Head Coach Justine Madugu has called upon a powerful blend of global stars and local talent, banking on experience and top-tier club form to secure Nigeria’s ticket to the continental showpiece.
Star Power Returns
The 10-time African champions are spearheaded by key international players. Leading the charge is captain Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain, France), who was the Player of the Tournament in Nigeria's last WAFCON triumph. Ajibade’s inclusion comes hot on the heels of scoring a goal for her new club in the UEFA Women's Champions League.
She is joined by the two-time reigning African Goalkeeper of the Year, Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England). The attack is further bolstered by the presence of the prolific Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia) and the goal-scoring prowess of Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada).
The defence sees the return of fan-favourite Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA), veteran Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico), and Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia). The contingent also features midfield anchor Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal) and Ajibade's new PSG teammate, Jennifer Echegini.
The Full Contingent
The squad breakdown showcases a mix of foreign and domestic-based talent:
• 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 Angel
• 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).
Clash of West African Neighbours
The two-legged final qualifier will determine which nation secures a spot at the 2026 WAFCON finals in Morocco.
The first leg, which serves as Bénin's home fixture (as they lack a CAF-approved venue), will be played at the Stade Kegue in Lomé, Togo. The Super Falcons will then host the decisive second leg at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, Nigeria.
The winner on aggregate over the two matches will join hosts Morocco in the biennial continental championship, which also serves as Africa's qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. Nigeria enters the fixture as the overwhelming favourites to advance.