Nigeria’s Super Falcons have officially named a 25-player squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Head Coach Justine Madugu assembles a star-studded team led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade as the reigning champions prepare to defend their continental crown.
The tournament, scheduled to run from 26 July to 16 August 2026, will see Africa’s finest women’s national teams battle for glory, with Nigeria chasing a record-extending 11th WAFCON title after lifting their 10th trophy by defeating hosts Morocco 3-2 in last year’s dramatic final.
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Ajibade, Oshoala, Nnadozie Lead Strong Nigerian Squad
Madugu has retained the core of the squad that conquered Africa, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade leading a team packed with experience and quality.
Among the headline names are Africa’s undisputed number one goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, veteran defender, Osinachi Ohale, midfield star, Jennifer Echegini and six-time African Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala.
The squad also includes home-based goalkeeper Fatima Oloko alongside experienced defenders Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin and Christy Ucheibe.
In midfield, Halimatu Ayinde, Toni Payne and Deborah Abiodun will provide creativity and steel.
Attack boasts an impressive collection of talents including
- Esther Okoronkwo,
- Gift Monday,
- Francisca Ordega,
- Chinwendu Ihezuo,
- Omorinsola Babajide,
- Uchenna Kanu and
- Folashade Ijamilusi.
Nigeria Target Historic 11th WAFCON Title
The Super Falcons remain the most successful team in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and will head into the tournament as defending champions.
Nigeria defeated hosts Morocco 3-2 in a thrilling final to win their 10th continental title and will now be aiming to extend their dominance by securing an unprecedented 11th African crown.
The nine-time finalists have also been ever-present at the FIFA Women’s World Cup since the tournament’s inaugural edition in China 35 years ago, underlining their status as Africa’s most successful women’s national team.
Super Falcons Drawn in Group C
Nigeria have been placed in Group C alongside
- Egypt,
- Zambia and
- tournament debutants Malawi.
All of the Super Falcons’ group-stage matches will be played in Morocco’s administrative capital, Rabat.
The group promises to be highly competitive, particularly with Zambia emerging as one of Africa’s strongest women’s teams in recent years, while Egypt and newcomers Malawi will also be aiming to spring surprises.
World Cup Qualification at Stake
Beyond continental glory, the 2026 WAFCON carries enormous significance as it doubles as Africa’s qualification tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The competition will feature 16 teams for the first time in its history.
The four semifinalists will automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the team finishing fifth will advance to the intercontinental playoff tournament for another opportunity to secure a place at the tournament.
Full Super Falcons Squad for 2026 WAFCON
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 Häcken, 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 Häcken, 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)
All Eyes on Morocco
With an experienced squad blending established stars and exciting emerging talents, the Super Falcons will once again carry the hopes of a football-loving nation as they seek to defend their continental crown.
Nigeria will also be aiming to reaffirm their status as the undisputed queens of African women’s football while booking another FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance.
