixture set for Tuesday, 3 March, both in Yaoundé.

The 13th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will take place in the Kingdom of Morocco from 17 March to 3 April. All four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil.

Super Falcons Squad for Cameroon Friendlies

Goalkeepers:

Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion, England); Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England); Fatima Oloko (Abia Angels); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels)

Defenders:

Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca CF, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Olivia Wynn, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia); Glory Ogbonna (FC Kiryat Gat, Israel); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray, Turkey); Sikiratu Isah (Bnot Netanya, Israel); Chidinma Okeke (Club América, Mexico)

Midfielders:

Halimatu Ayinde (Sweden); Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene (Ottawa Rapids, Canada); Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain, France); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Precious Christopher (Yanga Princess, Tanzania)

Forwards:

Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain, France); Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca CF, Mexico); Gift Monday (Washington Spirit, USA); Joy Omewa (Nottingham Forest, England); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Omorinsola Babajide (AS Roma, Italy)