Just a few months after conquering Africa to win a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, the Super Falcons of Nigeria are back in action, this time eyeing qualification for the 2026 edition of the tournament.
Head coach Justin Madugu has unveiled a 21-player squad for the final qualifying fixture against Benin Republic, as the reigning African champions seek to secure their ticket to Morocco, which will also serve as Africa’s qualifying event for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Both West African neighbours will lock horns in a two-legged tie, starting with the first leg at the Stade Kégué in Lomé, Togo as Benin Republic currently lack a CAF-approved venue, before the return leg takes place at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
Madugu’s squad is a blend of experience and youthful talent, featuring three goalkeepers, seven defenders, five midfielders, and six forwards. Leading the team is captain Rasheedat Ajibade, the Player of the Tournament at the last WAFCON, who recently opened her goal account for new club Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
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The squad also includes Africa’s back-to-back Goalkeeper of the Year Chiamaka Nnadozie, defensive duo Michelle Alozie and Ashleigh Plumptre, midfielders Jennifer Echegini and Deborah Abiodun, and attackers Asisat Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Folashade Ijamilusi.
Veterans Osinachi Ohale also makes the cut, alongside in-form forward Esther Okoronkwo, Christy Ucheibe and home-based talent Kafayat Mafisere, as Nigeria aim to continue their dominance on the continent.
SUPER FALCONS FOR WAFCON QUALIFYING FIXTURE VS BÉNIN:
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha 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 (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjorrin 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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