Madugu Unveils 25-Player Super Falcons Squad for 2026 Women’s AFCON Campaign

Nigeria’s Super Falcons head coach, Justine Madugu, has unveiled a 25-player squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), as the nine-time champions begin preparations for another title challenge in Morocco. The squad features several established stars who have played key roles for the national team in recent years, including captain Rasheedat Ajibade, record-breaking forward Asisat Oshoala, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and experienced defender Osinachi Ohale. Madugu retained a strong core of international players as the Super Falcons aim to secure a record-extending 11th continental title at the tournament. Goalkeeper Fatima Oloko of Abia Angels is the only home-based player included in the final selection, with the remaining members of the squad featuring players competing in leagues across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East. Nigeria has been drawn in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia, and Egypt. The Super Falcons will begin their campaign against the Scorchers of Malawi at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday, July 28. The team is expected to arrive in Morocco next week for final preparations ahead of the competition. The squad combines experience and emerging talent, with key players such as Nnadozie, who continues to be regarded as one of Africa’s leading goalkeepers, alongside attacking threats including Oshoala, Gift Monday, Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Uchenna Kanu. Defensively, Madugu has selected a blend of experienced campaigners and younger talents, including Michelle Alozie, Shukurat Oladipo, Rofiat Imuran, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Glory Ogbonna. Nigeria enters the tournament as one of Africa’s most successful women’s football nations, having won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations nine times. The Super Falcons will be seeking to add another trophy to their record when the competition begins. Super Falcons Squad for 2026 Women’s AFCON Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England); Fatima Oloko (Abia Angels) Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Tuzas, Mexico); Michelle Alozie (Olivia Wynn, USA); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Rofiat Imuran (London City Lionesses, England); Glory Ogbonna (FC Kiryat Gat, Israel); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Sikiratu Isah (Bnot Netanya, Israel); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal) Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint Germain, France); Halimatu Ayinde (BK Hacken, 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 Hacken, 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)

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