Madugu picks Ajibade, Oshoala, Nnadozie, 22 others for WAFCON 2026

Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has unveiled a 25-player squad led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade for Nigeria’s defence of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco.

The squad includes reigning African Goalkeeper of the Year Chiamaka Nnadozie, experienced defender Osinachi Ohale, midfielder Jennifer Echegini and six-time African Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala.

Also selected are home-based goalkeeper Fatima Oloko, defenders Michelle Alozie and Oluwatosin Demehin, midfielders Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe 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 face Egypt, Zambia and tournament debutants Malawi in Group C. All of the Super Falcons’ group-stage matches will be played in Rabat.

The 2026 edition, scheduled for July 26 to August 16, will feature 16 teams for the first time, with the four semi-finalists qualifying automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The fifth-placed team will advance to an intercontinental playoff.

The Super Falcons secured their 10th continental title after defeating hosts Morocco 3-2 in last year’s final and will be aiming to extend their record by lifting an unprecedented 11th WAFCON trophy.

FULL SQUAD

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)

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