Official: Super Falcons Unveil 25-Player Squad for WAFCON 2026 Title Defence
Head coach Justine Madugu has named a squad blending experience and youth as Nigeria targets a record extending 11th continental title in Morocco.
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Nigeria’s Super Falcons have confirmed the 25 players who will represent the country at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with head coach Justine Madugu announcing the squad through the Nigeria Football Federation as the team begins its pursuit of an 11th continental title.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade leads the squad, with six time African Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala also among those selected. Brighton & Hove Albion’s Chiamaka Nnadozie is expected to retain her place as first choice goalkeeper following a strong run of form for club and country, while defender Ashleigh Plumptre misses out as she continues recovering from a injury that required surgery. Plumptre has since sent a message of support to the squad on social media, expressing disappointment at missing the tournament while urging fans to fully back the team in her absence.
The Super Falcons head into Morocco as the most successful side in African women’s football history, having won the tournament 10 times, most recently beating hosts Morocco 3-2 in the previous final. Madugu’s squad is made up of three goalkeepers, eight defenders, five midfielders, and nine forwards, drawing players from Europe’s top leagues alongside others based in North America, Asia, and the Nigeria Women’s Football League.
Group C challenge awaits
Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt, and tournament debutants Malawi, with all four sides chasing a place in the knockout stage.
The Super Falcons open their campaign against Malawi on Tuesday, July 28, at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, in what will be the first senior competitive meeting between the two nations. They then face Zambia at the same venue on Saturday, August 1, a fixture with extra edge given the Copper Queens’ win over Nigeria in the third place playoff at the last WAFCON. The group stage closes against Egypt on Wednesday, August 5, at the Rabat Region Stadium.
Beyond the continental title, WAFCON 2026 doubles as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the four semi finalists earning automatic qualification.
Confirmed Super Falcons Squad for WAFCON 2026
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Comfort Erhabor, Fatima Oloko
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, Joy Omewa, Asisat Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Omorinsola Babajide, Francisca Ordega, Gift Monday, Uchenna Kanu
Did You Know?
- Nigeria are the most successful team in WAFCON history with 10 continental titles.
- The Super Falcons won the last edition by beating hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final.
- WAFCON 2026 runs from July 26 to August 16 in Morocco.
- Nigeria’s group opener against Malawi will be the first senior competitive meeting between the two nations.
- Zambia beat Nigeria in the third-place playoff at the 2022 WAFCON, adding extra edge to their group meeting this year.
- Nigeria beat Egypt 6-0 the only other time the two sides met at WAFCON, back at the inaugural 1998 African Women’s Championship.
- The tournament’s four semi finalists automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
