Head coach Justine Madugu has unveiled a 25-player squad for the Super Falcons ahead of their upcoming international friendly matches against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses in Yaounde, as preparations intensify for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The two high-profile friendlies, scheduled for Saturday, February 28, and Tuesday, March 3, will provide Madugu with an opportunity to assess squad depth, tactical cohesion and player fitness as Nigeria targets another continental title and a direct qualification berth for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade headlines the squad, alongside first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and attacking duo Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo. The quartet forms the spine of a team blending established internationals with returning players and fresh call-ups.
Ajibade, who plies her trade with Paris Saint-Germain in France, continues to anchor the squad both on and off the pitch. Her leadership and attacking dynamism have been central to Nigeria’s recent successes, including last year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph in Morocco. Nnadozie, currently with Brighton & Hove Albion in England, remains the team’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most consistent shot-stoppers.
In midfield, the return of Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene has drawn attention. The Canada-based midfielder rejoins the national setup after a lengthy absence, adding experience and tactical versatility to the engine room. Her ability to dictate tempo and provide defensive cover is expected to bolster Nigeria’s central midfield options.
Forward Gift Monday also returns to the fold after missing last year’s WAFCON campaign. Now based in the United States with Washington Spirit, Monday’s pace and direct attacking style offer Madugu additional options in wide and central attacking roles.
There is also a first senior invitation for England-based goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor of Portsmouth Ladies. Her inclusion signals the technical crew’s commitment to expanding the goalkeeping pool and fostering competition within the squad. Tanzania-based midfielder Precious Christopher has also earned her first call-up, reflecting Madugu’s willingness to integrate emerging talent into the senior team structure.
Mexico-based defender Chidinma Okeke makes a return to the national team, strengthening defensive depth. Okeke’s familiarity with African opposition and experience in Liga MX Femenil could prove valuable in the upcoming friendlies and beyond.
Several regulars have retained their places, underscoring continuity within the squad. In defence, Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin and Ashleigh Plumptre remain integral components of the backline. Ohale, currently with Pachuca in Mexico, brings veteran presence and aerial strength. Alozie, who features for Houston Dash in the United States, offers defensive solidity and overlapping support from full-back positions. Demehin and Plumptre provide further tactical flexibility, with the latter’s composure and distribution adding balance to the defensive unit.
In midfield, Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, Deborah Abiodun and Jennifer Echegini maintain their spots. Ayinde’s ball-winning ability, Ucheibe’s positional discipline, Abiodun’s athleticism and Echegini’s technical quality offer Madugu multiple tactical permutations in central areas.
The forward line is equally well-stocked. Alongside Ajibade, Ihezuo, Monday and Okoronkwo, the squad includes Rinsola Babajide and Folashade Ijamilusi. Babajide, who plays for AS Roma in Italy, adds creativity and pace, while Ijamilusi, based in China, has demonstrated clinical finishing ability in recent outings.
The two fixtures against Cameroon are expected to be competitive, given the longstanding rivalry between both nations in women’s football. Historically, clashes between the Super Falcons and the Indomitable Lionesses have been tightly contested, often serving as benchmarks for continental readiness.
Beyond immediate preparations, the friendlies form part of Nigeria’s broader build-up to the 2026 WAFCON tournament, scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3 in Morocco. The Super Falcons have been drawn in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia and Egypt. The group presents a mix of emerging and established African sides, requiring tactical precision and squad rotation management.
The stakes at WAFCON 2026 extend beyond continental glory. All four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, raising the competitive intensity of the tournament. For Nigeria, Africa’s most decorated women’s national team, qualification is not merely an objective but an expectation.
Madugu’s squad selection reflects a balance between experience and succession planning. The inclusion of new faces alongside seasoned internationals suggests a deliberate strategy to build depth ahead of a demanding tournament calendar. The coaching staff will use the Cameroon friendlies to refine tactical systems, evaluate player combinations and assess readiness under match conditions.
As the Super Falcons assemble for camp ahead of their departure to Yaounde, attention will focus on how the team integrates returning players and debutants into its established core. With continental rivals also strengthening their squads, Nigeria’s preparation phase carries significant strategic importance.
The coming weeks will offer clearer insights into Madugu’s tactical blueprint for WAFCON 2026. For now, the 25-player list signals intent: maintain dominance, secure World Cup qualification and continue Nigeria’s legacy as a powerhouse in African women’s football.
