Days after the Super Eagles ended Benin Republic’s dream of a first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance, the Super Falcons are set to continue Nigeria’s dominance over their West African neighbours — this time in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers.
Nigeria’s senior women’s team will face Benin Republic in the final qualifying round for the WAFCON, which will be hosted by Morocco and also serves as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Head coach Justine Madugu has called up 21 players for the two-legged tie, beginning with the first leg at the Stade Kégué in Lomé, Togo, since Benin Republic has no CAF-approved home venue. The return leg will take place at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, on Tuesday, 28 October 2025.
Leading the squad is team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, the reigning WAFCON Player of the Tournament, who recently scored for her new club Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Also included are goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie (two-time African Goalkeeper of the Year), defenders Michelle Alozie and Ashleigh Plumptre, midfielders Jennifer Echegini and Deborah Abiodun, and forwards Asisat Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Folashade Ijamilusi.
Madugu also named experienced stars like Osinachi Ohale, Christy Ucheibe, and Esther Okoronkwo, alongside promising local talents from the Nigeria Women Football League.
Nigeria, the record 10-time African champions, are clear favourites heading into the tie.
Super Falcons Squad vs Benin Republic (WAFCON Qualifiers)
Goalkeepers:
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion, England)
Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels)
Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders:
Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca, Mexico)
Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy)
Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA)
Ashleigh Plumptre (Al Ittihad, Saudi Arabia)
Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens)
Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray, Turkey)
Miracle Usani (Abia Angels)
Midfielders:
Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
Taiwo Afolabi (Rivers Angels)
Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA)
Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)
Forwards:
Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia)
Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca, Mexico)
Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjørring, Denmark)
Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada)
Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang, China)
Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens)