Madugu Unveils 25 Super Falcons Squad For 2026 WAFCON Title Defence

Madugu Unveils 25 Super Falcons Squad For 2026 WAFCON Title Defence

Sampson Adedeji

Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has named a 25-player squad for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as Nigeria begins its quest to retain the continental title in Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade headlines the squad, which also includes Africa's reigning Women's Goalkeeper of the Year, Chiamaka Nnadozie, experienced defender Osinachi Ohale, midfielders Jennifer Echegini and Toni Payne, and veteran striker Asisat Oshoala.

Madugu has also handed places to home-based goalkeeper Fatima Oloko, defenders Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin and Christy Ucheibe, while Halimatu Ayinde, Deborah Abiodun, Esther Okoronkwo, Francisca Ordega, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Gift Monday and Omorinsola Babajide are among the notable inclusions.

The defending champions will target a record-extending 11th WAFCON title at the tournament, scheduled to hold in Morocco from July 26 to August 16, 2026.

Nigeria has been drawn in Group C alongside Egypt, Zambia and tournament debutants Malawi, with all of their group-stage matches set to be played in Rabat.

The 2026 tournament will be the first WAFCON edition to feature 16 teams.

The four semi-finalists will secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, while the fifth-placed team will progress to the intercontinental play-off tournament.

The Super Falcons head into the competition as reigning African champions after defeating hosts Morocco 3-2 in the 2025 final to lift a record 10th WAFCON title.

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 Hacken, 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 Hacken, 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).