Lagos: Nigeria’s Super Falcons have announced a 21-player squad for their two-legged showdown against B©nin Republic for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers. The 2026 WAFCON to be hosted in Morocco also serves as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, days after the senior men’s national team of Nigeria, Super Eagles, dashed B©nin’s dream of a first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance, the Falcons will now aim to complete a double heartbreak for their West African neighbors. Head coach Justine Madugu has called up a strong and experienced team, headlined by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, the Player of the Tournament in this year’s WAFCON in Morocco.
Ajibade is joined by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Africa’s reigning Goalkeeper of the Year, as well as Michelle Alozie, Ashleigh Plumptre, and six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala. The first leg of the qualifier will be played on Oct. 24 in Lom©, Togo, as B©nin does not have a stadium approved by CAF, while the return leg is slated for the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta on Oct. 28.
The squad for the WAFCON qualifying fixture against B©nin includes goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie from Brighton Hove and Albion, Anderline Mgbechi from Rivers Angels, and Rachael Unachukwu from Nasarawa Amazons. The defenders are Osinachi Ohale from Pachucha Club de Futbol, Shukurat Oladipo from AS Roma, Michelle Alozie from Houston Dash, Ashleigh Plumptre from Ittihad Ladies FC, Blessing Ilivieda from Bayelsa Queens, Oluwatosin Demehin from Galatasaray Sportive, and Miracle Usani from Abia Angels.
The midfielders consist of Rasheedat Ajibade from Paris Saint Germain, Taiwo Afolabi from Rivers Angels, Deborah Abiodun from Washington Spirit, Jennifer Echegini from Paris Saint Germain, and Christy Ucheibe from SL Benfica. The forwards include Chinwendu Ihezuo from Pachucha Club de Futbol, Joy Omewa from Fortuna Hjorrin FC, Esther Okoronkwo from AFC Toronto, Asisat Oshoala from Al Hilal FC, Folashade Ijamilusi from Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, and Kafayat Mafisere from Edo Queens.