Plumptre missing, Okoronkwo returns as Madugu names squad for 2026 WAFCON

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has released a 25-player squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Justine Madugu, the Super Falcons head coach, blends seasoned veterans with emerging talents into a squad intent on reclaiming the continental crown.

Asisat Oshoala headlines the forward line. She is joined by familiar attacking faces like Esther Okoronkwo, Francisca Ordega, Uchenna Kanu, and Chinwendu Ihezuo.

In the midfield, Rasheedat Ajibade, Toni Payne, Christy Ucheibe, and Jennifer Echegini lead the charge. Deborah Abiodun adds robust grit and creativity to the middle of the park.

Chiamaka Nnadozie is expected to maintain her undisputed spot between the sticks. She is joined by Comfort Erhabor and Fatima Oloko, the domestic league representative from Abia Angels.

Osinachi Ohale anchors a defence that features Michelle Alozie, Shukurat Oladipo, and Oluwatosin Demehin. The biggest absence from the list is Ashleigh Plumptre, who missed out due to injury.

The Falcons are up against Egypt, Zambia and Malawi in Group C, with matches to be played in Morocco.

All four teams that make it to the semifinals of the tournament, which will entertain 16 teams for the first time, will earn automatic spots at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil, while the fifth-placed team will go straight into an intercontinental playoff tournament.

FULL LIST

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)

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