Super Falcons Head Coach Justine Madugu has unveiled a star-studded list of 24 players for Nigeria’s quest to reclaim African glory at the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which takes place in Morocco from 5th to 26th July.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, fresh off her stint at Atlético Madrid, leads a squad rich in international experience and domestic promise. She is joined by vice-captain and standout goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and experienced forward Francisca Ordega.
The players began preliminary training on Thursday in Abuja, with sessions scheduled through Saturday, before the team departs for a final training camp in Lisbon on Sunday morning.
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Coach Madugu has also recalled high-profile names, including Ashleigh Plumptre, now playing in Saudi Arabia, and six-time African women’s player of the year Asisat Oshoala, who plies her trade in the United States.
There’s room too for seasoned defender Osinachi Ohale, fan-favourite Michelle Alozie, midfield talents Deborah Abiodun, Jennifer Echegini, and Christy Ucheibe.
Halimatu Ayinde returns to bolster the midfield after a brief absence, while home-based talents like Rachael Unachukwu, Sikiratu Isah, and Miracle Usani underline the squad’s domestic strength.
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In preparation for Group B encounters with Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, the Nigeria Football Federation has lined up two high-calibre friendlies.
The Super Falcons will face Portugal in Lisbon on Monday, 23rd June, before taking on West African rivals Ghana in Morocco on Sunday, 29th June.
FULL SQUAD LIST – SUPER FALCONS FOR 2025 WAFCON
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Free agent, ex-Paris FC, France)
Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia)
Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons, Nigeria)
Defenders:
Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca CF, Mexico)
Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy)
Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA)
Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia)
Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons, Nigeria)
Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportif, Turkey)
Miracle Usani (Edo Queens, Nigeria)
Midfielders:
Rasheedat Ajibade (Free agent, ex-Atletico Madrid, Spain)
Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosenborg, Sweden)
Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity, USA)
Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England)
Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)
Forwards:
Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia)
Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca CF, Mexico)
Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France)
Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada)
Omorinsola Babajide (Costa Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain)
Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China)
Chioma Okafor (University of Connecticut, USA)
Nigeria is a nine-time champion of the WAFCON and is seeking an unprecedented 10th title, with a mix of experienced internationals and promising debutants ready to stake their claim on the continental stage.
