SUPER Falcons of Nigeria head coach Justine Madugu has invited 21 players, including captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and veteran striker Asisat Oshoala, for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying tie against Benin Republic.
The first leg of the final qualifying round tie is scheduled for Lome, Togo (Benin Republic does not have a suitable stadium) next week, with the return fixture in Abeokuta on October 28.
Just three days ago, the Super Eagles of Nigeria denied Benin Republic a first-ever World Cup appearance with a 4-0 defeat in Uyo, powered by a Victor Osimhen hat-trick.
Madugu has called up three goalkeepers, seven defenders, five midfielders and six forwards for the fixtures.
Apart from Ajibade, who was voted Player of the Tournament at this year’s WAFCON in Morocco that the Super Falcons won, and Nnadozie (Africa’s Goalkeeper of the Year for two years running), the Super Falcons squad also includes defenders Michelle Alozie and Ashleigh Plumptre, midfielders Jennifer Echegini and Deborah Abiodun, and forwards Chinwendu Ihezuo and Folashade Ijamilusi.
There are also Mexico-based defender Osinachi Ohale, midfielder Christy Ucheibe, and forward Esther Okoronkwo, who stood out at the last WAFCON as the Super Falcons won a record-extending10th title.
SUPER FALCONS SQUAD TO FACE BENIN:
Goalkeepers:
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders:
Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia); Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Abia Angels)
Midfielders:
Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint Germain, France); Taiwo Afolabi (Rivers Angels); Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)
Forwards:
Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjorrin FC, Denmark); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens)