Nigeria's quest for a record-extending 11th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title has officially begun, with Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu unveiling a 25-player squad for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The tournament, scheduled to run from July 26 to August 16, 2026, will see the reigning African champions attempt to defend the title they won in dramatic fashion against hosts Morocco last year.
Leading the squad is captain Rasheedat Ajibade, alongside Africa's reigning Goalkeeper of the Year Chiamaka Nnadozie, veteran defender Osinachi Ohale, midfield sensation Jennifer Echegini, and six-time African Women's Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala.
Coach Madugu has retained the core of the squad that successfully reclaimed the continental title, while also rewarding several players who have impressed both at club and international level.
One of the biggest inclusions is Abia Angels goalkeeper Fatima Oloko, whose outstanding performances in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) have earned her a first major tournament call-up.
Oloko's selection is another strong statement about the growing quality of players emerging from the domestic league.
Also included are experienced defenders Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin, Christy Ucheibe, midfielders Halimatu Ayinde and Toni Payne, while the attack boasts proven stars including Esther Okoronkwo, Francisca Ordega, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Gift Monday, Uchenna Kanu, Omorinsola Babajide, and Asisat Oshoala.
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, Morocco's capital city.
While Nigeria remain favourites to progress, Zambia are expected to provide the biggest challenge in a group that also features an ambitious Egyptian side and an unpredictable Malawi team making their first appearance at the competition.
The expanded 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations will feature 16 nations for the first time in the tournament's history.
Beyond lifting the continental trophy, qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil is also on the line.
The four semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the global showpiece, while the fifth-best team will advance to an intercontinental playoff for another opportunity to reach Brazil.
For Nigeria, maintaining their remarkable record of appearing at every FIFA Women's World Cup since the inaugural edition in 1991 remains another important objective.
The Super Falcons enter the competition as defending champions after their memorable 3-2 victory over Morocco in last year's final.
That triumph secured Nigeria's 10th WAFCON title, further cementing the country's status as the most successful team in African women's football history.
Madugu's squad will now be aiming to make history once again by delivering an unprecedented 11th continental crown.
With a blend of experienced internationals and exciting emerging talents, expectations remain high as Nigeria prepares for another title challenge.
Nigeria's 25-Woman Squad
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 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 Häcken, 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 Häcken, Sweden)
Francisca Ordega (Al-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)
With a squad packed with proven stars, emerging domestic talents, and players competing in some of the world's strongest leagues, Nigeria will head to Morocco carrying the weight of expectation.
The mission is clear, successfully defend the Women's Africa Cup of Nations title and secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.
For Justine Madugu and his Super Falcons, the road to another chapter of African football history begins in Rabat.
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