Nigeria’s Super Falcons have announced a formidable 21-player squad for their two-legged showdown against Bénin Republic in the final round of qualifiers for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), to be hosted by Morocco.

The matches are not just about continental glory.

The 2026 WAFCON also doubles as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, raising the stakes significantly.

Fresh from watching their male counterparts, the Super Eagles, crush Bénin’s World Cup dreams, the Super Falcons will now aim to complete a double heartbreak for their West African neighbours, as both teams fight for a place on the continental stage.

Head coach Justine Madugu has called up a strong and experienced team, headlined by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who recently scored for Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

She is joined by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie (Africa’s reigning Goalkeeper of the Year) as well as other international stalwarts like Michelle Alozie, Ashleigh Plumptre, and six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala.

The first leg of the qualifier will be played on hostile turf at the Stade Kegue in Lomé, Togo, on account of Bénin’s lack of a CAF-approved stadium.

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

Full Super Falcons Squad for WAFCON Qualifier vs Bénin:

Goalkeepers:

  • Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion, England)
  • Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels, Nigeria)
  • Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons, Nigeria)

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Defenders:

  • Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Club de Fútbol, Mexico)
  • Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy)
  • Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA)
  • Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia)
  • Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens, Nigeria)
  • Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportif, Turkey)
  • Miracle Usani (Abia Angels, Nigeria)

Midfielders:

  • Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
  • Taiwo Afolabi (Rivers Angels, Nigeria)
  • Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA)
  • Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
  • Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)

Forwards:

  • Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca Club de Fútbol, Mexico)
  • Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjørring 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, Nigeria)

Nigeria are ten-time champions of the Women’s AFCON and remain overwhelming favourites to qualify, but will need to guard against complacency as Bénin Republic seek a historic debut at the continental championship.