Nigeria have announced a 25-player squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with head coach Justine Madugu naming an experienced group as the Super Falcons prepare to defend their continental title in Morocco.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade will lead the squad at the tournament, which runs from 26 July to 16 August, as Nigeria seeks to extend its record by winning an 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations crown.
According to Nigeriasoccernet.com, Madugu’s selection blends experienced internationals with emerging talent as the reigning African champions prepare for another challenge on the continental stage.
Among the headline names included are reigning African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Chiamaka Nnadozie, veteran defender Osinachi Ohale, midfielders Jennifer Echegini and Toni Payne, and experienced striker Asisat Oshoala.
Home-based goalkeeper Fatima Oloko has also earned a place in the squad, while defenders Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin and Christy Ucheibe have been selected as part of Nigeria’s defensive options.
The midfield will also feature Halimatu Ayinde and Deborah Abiodun alongside captain Ajibade, Echegini and Payne, giving Madugu a blend of experience and creativity in the centre of the pitch.
Nigeria’s attacking options include Oshoala, Esther Okoronkwo, Francisca Ordega, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Gift Monday and Omorinsola Babajide as the Super Falcons look to maintain the goalscoring form that has helped establish them as Africa’s most successful women’s national team.
The defending champions have been placed in Group C, where they will face Egypt, Zambia and tournament newcomers Malawi.
All three of Nigeria’s group-stage matches are scheduled to take place in Rabat as they attempt to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
The 2026 tournament will also be significant as it marks the first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to feature 16 participating teams, representing an expansion of the competition.
In addition to competing for continental honours, teams will also be chasing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The four semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the global tournament, while the nation finishing fifth will progress to the intercontinental play-offs.
Nigeria enters the competition as the defending champions after producing a dramatic comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the 2025 final, securing a record 10th WAFCON title.
Madugu will now hope the latest squad can build on that success and deliver another continental triumph in Morocco.
The selected goalkeepers are Chiamaka Nnadozie of Brighton & Hove Albion, Comfort Erhabor of Portsmouth Ladies and Abia Angels’ Fatima Oloko.
The defensive unit comprises Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Shukurat Oladipo, Rofiat Imuran, Glory Ogbonna, Oluwatosin Demehin, Sikiratu Isah and Christy Ucheibe.
In midfield, Ajibade is joined by Halimatu Ayinde, Deborah Abiodun, Toni Payne and Jennifer Echegini.
The forward line includes Asisat Oshoala, Gift Monday, Esther Okoronkwo, Joy Omewa, Francisca Ordega, Folashade Ijamilusi, Omorinsola Babajide, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Uchenna Kanu.
With a squad featuring a strong core of experienced internationals and players competing across Europe, North America, Asia and Africa, Nigeria will begin the tournament aiming to retain the title and further strengthen its status as the continent’s most successful women’s national team.
