Super Falcons Head Coach, Justine Madugu, has named a 25-player squad led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade for Nigeria’s defence of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title at the 14th edition of the tournament in Morocco.
The competition will take place from July 26 to August 16, 2026, with Nigeria aiming to win a record-extending 11th continental crown.
Madugu retained several experienced stars, including Africa’s top-rated goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, veteran defender Osinachi Ohale, midfielders Jennifer Echegini and Halimatu Ayinde, and prolific striker Asisat Oshoala.
Other key players in the squad include Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin, Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne, Esther Okoronkwo, Francisca Ordega, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Omorinsola Babajide.
Home-based goalkeeper Fatima Oloko also earned a place in the final squad, alongside a blend of established internationals and emerging talents.
Nigeria, the reigning champions, have been drawn in Group C alongside Egypt, Zambia and tournament debutants Malawi. All of the Super Falcons’ group-stage matches will be played in Rabat, Morocco’s administrative capital.
The 2026 edition marks the first time the Women’s AFCON will feature 16 teams.
The four semi-finalists will automatically qualify 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 remain Africa’s most successful women’s national team, having won 10 WAFCON titles. They successfully defended their crown last year after defeating hosts Morocco 3-2 in a thrilling final.
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion, England), Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England), Fatima Oloko (Abia Angels).
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Tuzas, 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 Ladies, 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 Tuzas, Mexico), Uchenna Kanu (Cruz Azul Femenil, Mexico).
