By Adesakin Adefemi
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have announced a 25-player squad for their upcoming double-header friendly matches against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses, as part of intensive preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) scheduled to hold in Morocco.
The highly anticipated friendlies will take place in Yaoundé on February 28 and March 3, providing the Nigerian team with a crucial opportunity to test their strategies, assess player form, and build cohesion against a formidable Central African opponent.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade headlines the squad, joined by first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, whose commanding presence between the posts has been vital to Nigeria’s recent successes.
Defenders Ashleigh Plumptre and Michelle Alozie, both known for their composure and versatility, also feature prominently, alongside forward Esther Okoronkwo, who has been in fine scoring form.
Star striker Asisat Oshoala, however, is notably absent from the list, with no official reason given for her exclusion. Her omission has sparked widespread conversations among fans and analysts, with many speculating on how her absence might affect Nigeria’s attacking depth heading into WAFCON.
Veteran midfielder Ngozi Okobi makes a much-anticipated return to the national team after three years, bringing experience and creativity to the midfield. Forward Gift Monday also earns a recall, adding firepower and energy to the attacking options as Nigeria seeks to sharpen its frontline.
The goalkeeping department features Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion, England), Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England), Fatima Oloko (Abia Angels), and Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels), providing a blend of international exposure and home-based talent.
Defensive options include Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca, Mexico), Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy), Michelle Alozie (OL Reign, USA), Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia), Glory Ogbonna (FC Kiryat Gat, Israel), Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray, Turkey), Sikiratu Isah (Bnot Netanya, Israel), and Chidinma Okeke (Club América, Mexico), giving coach Madugu a wide range of tactical choices at the back.
Midfielders called up are Halimatu Ayinde (Kristianstads, Sweden), Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene (Ottawa Rapids, Canada), Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA), Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal), and Precious Christopher (Yanga Princess, Tanzania), ensuring creativity, balance, and energy in the middle of the park.
The forward line will feature Rasheedat Ajibade (PSG, France), Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca, Mexico), Gift Monday (Washington Spirit, USA), Joy Omewa (Nottingham Forest, England), Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada), Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang, China), and Omorinsola Babajide (AS Roma, Italy), giving Nigeria a dynamic mix of speed, skill, and goal-scoring ability.
Coach Justine Madugu expressed confidence that the blend of experience and youth in the squad will help the Super Falcons sharpen their strategies and build momentum as they aim for a record-extending 11th WAFCON title in Morocco.
He emphasized that these friendlies are not just about testing players but about laying a solid foundation for success on the continental stage.
