Head Coach Justine Madugu has announced a 24-player list for Nigeria’s Super Falcons ahead of the 13th edition of the Women Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON, with star names such as Rasheedat Ajibade, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Francisca Ordega, and Asisat Oshoala leading the charge.
The announcement, made Friday in Abuja, includes a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents selected to pursue Nigeria’s quest for a 10th continental title. The tournament will take place in Morocco from July 5 to July 26, 2025.
According to the Nigeria Football Federation, some players have already commenced early training in Abuja and will continue their local sessions through Saturday before departing for a final pre-tournament camp in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sunday.
Also making the squad are high-profile foreign-based stars such as Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia), Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA), Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Club de Futbol, Mexico), and Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal). Midfield general Halimatu Ayinde returns to the team after a brief absence, joining Rasheedat Ajibade and Jennifer Echegini in a dynamic midfield setup.
From the domestic scene, Rachael Unachukwu, Sikiratu Isah, and Miracle Usani bring fresh energy from the Nigerian Women’s Premier League, offering depth in key positions.
Coach Madugu’s selection reflects a strategic balance between youth and experience, physical presence, and technical agility as Nigeria prepares for tough group-stage matches against Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria in Group B.
The Falcons will use the Lisbon camp to fine-tune tactics and match fitness with two high-profile international friendlies. They are scheduled to face Portugal on June 23 and Ghana’s Black Queens on June 29 in Morocco, serving as the final tune-ups before the main event.
“This squad has the right mix of veterans and young players ready to prove themselves,” said a team official. “The focus now is on team chemistry and readiness.”
The NFF’s fixtures and training arrangements indicate the seriousness of Nigeria’s ambition to reclaim African dominance and secure qualification for global competitions. Nigeria last won the title in 2018 and seeks to reassert its dominance after recent challenges from Morocco and South Africa.
READ ALSO: Super Falcons arrive Praia ahead Cape Verde clash in WAFCON 2024
Here is the full 24-player Super Falcons list for WAFCON 2025:
Goalkeepers:
-
Chiamaka Nnadozie (recently left Paris FC, France)
-
Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia)
-
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, Saudi Arabia)
-
Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons)
-
Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey)
-
Miracle Usani (Edo Queens)
Midfielders:
-
Rasheedat Ajibade (formerly Atletico Madrid, Spain)
-
Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosenberg, 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, Saudi Arabia)
-
Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca Club de Futbol, 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)
The Super Falcons will be looking to continue Nigeria’s rich legacy in African women’s football with a renewed sense of purpose and team cohesion under Coach Madugu’s leadership.
NAN
