WAFCON qualifiers: Ajibade, Nnadozie lead Super Falcons’ squad for Benin clash

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are gearing up for their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying campaign with a powerful 21-player list, as Head Coach Justine Madugu names his squad for the double-header against Benin Republic.

The upcoming fixtures, set for October 24 and 28, are not just about securing a WAFCON spot in Morocco — they also mark the beginning of Africa’s road to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Madugu has assembled a formidable group, blending youth with experience. Leading the charge is captain Rasheedat Ajibade, recently crowned Player of the Tournament at the last WAFCON, alongside Chiamaka Nnadozie, Africa’s top-rated goalkeeper.

Also making the list are standout performers like Michelle Alozie, Ashleigh Plumptre, and the legendary Asisat Oshoala, a six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year.

The first leg of the qualifier takes place on neutral ground in Lomé, Togo, due to Benin’s lack of a CAF-approved stadium. The return leg will see the Falcons play in front of home fans at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on October 28.

This matchup follows the recent defeat of Benin’s men’s team by the Super Eagles in their World Cup qualifying hopes — and the Falcons will be looking to pile on more heartbreak for their West African neighbours.

Full Super Falcons Squad for WAFCON Qualifiers vs Benin Republic:

Goalkeepers:

Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion, England)

Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels)

Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)

Defenders:

Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca 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, 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 (Pachuca Club de Futbol, Mexico)

Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjørring, Denmark)

Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada)

Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia)

Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China)

Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens)

Kick-off Times:

First Leg – October 24 | Venue: Lomé, Togo

Second Leg – October 28 | Venue: MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta

The Super Falcons are not just chasing qualification — they’re aiming to assert dominance in African women’s football yet again.