Super Falcons head coach, Justin Madugu, has named a 21-player squad for Nigeria’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2025 qualifier against Benin Republic, with team captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo among those selected.
The squad consists of three goalkeepers, seven defenders, five midfielders, and six forwards.
Ajibade, who was named Player of the Tournament at the 2024 WAFCON after leading Nigeria to their record 10th continental title in Morocco, headlines the list. The Paris Saint-Germain forward will be joined by Okoronkwo, who plays for AFC Toronto.
Also included is Brighton’s Chiamaka Nnadozie, who has been crowned Africa’s Goalkeeper of the Year for two consecutive years. Familiar faces such as defenders Michelle Alozie and Ashleigh Plumptre, midfielders Jennifer Echegini and Deborah Abiodun, as well as forwards Asisat Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Folashade Ijamilusi, are also part of the team.
Veteran defender Osinachi Ohale, who plays in Mexico, and midfielder Christy Ucheibe have also earned call-ups.
The clash against Benin marks the final qualification round for the 2026 WAFCON, which will be hosted in Morocco.
The first leg is scheduled to take place at Stade Kegue in Lome, Togo, on Saturday, October 25, while the second leg will be held at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
This upcoming tournament will also serve as Africa’s qualifying event for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Nigeria heads into the qualifiers as defending WAFCON champions, having defeated hosts Morocco to claim their record-breaking title.
Full List of Players for Super Falcons Vs Benin Republic WAFCON Qualifier
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 Angels)
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)