The Nigeria Football Federation has announced the Super Falcons’ 24-player squad for the 13th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled to hold in Morocco from July 5th to 26th.
The squad features the highly anticipated return of star striker Asisat Oshoala and reliable defender Ashleigh Plumptre, both of whom missed the team’s recent friendly against Cameroon. Their inclusion has reignited hopes among fans for a dominant showing at the tournament.
Key names on the list include first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, defenders Osinachi Ohale and Michelle Alozie, and midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Deborah Abiodun.
Also making the cut are three home-based players: goalkeeper Rachael Unachukwu and defenders Sikiratu Isah and Miracle Usani — a nod to local league development and talent recognition.
Training sessions kicked off in Abuja on Thursday, with the team expected to depart on Sunday for a final preparatory camp in Lisbon, Portugal. There, the Falcons will face Portugal and Ghana in friendly matches on June 23rd and 29th respectively.
Nigeria, nine-time WAFCON champions, are grouped in Group B alongside Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria.
Full Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Chiamaka Nnadozie (ex-Paris FC, France)
Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia)
Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders:
Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca CF, Mexico)
Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy)
Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA)
Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad FC, Saudi Arabia)
Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons)
Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray, Turkey)
Miracle Usani (Edo Queens)
Midfielders:
Rasheedat Ajibade (ex-Atletico Madrid, Spain)
Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosenborg, Sweden)
Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity, USA)
Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
Toni Payne (Everton, England)
Christy Ucheibe (Benfica, Portugal)
Forwards:
Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies Club, Saudi Arabia)
Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca CF, Mexico)
Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France)
Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada)
Omorinsola Babajide (Tenerife, Spain)
Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning, China)
Chioma Okafor (University of Connecticut, USA)
As preparations intensify, the Super Falcons are focused on reclaiming the continental title and extending their dominance as Africa’s most successful women’s football team.
