WAFCON 2026: 25-Player Super Falcons Squad unveiled for Title Defence in Morocco

Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has named a strong 25-player squad as Nigeria prepares to defend its record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title at the 2026 edition in Morocco, running from July 26 to August 16.

The squad features a blend of experienced stars and promising talents, with 18 players retained from the team that defeated hosts Morocco 3-2 in the 2024 final.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, star goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and veteran forward Asisat Oshoala lead the charge as Nigeria aims for an unprecedented 11th continental crown.

Notable inclusions include forwards Gift Monday, Esther Okoronkwo, and Francisca Ordega, along with midfielders Halimatu Ayinde, Deborah Abiodun, Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne, and Jennifer Echegini. Defenders such as Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Shukurat Oladipo provide defensive solidity.

New faces in the squad are goalkeepers Comfort Erhabor and Fatima Oloko (home-based), defenders Rofiat Imuran and Glory Ogbonna, and forwards Joy Omewa and Uchenna Kanu.

Notable absences include defender Ashleigh Plumptre (recovering from surgery), goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi, and retired forward Ifeoma Onumonu, among others.

Full Super Falcons Squad for WAFCON 2026

Goalkeepers:
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion, England), Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England), Fatima Oloko (Abia Angels).

Defenders:
Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca, 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, 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, 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, Mexico), Uchenna Kanu (Cruz Azul, Mexico).

Nigeria has been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi. The Super Falcons will open their campaign against Malawi on July 28 in Rabat, followed by matches against Zambia (August 1) and Egypt (August 5).

The team is set to open its final training camp in Mohammedia, Morocco, on July 15 before relocating to Rabat.

Beyond the title defence, strong performances offer qualification paths to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil: the top four teams qualify automatically, with fifth place entering intercontinental playoffs.

With a squad rich in European and global experience, Madugu’s side enters the tournament as clear favourites to extend their dominance in African women’s football.

Expectations are high for the Super Falcons to soar once again on the continental stage.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​