Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has announced a 21-player squad as Nigeria prepares for a crucial two-legged showdown against Benin Republic. This tie will determine the final berth for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), according to Soccernet.ng.
The roster features some of Africa’s most celebrated female football talents, including captain Rasheedat Ajibade, prolific striker Asisat Oshoala, and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Adding a fresh spark is Denmark-based forward Joy Omewa, currently Nigeria’s leading female goal scorer in European leagues this season.
Training camp will kick off ahead of the first leg, which is set to be held at Stade Kégué in Lomé, Togo, due to Benin’s lack of a CAF-approved stadium. The return leg is scheduled for Tuesday, 28 October, at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.
European-Based Talents Anchor Nigeria’s Squad
Leading the charge is Rasheedat Ajibade, who recently found the net for Paris Saint-Germain in their UEFA Women’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid, bringing a wealth of experience and attacking threat to the team.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, the first Nigerian shot-stopper ever nominated for the Ballon d’Or, anchors the defense alongside dependable defenders like Michelle Alozie and Ashleigh Plumptre.
While AS Roma’s Shukurat Oladipo secured her place in the squad, her teammate Rinsola Babajide was surprisingly omitted.
The midfield boasts a blend of creativity and resilience, with Jennifer Echegini adding flair, complemented by the industrious Deborah Abiodun and Benfica’s Christy Ucheibe, who provide balance and stability.
Upfront, the Falcons will rely on the firepower of Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and the in-form Esther Okoronkwo, recently honored as AFC Toronto’s Player of the Month for September.
The standout newcomer is Joy Omewa, making her first call-up to the national team.
The Fortuna Hjørring forward has been in outstanding form in Denmark’s top flight and the Champions League, earning her spot after narrowly missing out on the WAFCON squad in July. Her inclusion brings youthful energy and intensifies competition among the attackers.
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Super Falcons Set Their Sights on Sustaining Continental Dominance
As ten-time winners of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria enters the qualifiers as overwhelming favorites to secure progression.
The Super Falcons have consistently qualified for every edition of the continental tournament and are determined to defend their crown in Morocco next year. The 2026 WAFCON will also double as Africa’s qualifying event for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
This upcoming clash with Benin follows closely after Nigeria’s men’s team, the Super Eagles, thwarted Benin’s bid to reach their maiden World Cup.
Victor Osimhen’s sensational hat-trick powered Nigeria to a 4-0 triumph, marking the Super Eagles’ most decisive victory over Benin in nearly 50 years.
Now, the Super Falcons are poised to replicate this commanding display against their West African neighbors.
FULL SQUAD: 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 Futbol, 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 Sportive, 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 Futbol, 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)