With exactly 3 days to go, Nigeria’s Super Falcons. who launched “Mission X” for their quest for a historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
The 2025 tournament, hosted by Morocco from July 5 to 26, will feature 12 of Africa’s best, but all eyes will be on the continent’s queens of football, the Super Falcons of Nigeria as they prepare for redemption after a disappointing third-place finish in 2022.
All Eyes on Morocco: Super Falcons Gunning for Glory
Grouped in Group B alongside Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria, Nigeria’s path to the trophy looks manageable on paper, but the real battle lies in translating star power into silverware.
Head coach, Justin Madugu has named a bold, experienced, and controversial 24-player squad that includes familiar faces and a few head-scratchers.
The nine-time champions will be based in Lisbon for their final camp, facing Portugal in a friendly on June 23, before clashing with rivals Ghana in Morocco on June 29, just days before kickoff.
The Big Names Are Back – Oshoala Headlines Returns
After nearly a year away from the national team, Asisat Oshoala is back. The six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year was recalled despite a quiet season at Bay FC in the United States, where she has no goals or assists in 10 NWSL games. Still, her elite pedigree remains unquestionable.
Oshoala last featured for Nigeria at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, but Madugu is banking on her big-match temperament and leadership to guide this youthful squad.
The Gift That Wasn’t: Monday’s Shocking Exclusion
In perhaps the biggest shock of the squad list, Washington Spirit’s Gift Monday, one of Nigeria’s most in-form players, has been left out.
With four goals in nine games this NWSL season, fans expected her to be a guaranteed name on the team sheet. The backlash was swift. Rumors swirled about injury, but Monday took to Instagram to set the record straight:
“I am not injured. I am very much healthy,” she declared, shutting down speculation.
Instead, Madugu has opted for Chioma Okafor, a 21-year-old college player from the University of Connecticut, who has never played professionally or represented Nigeria at any level.
Ordega, Ayinde, Plumptre Among Notable Comebacks
The squad sees the welcome return of Francisca Ordega, who had a strong season in Saudi Arabia with Al Ittihad, and Halimatu Ayinde, who’s now back to full fitness and commanding midfield minutes at Rosengard.
Also making the list is Ashleigh Plumptre, who adds calm and composure in defence, and Michelle Alozie, whose pace and aggression will be key on the flanks.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who just joins NWSL side, Brighton FC, remains the undisputed No.1 after her heroics in the goalless draw against Portugal and big win against Ghana.
Midfield Maestro Watch – Echegini, Payne, Ucheibe Ready to Run the Show
Nigeria’s midfield is one of the strongest in the tournament, featuring:
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Jennifer Echegini (PSG) – Dynamic and direct
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Toni Payne (Everton) – Tactical intelligence
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Christy Ucheibe (Benfica) – Steel and composure
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Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity) – Explosive youth energy
With this blend of experience and youth, Nigeria’s engine room may be the key to lifting the trophy in Rabat.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons Full Squad for WAFCON 2025
Goalkeepers:
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Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton FC, England)
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Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia)
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Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders:
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Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA)
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Ashleigh Plumptre (Al-Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia)
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Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca, Mexico)
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Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy)
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Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray, Turkey)
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Miracle Usani (Edo Queens)
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Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons)
Midfielders:
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Rasheedat Ajibade (Free Agent, ex-Atlético Madrid)
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Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain)
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Toni Payne (Everton FC)
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Christy Ucheibe (Benfica)
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Halimatu Ayinde (Rosengard)
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Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity)
Forwards:
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Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC)
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Francisca Ordega (Al Ittihad)
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Omorinsola Babajide (Granadilla Tenerife)
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Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto)
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Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier)
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Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning FC, China)
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Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca)
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Chioma Okafor (University of Connecticut)
Key WAFCON 2025 Dates
Can the Super Falcons Soar Again?
With South Africa aiming to defend, Morocco keen to impress as hosts, and Zambia stacked with NWSL stars, Nigeria must bring their A-game. But Mission X is clear—and so is the target.
“We’re not just going to participate. We’re going for the title,” a determined Rasheedat Ajibade told reporters after their training session in Abuja.
