Coach Justine Madugu has officially lined up his troops for battle. As the Super Falcons land in Morocco for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), the mission is clear for the 10-time champions: defend the title and qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

To do this, Madugu, who led the Nigerian team to winning the last WAFCON, has released a 25-woman roster, blending youthful flair with experience.

From the goalkeeping department to the frontline, Nigeria’s coach has, for the most part, kept faith with the core of the squad that clinched the crown last time out in the Maghreb nation.

The squad announcement has left fans and pundits alike with several questions and plenty of talking points. But here is a breakdown of the team picked to secure Nigeria’s World Cup ticket and ultimately chase the Super Falcons’ 11th continental laurel.

A Winning Core

As expected, the coaching crew, rather than overhauling the squad, maintained the core of the team that helped Nigeria reclaim the continental crown by beating hosts Morocco 3-2 in the last final.

Roughly 19 out of the 25 invited players—over 75 per cent—are returning from that WAFCON-winning campaign. They are the soldiers expected to shoulder the bulk of the responsibility when the competition begins on July 26th and finishes on August 16.

The likes of Chiamaka Nnadozie, Esther Okoronkwo, Michelle Alozie, Deborah Abiodun, Jennifer Echegini, and others have to replicate their 2025 form when the championship kicks off.

An Experienced Spine

While many may have questions about their inclusion and Nigeria’s reliance on the older guard, Madugu is counting on the tournament experience of figures like Asisat Oshoala, Halimatu Ayinde, Francisca Ordega, Osinachi Ohale, and Rasheedat Ajibade to bring stability to the team.

Ohale, one of the longest-serving players in the Super Falcons setup, has won the WAFCON five times—2010, 2014, 2016, 2018, and the most recent edition. The Pachuca centre-back has also represented Nigeria at four FIFA Women’s World Cups (2011, 2015, 2019, 2023).

Alongside her is forward Oshoala. Despite concerns about her recent form, the most decorated female footballer in Africa, with six CAF Women’s Player of the Year prizes, four WAFCON titles and a veteran of three World Cups, brings a championship-winning character needed to succeed on the biggest stage.

Meanwhile, captain Ajibade — who was the Most Valuable Player the last time out when Nigeria won in Morocco — joins Ordega, a five-time WAFCON winner with four World Cups under her belt, on the roster for the Super Falcons

Fans may have concerns about them, but the coaching crew has ultimately called up troops whom they believe know exactly how to navigate high-pressure games and defend Nigeria’s fortress at the WAFCON.

Notable Absentee

However, Nigeria are without the veteran Ashleigh Plumptre, who is still nursing the injury she picked up in March.

The experienced defender was a key member of the squad that went on to win the last WAFCON and had previously represented the Super Falcons at the 2023 World Cup.

Plumptre, who is the most notable absentee from Nigeria’s squad, was devastated to miss the tournament.

“The body is asking for more time, and I’m listening. Sad to be missing this WAFCON yet hopeful in the prospect of getting to fight alongside these women again with the support of Nigerians everywhere when the body is ready to compete again,” the Al-Ittihad left-back wrote on social media.

“So, in the meantime, back these women, back them on their quest for victory once more. Go easy on them; they need you. I am with you, ladies.”

New faces and a ‘Gift’

Although Plumptre’s absence leaves a big void in Nigeria’s defence, the 2026 WAFCON presents an opportunity for a fresh set of players to write their names into the history books.

Coach Madugu has handed maiden WAFCON call-ups to Joy Omewa and Abia Angels’ Fatimah Oloko to inject fresh blood into the team.

Oloko, 18, was sensational for the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) club this term, winning the Goalkeeper of the Season award and helping her team reach the Super Six. The teenager’s impressive outing earns her a place as the only domestic player among Nigeria’s contingents.

She will be fighting for her place alongside Portsmouth’s Comfort Erhabor, who is also among the three goalkeepers named in the Super Falcons’ team for this year’s WAFCON.

Having made her debut months earlier, Erhabor’s inclusion is another indication of the coaching crew’s desire to infuse youth into the mix of an experienced core.

Further up the pitch, Monday Gift’s return is another big talking point. Having missed out on the last WAFCON, the invitation of the Washington Spirit’s explosive forward gives more options to a Nigerian team already brimming with attacking firepower.

The Ultimate Mission

For the Super Falcons, debates over the squad selection will pale into insignificance when the first whistle blows in Morocco. Whoever is picked to represent the team, the players know the ultimate goal: win another WAFCON and qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. (Channels TV)

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