The Legends of the Super Falcons: Nigeria’s greatest female footballers

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are the most dominant force in African women’s football.

With 10 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) titles, the latest in Morocco in the summer of 2025, extending their lead to eight more than nearest rivals Equatorial Guinea, and nine consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances, their dynasty is built on individual brilliance and perseverance against daunting odds.

Nigeria have always had players who defined eras, conquered Africa, and left a mark on the global stage. Their stories are best told in three categories: icons who laid the foundations, modern greats who carry the present, and rising stars pointing to the future.

Super Falcons: The Icons

Mercy Akide

Mercy Akide remains a pioneer of the women’s game in Africa. She lit up the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, scoring Nigeria’s first-ever World Cup victory goal against South Korea and inspiring the Super Falcons to the quarter-finals. Two years later, she became the first-ever African Women’s Footballer of the Year.

• Nigeria: WAFCON titles – 1998, 2000
• World Cup: 1999
• Individual: African Women’s Footballer of the Year (2001)
• Clubs: San Diego Spirit, New York Power

Florence Omagbemi

A commanding midfielder and captain, Florence Omagbemi defined leadership in Nigeria’s golden years. She anchored four consecutive WAFCON triumphs and later became the first woman to coach the Super Falcons to continental glory.

• Nigeria: WAFCON titles – 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004
• World Cup: 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003
• Clubs: Boston Breakers, San Diego Spirit
  

Perpetua Nkwocha

Perpetua Nkwocha was the ruthless finisher of her era. With 99 caps and 80 goals, she terrorised defences for more than a decade, winning four African Women’s Footballer of the Year awards.

• Nigeria: WAFCON titles – 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014
• Individual: African Women’s Footballer of the Year (2004, 2005, 2010, 2011); WAFCON Top Goalscorer (2004, 2006, 2010)
• Clubs: Sunnanå SK

Asisat Oshoala

Asisat Oshoala became Africa’s most decorated footballer. She burst onto the scene at the 2014 U20 World Cup, winning the Golden Boot and Golden Ball, and went on to conquer Europe with Barcelona, lifting multiple league and Champions League titles.

• Clubs: Rivers Angels, Arsenal, Liverpool, Dalian Quanjian, Barcelona, Bay FC, Al Hilal
• Nigeria: WAFCON titles – 2014, 2016, 2018, 2024
• World Cup: 2015, 2019, 2023
• Individual: African Women’s Footballer of the Year (six times), BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year (2015), Primera División Top Scorer (2021–22)
• Olympics: 2024

Super Falcons: The Modern Greats

Rasheedat Ajibade

Rasheedat Ajibade, the “Girl with the Blue Hair,” is the face of the Super Falcons' present. From FC Robo Queens to Europe, she has become national team captain and WAFCON 2024’s Player of the Tournament.

• Clubs: Atlético Madrid – Copa de la Reina (2022–23), Supercopa de España (2020–21); Paris Saint-Germain (joined 2025)
• Nigeria: WAFCON titles – 2018, 2024
• Individual: WAFCON Top Scorer (2022); Team of the Tournament (2022, 2024)
• World Cup: 2019, 2023
• Olympics: 2024

Chiamaka Nnadozie

Chiamaka Nnadozie is Africa’s finest goalkeeper. At 19, she kept a clean sheet at the 2019 World Cup, the youngest in history to do so. She has since become Nigeria’s captain and a continental champion.

• Clubs: Rivers Angels – league (2016), cups (2016, 2017, 2018); Paris FC – Coupe de France Féminine (2024–25); Brighton (joined 2024)
• Nigeria: WAFCON titles – 2018, 2024; African Games Gold (2019)
• Individual: CAF Goalkeeper of the Year (2023, 2024); WAFCON Best Goalkeeper (2024); Ranked 4th in 2025 Yashin Trophy
• World Cup: 2019, 2023
• Olympics: 2024

Esther Okoronkwo

Esther Okoronkwo is the late bloomer turned national hero. At WAFCON 2024 she contributed six assists and two goals, driving Nigeria to the trophy. In 2025, she added a club milestone in Canada.

• Club: AFC Toronto – NSL Supporters’ Shield (2025)
• Nigeria: WAFCON winner (2024)
• Major tournaments: 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
• 2024 Olympics

Super Falcons: The Rising Stars

Shukurat Oladipo

Shukurat Oladipo, 20, has quickly established herself as part of Nigeria’s defensive future. A WAFCON 2024 winner, she now plies her trade at AS Roma, adding European pedigree to her profile.

• Club: AS Roma
• Nigeria: WAFCON title – 2024

🇳🇬Rinsola Babajide with an assist for Pandini's goal after receiving Shukurat Oladipo's pass.

Video credit: AS Roma YouTube https://t.co/TvdNbU52QH pic.twitter.com/XXszum8CSe

— Chibuogwu N. (@Chibuogwu_N) August 27, 2025

Flourish Sabastine

Flourish Sabastine, also 20, is a forward with sharp instincts. A product of Nigeria’s youth teams, she made her Super Falcons debut against Japan in 2022 and is now at Galatasaray.

• Club: Galatasaray
• Nigeria: Senior debut (2022), youth international
  

Miracle Usani

Miracle Usani is only 18 but already a continental champion. With Edo Queens at club level and the Super Falcons at national level, she capped 2024 by receiving national honours after Nigeria’s WAFCON triumph.

• Club: Edo Queens
• Nigeria: WAFCON title – 2024; Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)