Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has announced a 21-player squad ahead of Nigeria’s double-header clash with Benin Republic in the final qualifying round for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Soccernet.ng reports.
The list features some of the most recognisable names in African women’s football. This includes captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, and Chiamaka Nnadozie as well as an exciting new face: Denmark-based striker Joy Omewa, the highest-scoring Nigerian female footballer in Europe this season.
Madugu’s squad will begin camping ahead of the first leg, scheduled for Stade Kégué in Lomé, Togo, as Benin do not currently have a CAF-approved home ground. The return fixture is set for the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Tuesday, 28 October.
Nigeria’s European stars headline squad
Fresh from scoring for Paris Saint-Germain in their UEFA Women’s Champions League tie against Real Madrid, Ajibade leads a squad brimming with experience and attacking power.
The former Atlético Madrid star is joined by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, the first Nigerian goalkeeper to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or, and dependable defenders Michelle Alozie and Ashleigh Plumptre.
Young AS Roma defender Shukurat Oladipo makes the cut but club teammate Rinsola Babajide misses out.
The midfield of the reigning African champions will see the creative spark of Jennifer Echegini, with the steel of Deborah Abiodun and Benfica's Christy Ucheibe providing balance.
Up front, Nigeria will rely on the firepower of Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and in-form Esther Okoronkwo, recently crowned AFC Toronto’s Player of the Month for September.
The big talking point, however, is Omewa’s maiden call-up.
The Fortuna Hjørring striker has been in red-hot form in Denmark and the Champions League, earning her spot after narrowly missing out on the WAFCON squad in July. The inclusion of the former Falconets star adds youthful energy and competition to an already potent attack.
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Nigeria's Falcons out to extend dominance
Nigeria, ten-time winners of the Women’s AFCON, are overwhelming favourites to progress.
The Super Falcons have never failed to qualify for the continental tournament and will be determined to maintain that record en route to defending their crown in Morocco next year. Interestingly, next year’s WAFCON will also serves as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The clash with Benin comes just a few days after Nigeria’s men’s team, the Super Eagles, ended the Cheetahs’ hopes of a first-ever World Cup appearance.
Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen netted a stunning hat-trick as Nigeria registered a 4-0 victory, the Super Eagles'biggest winning margin over Benin in 46 years.
Now, the Falcons will aim to repeat the feat against their West African neighbours.
FULL LIST: SUPER FALCONS FOR WAFCON QUALIFYING FIXTURE VS BÉNIN
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia); Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Abia Angels)
Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint Germain, France); Taiwo Afolabi (Rivers Angels); Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)
Forwards: Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjorrin FC, Denmark); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens)
