WAFCON 2026: Madugu announces 25-player squad, including Ajibade and Nnadozie for friendlies against Cameroon

Justine Madugu, the head coach of the Super Falcons, has selected a squad of 25 players in preparation for their friendly matches against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon, which will take place in Yaounde.

The squad features key players such as captain Rasheedat Ajibade, first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and forwards Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo.

Midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, who currently plays in Canada, is making a return to the team after a significant absence. Additionally, forward Gift Monday, stationed in the United States, is also back after missing out on last year’s triumph at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco.

The squad includes a debut senior call-up for goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor, who is playing for Portsmouth Ladies in England, while Chidinma Okeke, a defender based in Mexico, has been reintroduced to the lineup. Midfielder Precious Christopher from Tanzania is also joining the team for the first time.

Returning players who have maintained their positions include defenders Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Ashley Plumptre; midfielders Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, Deborah Abiodun, and Jennifer Echegini; along with forwards Rinsola Babajide and Folashade Ijamilusi.

The first match is scheduled for Saturday, February 28, with the second friendly set for Tuesday, March 3.

These matches are part of the team’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which is to be hosted by Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026.

Madugu’s squad has been placed in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia, and Egypt.

Notably, the tournament’s four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in Brazil.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers:

Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England); Fatima Oloko (Abia Angels); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels).

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); Glory Ogbonna (FC Kiryat Gat, Israel); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray, Turkey); Sikiratu Isah (Bnot Netanya, Israel); Chidinma Okeke (Club America, Mexico).

Midfielders:

Halimatu Ayinde (Sweden); Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene (Ottawa Rapids, Canada); Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint- Germain, France); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Precious Christopher (Yanga Princess, Tanzania).

Forwards:

Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain, France); Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca Club de Futbol, Mexico); Gift Monday (Washington Spirit, USA); Joy Omewa (Nottingham Forest, England); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Omorinsola Babajide (AS Roma, Italy).