Justin Madugu, the head coach of the Super Falcons, has revealed a 21-player roster ahead of Nigeria’s crucial two-legged qualifier against Benin Republic for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), according to Soccernet.ng.
The squad boasts some of the continent’s most prominent female footballers, including captain Rasheedat Ajibade, star forward Asisat Oshoala, and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Additionally, the list introduces an exciting newcomer: Joy Omewa, a prolific striker based in Denmark and currently the top-scoring Nigerian female player in European leagues this season.
Madugu’s team will commence training camp ahead of the first leg, which will take place at Stade Kégué in Lomé, Togo, since Benin currently lacks a CAF-approved home stadium. The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday, 28 October, at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.
European-Based Talents Lead Nigeria’s Lineup
Rasheedat Ajibade, fresh off scoring for Paris Saint-Germain in their UEFA Women’s Champions League match against Real Madrid, spearheads a squad rich in experience and offensive prowess.
Joining Ajibade is goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who made history as the first Nigerian goalkeeper nominated for the Ballon d’Or, alongside steadfast defenders Michelle Alozie and Ashleigh Plumptre.
Young defender Shukurat Oladipo from AS Roma secured a spot, while her club colleague Rinsola Babajide was not selected.
The midfield combines creativity and grit, featuring Jennifer Echegini’s inventive playmaking, Deborah Abiodun’s tenacity, and Christy Ucheibe’s stabilizing presence from Benfica.
In attack, Nigeria will depend on the striking talents of Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and the in-form Esther Okoronkwo, who recently earned AFC Toronto’s Player of the Month award for September.
The standout inclusion is undoubtedly Joy Omewa, making her debut call-up.
The striker from Fortuna Hjørring has been in exceptional form in Denmark and the Champions League, earning her place after narrowly missing out on the WAFCON squad in July. Her addition injects fresh energy and heightens competition within Nigeria’s attacking options.
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Super Falcons Aim to Maintain Continental Supremacy
As ten-time champions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria enters the qualifiers as overwhelming favourites to advance.
The Super Falcons have consistently qualified for every edition of the continental tournament and are determined to uphold this flawless record as they prepare to defend their title in Morocco next year. Notably, the 2026 WAFCON will also double as Africa’s qualifying event for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
This upcoming fixture against Benin follows closely on the heels of Nigeria’s men’s team, the Super Eagles, who recently dashed Benin’s hopes of making their first-ever World Cup appearance.
Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen delivered a remarkable hat-trick as Nigeria secured a 4-0 triumph, marking the Super Eagles’ largest victory margin over Benin in nearly half a century.
Now, the Super Falcons are set to emulate this dominant performance against their West African neighbours.
COMPLETE ROSTER: SUPER FALCONS FOR WAFCON QUALIFIERS VS BENIN
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, 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: Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca Club de Fútbol, Mexico); Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjørring FC, Denmark); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens)
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