Ajibade, Oshoala, Nnadozie lead Nigeria’s 24-woman squad for WAFCON 2025

Nigeria's Head Coach, Justine Madugu, has released a 24-player list for the Super Falcons ahead of the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON, which begins July 5 in Morocco.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala, and first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie lead the team selected to chase a record-extending 10th continental title.

The squad includes returning defenders Ashleigh Plumptre, Michelle Alozie, and Osinachi Ohale, who are expected to anchor the backline.

Midfield stability is reinforced by the inclusion of Deborah Abiodun, Jennifer Echegini, Christy Ucheibe, and Halimatu Ayinde, who returns after injury.

Francisca Ordega, Ifeoma Onumonu, Esther Okoronkwo, and Chinwendu Ihezuo are among the forwards included in the final list.

Coach Madugu has also handed call-ups to home-based players including goalkeeper Rachael Unachukwu, defenders Sikiratu Isah and Miracle Usani, as part of a strategy to integrate local talents.

The team began training in Abuja earlier this week, with sessions scheduled to continue through the weekend.

The players and coaching staff are expected to depart Abuja for a final training camp in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sunday morning.

The Nigeria Football Federation has secured two international friendlies for the team — the first against Portugal on June 23 in Lisbon, and the second against Ghana on June 29 in Morocco.

The Super Falcons will play all their group-stage matches at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, facing Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria.

The NFF has launched a national mobilisation campaign tagged ‘Mission X’ to galvanise support for the Super Falcons both at home and in the diaspora.

NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said the campaign is part of the Federation’s renewed commitment to the women’s national team.

“We are committed to fully supporting the Super Falcons’ campaign for a 10th continental title, and that is why we are launching the Mission X campaign to sensitise football-loving Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, young and old, in high and low places, and male and female, to also come out and support the team,” he said.

Dr Sanusi said the Super Falcons remain the most decorated national team in African football and deserve every ounce of national support.

“We are proud of what they have achieved and what they intend to achieve in Morocco,” he stated.

He added that the NFF wants the players to feel the energy of passionate fans everywhere they go, from Abuja to Casablanca and any other venue for their knockout matches.

The official campaign tagline, “One Team. One Goal. One More Star,” reflects the Super Falcons’ ambition to reclaim continental glory and showcases the NFF’s focus on player welfare, strategic preparation, and public engagement.

The squad will be aiming to win Nigeria’s first WAFCON title since 2018 and build momentum ahead of the 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

Full 24-player squad – Super Falcons (WAFCON 2025)

Goalkeepers:
Chiamaka Nnadozie (France), Tochukwu Oluehi (Saudi Arabia), Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)

Defenders:
Osinachi Ohale (Mexico), Shukurat Oladipo (Italy), Michelle Alozie (USA), Ashleigh Plumptre (Saudi Arabia), Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons), Oluwatosin Demehin (Turkey), Miracle Usani (Edo Queens)

Midfielders:
Rasheedat Ajibade (Spain), Halimatu Ayinde (Sweden), Deborah Abiodun (USA), Jennifer Echegini (France), Toni Payne (England), Christy Ucheibe (Portugal)

Forwards:
Francisca Ordega (Saudi Arabia), Chinwendu Ihezuo (Mexico), Ifeoma Onumonu (France), Esther Okoronkwo (Canada), Omorinsola Babajide (Spain), Folashade Ijamilusi (China), Chioma Okafor (USA)