Nigeria names 25-player squad for WAFCON 2026 title defence
Nigeria’s Squad for WAFCON 2026
Head Coach Justine Madugu has announced a 25-player roster for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in 2026. The squad includes key players such as captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and forward Asisat Oshoala. These players are expected to lead Nigeria in their quest to defend the continental title.
The team also features several experienced players, including Osinachi Ohale, Jennifer Echegini, Michelle Alozie, Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne, Esther Okoronkwo, and Francisca Ordega. Notably, home-based goalkeeper Fatima Oloko from Abia Angels has also been included in the final selection.
One notable omission from Madugu’s squad is defender Ashley Plumptre. Plumptre was a significant part of the Super Falcons team that secured the continental title in the previous year and has been considered an influential defender for the team.
Tournament Details and Group Stage
The WAFCON 2026 tournament is scheduled to take place in Morocco from July 26 to August 16. Nigeria, the reigning champions and record holders with 10 WAFCON titles, has been placed in Group C. Their group opponents include Egypt, Zambia, and tournament newcomers Malawi.
All of Nigeria’s group-stage matches will be held in Rabat, the administrative capital of Morocco. This edition of the competition will be the 14th and will feature 16 teams for the first time in its history.
The top four semi-finalists from the tournament will automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Additionally, the fifth-placed team will proceed to an intercontinental playoff tournament, offering another pathway to the global competition.
Squad Composition and Preparations
The Super Falcons are aiming to secure their 11th championship, building on their previous success where they defeated hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final to claim their 10th African title.
The announced squad for WAFCON 2026 is as follows:
- Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion, England), Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England), Fatima Oloko (Abia Angels)
- Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Tuzas, Mexico), Michelle Alozie (Chicago Stars FC, 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 Women, 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).
In related news, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) is set to launch its Stars Spotlight Webinar Series with an exclusive French-language session on Friday, July 10. This webinar will feature prominent African women’s football stars, including Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco), Gabrielle Aboudi Onguéné (Cameroon), Chloé N’Gazi (Algeria), Mama Diop (Senegal), Bernadette Amani (Côte d’Ivoire), and Charlotte Millogo (Burkina Faso).
The session, hosted by sports journalist Katty Touré, will provide an opportunity for media representatives and football stakeholders to interact directly with the players, discussing their preparations and expectations for the upcoming tournament. The webinar is scheduled to begin at 14:00 GMT (17:00 Cairo time) on July 10, 2026.
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Source: channelstv.com
