Nigeria Super Falcons Squad Announced for WAFCON 2026: Defending Champions Chase Record 11th Title and 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualification

As defending champions, Nigeria’s Super Falcons are gunning for a record-extending 11th WAFCON title at the 2026 edition in Morocco. The tournament, which expands to 16 teams for the first time, will also serve as a major qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The Super Falcons have been drawn in Group C alongside Egypt, Zambia, and debutants Malawi. All matches will be played in Morocco’s administrative capital, Rabat.

The WAFCON 2026 was rescheduled from the original dates of 17 March – 3 April 2026 to the new window of 26 July – 16 August 2026. The change was announced on 5 March 2026, just days before the tournament was set to begin.

Qualification Stakes

The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals. Winners of the quarter-finals (final 4 teams) will secure direct qualification to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while the losing teams will compete in play-in matches to determine the final two African spots via the inter-confederation play-offs.

Squad List

Head Coach: Justine Madugu

Goalkeepers:

•  Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion, England)

•  Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England)

•  Fatima Oloko (Abia Angels, Nigeria)

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 (Nottingham Forest, England)

•  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)

Injury Update:

Defender Ashleigh Plumptre has been ruled out of the squad due to injury. In a heartfelt message to Nigerians, she wrote:

“The body is asking for more time and I’m listening. Sad to be missing this WAFCON yet hopeful in the prospect of getting to fight alongside these women again… So, in the meantime, back these women, back them on their quest for victory once more. Go easy on them, they need you. I am with you ladies, Naija no dey carry last.”

Group C Fixtures (All times local)

•  28 July 2026 – Nigeria vs Malawi (21:00, Al Medina Stadium, Rabat)

•  1 August 2026 – Nigeria vs Zambia (21:00, Al Medina Stadium, Rabat)

•  5 August 2026 – Egypt vs Nigeria (21:00, Rabat Olympic Stadium)

Chiamaka Nnadozie on the WAFCON, 2026 Via the NFF.

“We will take it one match at a time because we cannot afford to stumble at any stage as a result of over-confidence. We will be focused squarely on the double targets of FIFA World Cup ticket and retaining the trophy.

“It is interesting to have more teams at the finals (16 now, up from 12). That will make the tournament more competitive, but we are calm and focused regardless of the number of teams in the finals.”

“I don’t share the belief that any group is tougher than the others. Honestly, right now in Africa, there are no longer minnows. There will be a lot of surprises in this tournament as the so-called small teams will be keen to prove they are no push-overs, so all teams deserve respect and must be taken seriously.

“For us, we know what we are going for: the Cup and the World Cup ticket. It will not be easy but we are the Super Falcons of Nigeria!”

The Super Falcons, who have featured at every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the inaugural tournament in China 35 years ago, clinched their 10th continental title last summer with a dramatic 3-2 victory over hosts Morocco in the final.

With a squad packed with European and international experience, Coach Justine Madugu’s side will be favourites to top the group and march deep into the knockout stages.

Can Nigeria Super Falcons win their 11th title in Morocco? More importantly, can they qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup?