Super Falcons head coach, Justine Madugu, has unveiled his squad for the team’s upcoming friendly matches against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in Yaoundé. The two-match series, scheduled for 28th February and 3rd March, will serve as part of the Falcons’ preparation for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
For this camp, Madugu has opted to work with familiar faces as he aims to create a seamless integration of tactics. This approach is designed to ensure that the team is well-prepared for the competition in Morocco. The continuity in the squad allows for easy assimilation of Madugu’s game plan and ensures cohesion on and off the pitch as the squad gears up for the continent’s premier women’s football tournament.
Key Players Retained
The squad features key players who have consistently contributed to the Super Falcons’ success, with familiar faces like Rasheedat Ajibade, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Esther Okoronkwo, and Chinwendu Ihezuo among the names retained.
Notably, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, based in Canada, returns to the squad after a couple of years away. Similarly, forward Gift Monday, now playing in the United States, returns after missing last year’s Women’s AFCON triumph in Morocco.
Tactical Cohesion for WAFCON 2026
Madugu’s choice to keep a largely settled squad comes as a response to the need for tactical cohesion as the Falcons prepare for the challenging task ahead in Morocco. With a number of players who have already been part of previous tournaments and international campaigns, the coach is confident that familiarity will help smoothen the tactical integration required for success in WAFCON 2026.
The continuity will help Madugu’s squad work more effectively, particularly in integrating new tactics without disruptions. By keeping most of the squad intact, the coach aims to build upon the strong foundation that has served the team in previous tournaments.
First and Second Leg Dates
The first friendly against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon will take place on Saturday, 28th February, with the second match on Tuesday, 3rd March. These friendlies will allow Madugu to assess his team’s readiness ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which will run from 17 March to 3 April in Morocco.
Squad Overview
Here is the full list of the Super Falcons squad for the friendly matches:
Goalkeepers:
- Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion, England)
- Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England)
- Fatima Oloko (Abia Angels)
- Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels)
Defenders:
- Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Club de Futbol, Mexico)
- Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy)
- Michelle Alozie (Olivia Wynn, USA)
- Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia)
- Glory Ogbonna (FC Kiryat Gat, Israel)
- Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey)
- Sikiratu Isah (Bnot Netanya, Israel)
- Chidinma Okeke (Club America, Mexico)
Midfielders:
- Halimatu Ayinde (Christian Lundstrom, Sweden)
- Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene (Ottawa Rapids, Canada)
- Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA)
- Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
- Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)
- Precious Christopher (Yanga Princess, Tanzania)
Forwards:
- Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
- Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca Club de Futbol, Mexico)
- Gift Monday (Washington Spirit, USA)
- Joy Omewa (Nottingham Forest, England)
- Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada)
- Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China)
- Omorinsola Babajide (AS Roma, Italy)
Looking Ahead
The Super Falcons will take great confidence from these friendlies as they gear up for their WAFCON 2026 campaign. The tournament in Morocco will see the Falcons battle Malawi, Zambia, and Egypt in Group C. A top-four finish will guarantee qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil next year.
The team will also aim to carry forward the momentum from last year’s Women’s AFCON victory and build a squad capable of challenging for glory once again on the continental stage.
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