Super Falcons Coach Madugu Names Ajibade, Nnadozie, Oshoala for Women’s AFCON Qualifiers vs Benin
The 21-player roster for Nigeria’s final qualifying match against the Benin Republic in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has been announced by Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu.
Who advances to the tournament in Morocco next year, which also serves as Africa’s path to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, will be decided by the outcome of the two-leg match.
Since Benin lacks a venue certified by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), they will host the opening leg at Stade Kegue in Lomé, Togo. The MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta will host the second leg on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
Ten-time winners Nigeria, with a team full of firepower and experience, is still the favorite to advance. Rasheedat Ajibade, the captain and Player of the Tournament at the most recent Women’s AFCON in Morocco, is in charge of the squad.
Ajibade, who recently scored for Paris Saint-Germain against Real Madrid in their UEFA Women’s Champions League match, will be relied upon to motivate the team once more.
Goalie Chiamaka Nnadozie, who has won Africa’s Goalkeeper of the Year twice in a row, is also on the team. Midfielders Christy Ucheibe, Jennifer Echegini, and Deborah Abiodun are on the list, along with defenders Michelle Alozie, Ashleigh Plumptre, and Osinachi Ohale.
Madugu has enlisted the help of up-and-coming stars Folashade Ijamilusi and Kafayat Mafisere, as well as the experience of Asisat Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Esther Okoronkwo.
The Super Falcons’ squad for the Benin Republic Clash is shown below. Goalkeepers: Rachael Unachukwu, Anderline Mgbechi, and Chiamaka Nnadozie
Defenders: Miracle Usani, Blessing Ilivieda, Shukurat Oladipo, Michelle Alozie, Ashleigh Plumptre, Osinachi Ohale, and Oluwatosin Demehin.
Deborah Abiodun, Jennifer Echegini, Christy Ucheibe, Taiwo Afolabi, and Rasheedat Ajibade are midfielders.
Asisat Oshoala, Kafayat Mafisere, Esther Okoronkwo, Joy Omewa, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Chinwendu Ihezuo are the forwards.
