Head Coach Justine Madugu has unveiled Nigeria’s 25-player squad for the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with captain Rasheedat Ajibade leading the Super Falcons’ quest to defend their continental crown in Morocco from 26 July to 16 August 2026, Trybal News reports.
The squad features a blend of experience and emerging talent, headlined by Africa’s premier goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, veteran defender Osinachi Ohale, midfield duo Jennifer Echegini and Toni Payne, and six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala. Home-based goalkeeper Fatima Oloko also earns a place in the final squad alongside established internationals Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin, Christy Ucheibe, Halimatu Ayinde, Esther Okoronkwo and Francisca Ordega.
Nigeria, the defending champions and record holders with ten WAFCON titles, have been drawn in Group C alongside Egypt, Zambia and tournament debutants Malawi. All of the Super Falcons’ group matches will be played in Rabat, the administrative capital of Morocco.
The 2026 edition marks a historic expansion of the competition, with 16 nations participating for the first time. The stakes are equally high, as the four semi-finalists will secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while the fifth-placed team will advance to an intercontinental playoff tournament.
The Super Falcons enter the tournament as reigning champions after their dramatic 3-2 victory over hosts Morocco in last year’s final, a triumph that secured Nigeria’s tenth continental title and further cemented their status as Africa’s most successful women’s national team. Nigeria has also maintained an unmatched record of appearing at every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the inaugural tournament in China in 1991.
Madugu’s final squad combines a strong core of Europe-based professionals with key players from North America, Asia and the domestic league, as Nigeria targets an unprecedented 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco.
Nigeria’s 25-player squad for the 2026 WAFCON
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Comfort Erhabor, Fatima Oloko.
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Shukurat Oladipo, Rofiat Imuran, Glory Ogbonna, Oluwatosin Demehin, Sikiratu Isah, Christy Ucheibe.
Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade, Halimatu Ayinde, Deborah Abiodun, Toni Payne, Jennifer Echegini.
Forwards: Asisat Oshoala, Gift Monday, Esther Okoronkwo, Joy Omewa, Francisca Ordega, Folashade Ijamilusi, Omorinsola Babajide, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Uchenna Kanu.
