AFCON 2025
Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu has named his 25-player squad for Nigeria’s defence of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade leads the group as the Super Falcons aim for a record-extending 11th continental crown.
Madugu retained the core of the squad that won last year’s title, including goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Osinachi Ohale, midfielders Jennifer Echegini and Halimatu Ayinde, and forward Asisat Oshoala. Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and several other players from the triumphant Morocco campaign also retained their places.
Other key names in the squad include Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin, Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne, Francisca Ordega, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Omorinsola Babajide. Home-based goalkeeper Fatima Oloko also earned a call-up, joining a mix of established internationals and emerging talent.
Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Egypt, Zambia, and tournament debutants Malawi. All of the Super Falcons’ group matches will be played in Rabat.
The 2026 tournament marks the first edition of WAFCON to expand to 16 teams. The top four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while the fifth-placed side advances to an intercontinental playoff.
Nigeria remain Africa’s most successful women’s team with 10 WAFCON titles, having beaten hosts Morocco 3-2 in last year’s final. The tournament runs from July 26 to August 16.
Full squad:
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion), Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies), Fatima Oloko (Abia Angels)
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Tuzas), Michelle Alozie (Olivia Wynn), Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma), Rofiat Imuran (London City Lionesses), Glory Ogbonna (FC Kiryat Gat), Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray), Sikiratu Isah (Bnot Netanya), Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica)
Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain), Halimatu Ayinde (BK Häcken), Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit), Toni Payne (Everton Ladies), Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain)
Forwards: Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal), Gift Monday (Washington Spirit), Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto), Joy Omewa (BK Häcken), Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies), Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng), Omorinsola Babajide (AS Roma), Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca Tuzas), Uchenna Kanu (Cruz Azul Femenil)
Nigeria’s Super Falcons kick off their WAFCON title defence against Malawi on Tuesday, 28 July, before facing Zambia on Saturday, 1 August, and closing out the group stage against Egypt on Wednesday, 5 August.
