Head Coach of Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, Justine Madugu has unveiled a 23-player squad for next month’s international friendly matches against Senegal, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and veteran striker Asisat Oshoala leading the list.
Key Highlights:
The friendlies, scheduled for June 5 and June 8 at the Remo Stars Sports Complex, form part of Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Madugu also handed recalls to experienced midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene and forwards Francisca Ordega and Gift Monday.
Belarus-based forward Blessing Nkor and Turkey-based midfielder Kafayat Shittu were also included as they seek to establish themselves in the national team setup.
The squad features a blend of foreign-based stars and home-based talents, including goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, defenders Rofiat Imuran and Sikiratu Isah, midfielders Halimatu Ayinde and Toni Payne, as well as forwards Folashade Ijamilusi and Joy Omewa.
Players who enjoyed title-winning campaigns with their clubs during the recently concluded season, including Christy Ucheibe, Shukurat Oladipo and Omorinsola Babajide, also made the squad.
The upcoming WAFCON tournament, scheduled for July 25 to August 16 in Morocco, will see Nigeria face Egypt, Zambia and debutants Malawi in Group C.
Senegal, meanwhile, will compete alongside Morocco, Algeria and Kenya in Group A.
The continental championship will also serve as the qualification tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the top four teams securing automatic qualification.
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Meanwhile, Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, have received a financial boost after their impressive performances in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
The Flamingos advanced to the final qualifying round after thrashing Guinea 11-0 on aggregate, following a 5-0 first-leg victory and an emphatic 6-0 triumph in the return fixture at Ikenne.
Goals from Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, captain Harmony Chidi, Queen Joseph and substitute Precious Oscar sealed another dominant display for the Nigerian youngsters.
In recognition of their achievement, the Proprietor of Remo Stars FC, Kunle Soname, fulfilled his promise of N750,000 per goal by rewarding the team with N4.5 million after their six-goal performance in the second leg.
The Flamingos will now face the Benin Republic in the final round of qualifiers as they continue their quest for a place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
