Nigeria's Super Falcons have unveiled the 25 players that will represent the country at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco as they begin their quest for a record-extending 11th continental title, Soccernet.ng reports.
Head coach Justine Madugu announced the squad through the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), with a blend of experienced stars and younger talents selected for the tournament, which will run from July 26 to August 16.
Leading the squad is captain Rasheedat Ajibade, while six-time African Women's Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala also makes the list. In goal, Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is expected to remain Nigeria's first choice after several outstanding performances for club and country. Star defender Ashleigh Plumptre, however, missed out as she continues her recovery from an injury that required surgery.
The Super Falcons head into Morocco as the most successful team in the history of African women's football, having won the competition 10 times. Their latest triumph came in the previous edition when they defeated hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final, and they will now be aiming to successfully defend their crown.
Madugu's squad features three goalkeepers, eight defenders, five midfielders and nine forwards.
The goalkeeping department includes Nnadozie alongside Portsmouth Ladies' Comfort Erhabor and Abia Angels goalkeeper Fatima Oloko.
The defence combines experience and youth with Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin, Rofiat Imuran, Shukurat Oladipo, Glory Ogbonna, Sikiratu Isah and Christy Ucheibe all making the final squad.
The midfield will be led by captain Ajibade, who has become one of Nigeria's most influential players in recent years. She will be joined by Halimatu Ayinde, Deborah Abiodun, Toni Payne and Jennifer Echegini.
Up front, Madugu has plenty of attacking firepower. Oshoala headlines a forward line that also includes Folashade Ijamilusi, Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Francisca Ordega, Gift Monday, Uchenna Kanu, Omorinsola Babajide and Joy Omewa.
Many of the selected players compete in Europe's biggest leagues, while others play in North America, Asia and the Nigerian Women's Football League, giving the team a healthy mix of international experience and domestic talent.
Super Falcons: Group C challenge awaits in Morocco
Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi, with all four teams looking to qualify for the knockout stage.
The Super Falcons will begin their campaign against tournament debutants Malawi on Tuesday, July 28, at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat. It will be the first senior competitive meeting between both countries.
Their second group game comes on Saturday, August 1, when they face Zambia at the same venue. Although Nigeria have won two of their previous three meetings against the Copper Queens, Zambia claimed a memorable 1-0 victory in the third-place playoff at the 2022 WAFCON, making this one of the most anticipated matches in the group.
Nigeria will then complete their group-stage campaign against Egypt on Wednesday, August 5, at the Rabat Region Stadium. The Falcons won the only previous WAFCON meeting between both countries 6-0 at the inaugural African Women's Championship in 1998, but Egypt have continued to improve their women's football programme over the years.
Beyond the race for the continental title, there is another major prize at stake. WAFCON 2026 will also serve as Africa's qualification tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. The four teams that reach the semi-finals will automatically qualify for the global competition.
Confirmed Super Falcons squad for WAFCON 2026
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Erhabor Comfort, Oloko Fatima.
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie, Rofiat Imuran, Shukurat Oladapo, Glory Ogbonna, Sikiratu Isah.
Midfielders: Deborah Abiodun, Christy Ucheibe, Halimatu Ayinde, Rasheedat Ajibade, Jennifer Echegini, Toni Payne.
Forwards: Folashade Ijamilusi, Esther Okoronkwo, Omewa Joy, Asisat Oshoala, Chiwendu Ihezuo, Omorinsola Babajide, Francisca Ordega, Gift Monday and Uchenna Kanu
