WAFCON (Q): Nigeria reveals squad for Benin doubleheader

Head coach of Nigeria senior women’s national Justine Madugu has called up 21 players ahead of the Super Falcons 2026 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier match against Benin.

Both West African neighbours clash in a final round qualifying fixture for the 2026 WAFCON championship to be hosted by Morocco, and which serves as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals to be hosted by Brazil.

Madugu called up three goalkeepers, seven defenders, five midfielders and six forwards.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who was voted Player of the Tournament at this year’s 2024 WAFCON in Morocco, was called as well as goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie (Africa’s Goalkeeper of the Year for two years running). Defenders Michelle Alozie and Ashleigh Plumptre and forwards Asisat Oshoala and Esther Okoronkwo were also called in.

Meanwhile, midfielders Jennifer Echegini and Deborah Abiodun, and forwards Chinwendu Ihezuo and Folashade Ijamilusi are in the squad. Also Mexico-based defender Osinachi Ohale and hard-as-nails midfielder Christy Ucheibe.

However, notably absent from the team is Gift Monday of Washington Spirit, who has been in spectacular form for the NWSL side.

The first leg will be held at the Stade Kegue in Lome, Togo on Friday, October 24, with the return leg slated for the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta on Tuesday, October 28.

Full Squad

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 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.