Nigeria squad announcement: Super Falcons call ups for NWSLers, Brighton, PSG and Galatasaray stars

The Nigeria Football Federation has announced a 21-woman squad for the Super Falcons' upcoming 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against neighbours Republic of Benin.

An analysis of the roster shows that head coach Justine Madugu has called up three goalkeepers, seven defenders, five midfielders and six forwards for the crucial two-legged tie.

Among those selected are National Women's Soccer League stars Michelle Alozie of Houston Dash and Deborah Abiodun of Washington Spirit.

Also included in the squad are in-form Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Paris Saint-Germain midfield duo Rasheedat Ajibade and Jennifer Echegini, Galatasaray centre-back Oluwatosin Demehin and versatile Benfica defender Christy Ucheibe.

The first leg will take place at a neutral venue, Stade Kégué in Lomé, Togo, as the Republic of Benin currently lacks a CAF-approved stadium.

The return leg is scheduled for Tuesday, 28 October 2025 at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.

The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, to be hosted by Morocco, will also serve as Africa's qualifying tournament for the 2027 Fifa Women's World Cup, which will be staged in Brazil.

21-woman squad for Wafcon qualifiers against Benin

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia); Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, 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: Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjorrin FC, Denmark); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens)

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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