Nigeria, with head coach Justine Madugu, has retained the core of the team that lifted the continental title last year as the Super Falcons prepare to defend their crown in Morocco but there is a catch.
The nine-time? No, already record 10-time African champions will be chasing an unprecedented 11th WAFCON title when the tournament runs from July 26 to August 16.
Madugu has once again placed his trust in an experienced group and have officially unveiled a formidable 25-player squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Africa’s top-rated goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, veteran defender Osinachi Ohale, midfield stars Jennifer Echegini, Halimatu Ayinde, Toni Payne, and six-time African Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala.
Plumptre Misses Out Through Injury
One of the biggest talking points surrounding the squad announcement is the absence of experienced defender Ashleigh Plumptre, who has failed to recover from the injury she sustained in March.
The defender confirmed the disappointing news in an emotional message to fans, urging Nigerians to rally behind the team despite her absence.
“The body is asking for more time and I’m listening.”
“Sad to be missing this WAFCON yet hopeful in the prospect of getting to fight alongside these women again with the support of Nigerians everywhere when the body is ready to compete again.”
“So, in the meantime, back these women, back them on their quest for victory once more.”
“Go easy on them, they need you. I am with you ladies.”
Her absence is undoubtedly a major blow, but Madugu still possesses one of the deepest squads on the continent.
Madugu Reveals Nigeria’s Two Major Objectives
The Super Falcons head into Morocco not only as defending African champions but also with another important target in sight.
The 2026 WAFCON doubles as qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with all four semifinalists earning automatic qualification while the fifth-placed nation advances to an intercontinental playoff.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Madugu made it clear that World Cup qualification remains the team’s immediate priority before thinking about retaining their continental title.
“The next WAFCON will also serve as qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, so our priority will first be to ensure that we make it to the World Cup.”
“The second goal will be to defend the trophy and bring it back to Nigeria.”
“We know it won’t be easy because as champions everybody will now be looking at us.
“We are holding something precious that everybody wants, but we will remain resolute and focused and try as much as possible to achieve both objectives.”
– Read More: Here’s the Real Reason Why WAFCON 2026 Postponed Just 12 Days Before Kickoff
– Read More: Super Falcons Unveil Title Defence Squad for 2026 WAFCON as Nigeria Eyes Historic 11th African Crown
– Read More: CANCELLED: Why Super Falcons Friendly vs Ghana Was Scrapped Revealed
A Blend of Experience and Youth
Although several experienced stars remain the backbone of the squad, Madugu has continued to integrate a younger generation expected to carry Nigerian women’s football into the future.
Captain Ajibade once again leads from the front alongside Nnadozie, who is widely regarded as Africa’s finest goalkeeper.
Veterans including Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Christy Ucheibe, Halimatu Ayinde, and Asisat Oshoala provide invaluable leadership and tournament experience.
Alongside them are exciting younger talents such as Jennifer Echegini, Deborah Abiodun, Gift Monday, Esther Okoronkwo, and Omorinsola Babajide, all of whom are expected to play increasingly influential roles during the tournament.
Group C Challenge Awaits
Nigeria have been drawn into Group C, where they will face:
- Malawi
- Zambia
- Egypt
- Nigeria
All three group matches will be played in Rabat.
The Super Falcons will begin their title defence against Malawi on July 28 before taking on Zambia and Egypt.
A Historic Opportunity Awaits
Nigeria remain Africa’s most successful women’s national team, having won 10 WAFCON titles, and they now have the opportunity to become the first nation to successfully defend the championship since the competition expanded to a 16-team format.
The Super Falcons also boast another remarkable record.
They are the only African nation and one of only seven countries worldwide to have qualified for every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in China in 1991.
Reaching the semifinals in Morocco would extend that extraordinary streak and secure Nigeria’s place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Nigeria’s Full 25-Player 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, 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 (Benfica, Portugal)
Midfielders
- Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
- Halimatu Ayinde (BK Häcken, 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 Häcken, Sweden)
- Francisca Ordega (Al-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)
Eyes on Morocco
With an experienced squad, a proven winning mentality, and World Cup qualification also on the line, Nigeria head to Morocco carrying the weight of expectation.
Every opponent will be eager to dethrone the reigning champions, but Madugu’s side will be determined to prove why the Super Falcons remain the undisputed queens of African women’s football as they chase a record-extending 11th continental title and another place on the global stage.
