Nigeria’s Super Falcons have named a formidable 25-player squad for the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to take place in Morocco. Under the leadership of head coach Justin Madugu, the reigning champions are gearing up to defend their title and will be captained by the talented Rashidat Ajibade.
The tournament is scheduled to run from July 26 to August 16, 2026, showcasing Africa’s elite women’s national teams vying for the championship. Nigeria aims to secure a record-extending 11th WAFCON title after their thrilling victory over hosts Morocco in the previous year’s final, where they triumphed 3-2 to clinch their tenth trophy.
Ajibade, Oshoala, and Nnadoji spearhead Nigeria’s strong lineup
Coach Madugu has retained the core of the squad that captured Africa’s top honors, with captain Rashidat Ajibade leading a mix of experienced players and emerging talent. Among the standout names is Chiamaka Nnadojie, recognized as Africa’s premier goalkeeper, alongside veteran defender Osinachi Ohale and midfield dynamo Jennifer Echeghini. Six-time African Women’s Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, also features prominently in this star-studded lineup.
The roster includes homegrown goalkeeper Fatima Oroko, as well as seasoned defenders Michelle Aloji, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Christy Uchebe. The midfield will be bolstered by Halimatu Ayinde, Toni Payne, and Deborah Abiodun, offering both creativity and resilience. The attacking front showcases an impressive array of talent, with Esther Okoronkwo, Gift Monday, Francisca Ordega, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Omorinsola Babajide, Uchenna Kanu, and Folashade Ijamilsi all poised to make an impact.
Nigeria eyes its historic 11th WAFCON title
The Super Falcons stand as the most successful team in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, entering the tournament as reigning champions. Having defeated Morocco in a dramatic final last year, they aim to consolidate their dominance with an unprecedented 11th title. Notably, Nigeria has participated in every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the inaugural event in 1991, further cementing their reputation as Africa’s most accomplished women’s national team.
Super Falcons drawn into competitive Group C
Nigeria finds itself in Group C alongside Egypt, Zambia, and the debuting team, Malawi. All group stage matches will take place in Rabat, Morocco’s administrative capital. This group promises to be fiercely competitive, particularly with Zambia emerging as a formidable force in women’s football, while Egypt and newcomer Malawi will also be eager to make their mark.
World Cup qualification at stake
The 2026 WAFCON carries profound significance as it doubles as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. For the first time, 16 teams will compete in this prestigious event. The four semifinalists will automatically qualify for the World Cup, with an opportunity for the fifth-placed team to enter the Intercontinental Playoff Tournament for an additional chance to secure a spot.
Complete Super Falcons squad for the 2026 WAFCON
Goalkeepers
- Chiamaka Nadoji (Brighton & Hove Albion, England)
- Comfort Eljaboor (Portsmouth Ladies, England)
- Fatima Oroko (Abia Angels)
Defenders
- Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Tuzas, Mexico)
- Michelle Aloji (Olivia Wynn, USA)
- Shukrat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy)
- Rofiat Imran (London City Lionesses, England)
- Glory Ogbonna (FC Kiryat Gat, Israel)
- Oluwatocin Demehin (Galatasaray, Turkey)
- Sikiratu Isa (Bunot Netanya, Israel)
- Christy Uchebe (SL Benfica, Portugal)
Midfielders
- Rashidat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
- Halimatu Ayinde (BK Hakken, Sweden)
- Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA)
- Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England)
- Jennifer Echeghini (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 Ijamilsi (Liaoning Shenyang/Shenbeihefeng, China)
- Omorinsola Babajide (AS Roma, Italy)
- Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca Tuzas, Mexico)
- Uchenna Kanu (Cruz Azul Femenil, Mexico)
Focus shifts to Morocco
With a well-balanced squad that combines seasoned athletes with emerging stars, the Super Falcons are set to carry the hopes of a football-loving nation as they strive to defend their title. Their goal is clear: reaffirm their supremacy in African women’s football while also qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
