Head coach Justin Madugu has unveiled a strong 21-player squad for Nigeria’s Super Falcons ahead of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying clash against Benin Republic this October.
The two-legged fixture will determine who books a ticket to Morocco for the 2026 WAFCON which also doubles as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Ten-time African champions Nigeria head into the tie as overwhelming favourites, with a star-studded squad featuring several Europe-based players and top domestic talents.
Star Names Lead the Charge
The squad includes team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, recently crowned Player of the Tournament at the last WAFCON and fresh off scoring for her new club Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Also on the list is Chiamaka Nnadozie, two-time African Goalkeeper of the Year, alongside fan favourites Asisat Oshoala, Michelle Alozie, Ashleigh Plumptre, and Jennifer Echegini.
Other key names include Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca, Mexico), Christy Ucheibe (Benfica, Portugal), Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA), and Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada).
Match Venues and Dates
With Benin Republic lacking a CAF-approved venue, the first leg will be held at Stade Kégué in Lomé, Togo, while the return leg is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.
Madugu expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to deliver, noting that the team’s blend of experience and youth will be key in maintaining Nigeria’s dominance in women’s football across the continent.
Full Squad List
Goalkeepers:
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England)
Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels)
Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders:
Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Club de Fútbol, 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:
Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia)
Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca Club de Fútbol, Mexico)
Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjorring FC, Denmark)
Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada)
Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China)
Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens)
With a rich history and unmatched pedigree, the Super Falcons will look to make another strong statement on their road to Morocco and ultimately, the World Cup in Brazil.
