14th Women Africa Cup of Nations: Nigeria names squad

Head Coach Justine Madugu selected a team of 25 players, including Captain Rasheedat Ajibade and acclaimed goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, to defend Nigeria's Women's Africa Cup of Nations title at the 14th edition slated for Morocco from 26th July to 16th August 2026. The team selection features notable players such as defender Osinachi Ohale, midfielder Jennifer Echegini, and forward Asisat Oshoala.

In addition, the squad includes home-based goalkeeper Fatima Oloko, along with defenders Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Christy Ucheibe. Midfielders Halimatu Ayinde and Toni Payne, along with forwards Esther Okoronkwo, Francisca Ordega, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Omorinsola Babajide, complete the roster.

Nigeria, the defending champions, aims to secure a record-extending 11th title, competing in Group C against Egypt, Zambia, and debutants Malawi. Matches will take place in Morocco’s administrative capital, Rabat.

The tournament, which for the first time features 16 teams, will ensure that the four finalists earn automatic spots at the next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The fifth team will enter an intercontinental playoff tournament.

The Super Falcons, a consistent presence at the FIFA Women’s World Cup since the inaugural edition in China 35 years ago, triumphed over the hosts, the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco, in a thrilling Final last summer, winning 3-2 to secure their 10th continental title.

25 SUPER FALCONS FOR 14TH WOMEN AFCON FINALS:
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, USA); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Rofiat Imuran (London City Lionesses, England); Glory Ogbonna (FC Kiryat Gat, Israel); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, 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 Ladies, 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)**.