Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has unveiled a 21-player squad for Nigeria’s 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against Benin Republic, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo leading the list.
The squad, released on Friday, comprises three goalkeepers, seven defenders, five midfielders, and six forwards as the reigning African champions prepare for the crucial two-legged tie.
Ajibade, who was named Player of the Tournament at the 2024 WAFCON after inspiring Nigeria to a record-extending 10th continental title in Morocco, headlines the squad alongside her Paris Saint-Germain teammate Jennifer Echegini. Also returning is Okoronkwo of AFC Toronto.
Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie — Africa’s Goalkeeper of the Year for two consecutive seasons — retains her spot, alongside defensive regulars Michelle Alozie, Ashleigh Plumptre, and Osinachi Ohale.
The midfield is anchored by Deborah Abiodun, Christy Ucheibe, and Taiwo Afolabi, while the attack will feature Asisat Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Joy Omewa.
Nigeria will play the first leg of the qualifier against Benin Republic at the Stade Kegue in Lome, Togo, on Saturday, October 25, before hosting the return leg at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
The encounter serves as the final qualification hurdle for the 2026 WAFCON, which Morocco will host. The tournament will also double as Africa’s qualifying competition for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Nigeria, who defeated hosts Morocco to lift the 2024 WAFCON trophy, are aiming to defend their title and secure a ticket to another World Cup appearance.
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 (Pachuca Club de Futbol, Mexico); Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjorring 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).
