Super Falcons WAFCON 2026 squad: Full breakdown of Nigeria’s 25-player team for Morocco

Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has confirmed the 25 players that will represent Nigeria at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, Afrik-Foot reports.

The defending champions are preparing to chase a record-extending 11th continental title.

The tournament will take place from July 26 to August 16, with Nigeria drawn in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia and Egypt. The Super Falcons will play all three group matches in Rabat, beginning with their opening fixture against Malawi on Tuesday, July 28.

Madugu’s squad combines experienced stars with several fresh faces. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, reigning African Goalkeeper of the Year Chiamaka Nnadozie and veteran striker Asisat Oshoala lead a team that looks very similar to the one that lifted the WAFCON trophy a year ago.

The final list includes three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders and nine forwards. Al-Ittihad defender Ashleigh Plumptre misses the tournament as she continues her recovery from injury.

Goalkeepers and defence: New faces join familiar backline

Madugu has selected three goalkeepers, with Nnadozie returning as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper after helping Nigeria win the last edition.

She is joined by Comfort Erhabor and Fatima Oloko, who are both set for their first WAFCON appearances. Oloko is the only home-based player in the entire 25-player squad, with the remaining players competing for clubs abroad.

Their inclusion means experienced goalkeepers Tochukwu Oluehi and Rachael Unachukwu, who travelled to the previous tournament, have dropped out of the squad.

The seven defenders are Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie, Rofiat Imuran, Shukurat Oladipo, Glory Ogbonna and Sikiratu Isah.

Madugu has kept the same number of defenders he trusted during Nigeria’s title-winning campaign, but there are changes in personnel. Plumptre and Miracle Usani have not made this year’s squad, while Glory Ogbonna and Rofiat Imuran have earned places after impressing in recent months.

The defence still retains its experienced core through Ohale, Demehin and Alozie, giving the Super Falcons a settled backline ahead of another title challenge.

Midfield unchanged as attack gains extra firepower

The midfield remains the most stable part of the squad. Madugu has retained exactly the same six players that helped Nigeria win the last WAFCON.

Captain Ajibade will once again lead the team alongside Halimatu Ayinde, Deborah Abiodun, Jennifer Echegini, Christy Ucheibe and Antoinette “Toni” Payne. Their experience and understanding of one another should provide the balance needed against Malawi, Zambia and Egypt in the group stage.

There has been more movement in attack, where Madugu has increased his options from eight forwards in the previous tournament to nine this time.

Oshoala, Francisca Ordega, Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Omorinsola Babajide and Folashade Ijamilusi are joined by Gift Monday, Uchenna Kanu and tournament debutant Joy Omewa.

Gift Monday and Uchenna Kanu both narrowly missed out on the last WAFCON squad but have now earned recalls, while Omewa receives her first opportunity to play at Africa’s biggest women’s football competition.

Meanwhile, Ifeoma Onumonu is no longer available after retiring from international football, and youngster Chioma Okafor has not been selected despite recently beginning her professional career.

If Nigeria finish in the top two of Group C, they will progress to the quarter-finals and move a step closer to defending their African crown. Reaching the semi-finals would also secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, giving the Super Falcons another major target beyond lifting the WAFCON trophy once again.

Full Super Falcons 25-player WAFCON 2026 roster

Goalkeepers
Chiamaka Nnadozie
Comfort Erhabor
Fatima Oloko

Defenders
Osinachi Ohale
Michelle Alozie
Oluwatosin Demehin
Rofiat Imuran
Shukurat Oladipo
Glory Ogbonna
Sikiratu Isah

Midfielders
Rasheedat Ajibade
Halimatu Ayinde
Deborah Abiodun
Christy Ucheibe
Toni Payne
Jennifer Echegini

Forwards
Asisat Oshoala
Francisca Ordega
Gift Monday
Esther Okoronkwo
Uchenna Kanu
Chinwendu Ihezuo
Omorinsola Babajide
Folashade Ijamilusi
Joy Omewa