SUPER FALCONS of Nigeria head coach Justine Madugu has selected a squad of 25 players for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, including captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Africa’s best goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Osinachi Ohale, midfielder Jennifer Echegini and legendary forward Asisat Oshoala.
However, defender Ashleigh Plumptre, who has been super regular for the Super Falcons when fit, is not in the squad. It is not clear why she is excluded, but the Saudi Arabia-based defender has had fitness co concerns in recent months.
The 10-times African champions will defend their title WAFCON title at the 14th edition of the tournament in Morocco from July 26 to August 16.
Included in the Super Falcons squad are also home-based goalkeeper Fatima Oloko, defenders Michelle Alozie and Oluwatosin Demehin, midfielders Halimatu Ayinde and Toni Payne, as well as forwards Esther Okoronkwo, Francisca Ordega, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Omorinsola Babajide.
The SuperFalcons, gunning for a record-extending 11th title, are up against Egypt, Zambia and debutants Malawi in Group C, with matches to be played in Morocco’s administrative capital, Rabat.
All four teams that reach the semi-finals of the 2026 WAFCON, which will have 16 teams for the first time in the history of the championship, will earn automatic spots at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while the fifth-placed team will go straight into an intercontinental playoff tournament.
The Super Falcons, ever-present at the FIFA Women’s World Cup since the inaugural edition in China 35 years ago, edged hosts Atlas Lionesses of Morocco 3-2 in the final to secure their 10th continental title last summer.
SUPER FALCONS SQUAD FOR 2026 WAFCON:
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)
