Super Falcons begin the mission to achieve the eleventh WAFCON crown, but a big name is missing

Nigeria, with head coach Justine Maduguhas retained the core of the team that lifted the continental title last year as the Super Falcons prepare to defend their crown in Morocco, but there is a problem.

The nine times? No, now record 10-time African champions will chase an unprecedented 11th WAFCON title when the tournament begins July 26 to August 16.

Madugu has once again relied on an experienced group and has officially unveiled a formidable 25-player squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Led by captain Rasheedat Ajibadethe highest rated goalkeeper in Africa Chiamaka Nnadozieveteran defender Osinachi Ohalemidfield stars Jennifer Echegini, Halimatu Ayinde, Tony Payneand six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala.

Plumptre out due to injury

One of the biggest talking points surrounding the roster announcement is the absence of an experienced defender. Ashleigh Plumptréwho has not recovered from the injury he suffered in March.

The defense confirmed the disappointing news in an emotional message to fans, urging Nigerians to support the team despite their absence.

“The body asks for more time and I listen to it.”

“It is sad to miss this WAFCON, but I am hopeful that I will be able to fight alongside these women again with the support of Nigerians everywhere when the body is ready to compete again.”

“So in the meantime, let’s support these women, let’s support them in their pursuit of victory once again.”

“Be careful with them, they need you. I’m with you, ladies.”

His absence is undoubtedly a blow, but Madugu still possesses one of the deepest squads on the continent.

Madugu reveals Nigeria’s two main objectives

The Super Falcons arrive in Morocco not only as defending African champions but also with another important goal in sight.

WAFCON 2026 also serves as a qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazilwith the four semi-finalists earning automatic qualification while the fifth-place nation advances to an intercontinental playoff.

Speaking before the tournament, Madugu made it clear that World Cup qualification remains the team’s immediate priority before thinking about retaining their continental title.

“The upcoming WAFCON will also serve as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, so our priority will be to make sure we make it to the World Cup first and foremost.”

“The second objective will be to defend the trophy and bring it back to Nigeria.”

“We know it won’t be easy because now, as champions, everyone will be looking at us.

“We have something beautiful that everyone wants, but we will remain determined and focused and try our best to achieve both goals.”

– Read more: Here’s the real reason WAFCON 2026 was postponed just 12 days before the start

– Read more: Super Falcons unveil title defense team for WAFCON 2026 as Nigeria eyes historic 11th African crown

– Read more: CANCELED: Revealed why Super Falcons Friendly vs Ghana was scrapped

A mix of experience and youth

While several experienced stars remain the backbone of the team, Madugu has continued to integrate a younger generation who are expected to lead Nigerian women’s football into the future.

Captain Ajibade once again leads from the front alongside Nnadozie, who is widely regarded as Africa’s best goalkeeper.

Veterans included Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Christy Ucheibe, Halimatu Ayindeand Asisat Oshoala provide invaluable leadership and tournament experience.

Along with them are interesting young talents such as Jennifer Echegini, Deborah Abiodun, Gift Monday, Esther Okoronkwoand Omorinsola Babajideof whom are expected to play increasingly influential roles during the tournament.

The challenge of Group C awaits you

Nigeria has been dragged into Group Cwhere they will face:

• Malawi
• Zambia
• Egypt
• Nigeria

The three group matches will be played in Rabat.

The Super Falcons will begin their title defense against Malawi on July 28 before assuming Zambia and Egypt.

A historic opportunity awaits

Nigeria remains the most successful women’s national team in Africa, having won 10 WAFCON titlesand now you have the opportunity to become the first nation to successfully defend the championship since the competition expanded to a 16-team format.

The Super Falcons also have another notable record.

they are the only african nation and one of the seven countries in the world have qualified for every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in China in 1991.

Reaching the semi-finals in Morocco would extend that extraordinary run and secure Nigeria’s place in the final. FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil.

Nigeria’s full 25-player squad for WAFCON 2026

Goalkeepers

• Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion, England)
• Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England)
• Fatima Oloko (Abia Angeles)

Defenders

• Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Tuzas, Mexico)
• Michelle Alozie (Chicago Stars, USA)
• Shukurat Oladipo (AS Rome, Italy)
• Rofiat Imuran (Lionesses of the city of London, England)
• Gloria Ogbonna (FC Kiryat Gat, Israel)
• Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray, Türkiye)
• Sikiratu Isah (Bnot Netanya, Israel)
• Christy Ucheibe (Benfica, Portugal)

Midfielders

• Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
• Halimatu Ayinde (BK Häcken, Sweden)
• Deborah Abiodun (Spirit of Washington, USA)
• Tony Payne (Everton Ladies, England)
• Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain, France)

Forwards

• Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia)
• Gift Monday (Spirit of Washington, USA)
• Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada)
• Joy Omewa (BK Häcken, Sweden)
• francisca ordega (Al-Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia)
• Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China)
• Omorinsola Babajide (AS Rome, Italy)
• Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca Tuzas, Mexico)
• Uchenna Kanu (Cruz Azul Femenil, Mexico)

Eyes on Morocco

With an experienced team, a proven winning mentality and World Cup qualification also at stake, Nigeria travels to Morocco carrying the weight of expectations.

All opponents will be eager to dethrone the reigning champions, but Madugu’s team will be determined to show why the Super Falcons remain the undisputed queens of African women’s football as they chase a record 11th continental title and another place on the world stage.