Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has named a 25-player squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and veteran striker Asisat Oshoala leading Nigeria’s bid to retain the continental title.
Madugu’s squad for the tournament, which will be held in Morocco from July 26 to August 16, features a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents.
Also included are seasoned campaigners Osinachi Ohale, Jennifer Echegini, Michelle Alozie, Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne, Esther Okoronkwo and Francisca Ordega, while home-based goalkeeper Fatima Oloko of Abia Angels earned a place in the final squad.
One of the biggest talking points from the squad announcement is the omission of Al-Ittihad defender Ashley Plumptre. The former Leicester City defender played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s successful title-winning campaign last year and has remained one of the Super Falcons’ most dependable defenders.
Nigeria, the defending champions and the most successful team in WAFCON history with 10 titles, have been drawn in Group C alongside Egypt, Zambia and tournament debutants Malawi. All of the Super Falcons’ group-stage fixtures will be played in Rabat, Morocco’s administrative capital.
The 14th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will feature 16 teams for the first time. The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while the fifth-placed nation will earn a spot in the intercontinental play-off tournament.
The Super Falcons secured their record-extending 10th continental title after defeating hosts Morocco 3-2 in last year’s final and will be aiming to lift an unprecedented 11th WAFCON trophy.
Super Falcons Squad for WAFCON 2026
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion, England), Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England), Fatima Oloko (Abia Angels).
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Tuzas, Mexico), Michelle Alozie (Chicago Stars FC, USA), Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy), Rofiat Imuran (London City Lionesses, England), Glory Ogbonna (FC Kiryat Gat, Israel), Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray, Turkey), Sikiratu Isah (Bnot Netanya, Israel), Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal).
Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Halimatu Ayinde (BK Häcken, Sweden), Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA), Toni Payne (Everton Women, 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 Häcken, 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).
