Soccer
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has released a 23-player Super Falcons squad for next month’s international friendly matches against Senegal, Soccernet.ng reports.
Africa’s most successful women’s national team will take on the Teranga Lionesses in two matches as preparations continue for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The two West African rivals are scheduled to meet on June 5 before facing each other again three days later in what promises to be an important test for both sides ahead of the continental showpiece.
Head coach Justine Madugu has named a strong squad led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and veteran striker Asisat Oshoala for the upcoming friendlies.
The list features several players who enjoyed impressive seasons across Europe. Nottingham Forest forward Joy Omewa receives another opportunity to establish herself in the national team, while Everton midfielder Toni Payne and Galatasaray center-back Tosin Demehin are also included.
London City Lionesses defender Rofiat Imuran earns a recall to the national team as does Dynamo Brest’s forward Blessing Nkor.
Madugu has also handed recalls to experienced midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene and forwards Francisca Ordega and Gift Monday. The coach has also rewarded Turkey-based midfielder Kafayat Shittu with a place in the squad as she looks to make her mark at senior international level.
There is room for home-based goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, Israel-based defender Sikiratu Isah and defender Tosin Demehin. Midfielders Halimatu Ayinde and Jennifer Echegini have also been selected, alongside forward Folashade Ijamilusi and Omorinsola Babajide.
The squad also includes Christy Ucheibe, Shukurat Oladipo and Rinsola Babajide, three players who recently celebrated league title successes with their respective clubs during the recently concluded season.
Soccer Important WAFCON preparation for Super Falcons and Senegal
The Super Falcons will host Senegal at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne-Remo, providing Madugu with another chance to assess his squad ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The friendlies come at a crucial time for both nations. Senegal have been drawn in Group A of the 2026 WAFCON alongside hosts Morocco, Algeria and Kenya.
Nigeria, who remain the most successful team in the history of the competition with 10 continental titles, will compete in Group C against Egypt, Zambia and tournament debutants Malawi.
With the competition set to run from July 25 to August 16, every match before the tournament carries significant importance. The Super Falcons are aiming to reclaim continental dominance and secure qualification for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup.
This edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will also serve as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The top four teams at the tournament will qualify automatically for the global showpiece, while the fifth-placed side will enter an intercontinental playoff for a final chance to reach the World Cup.
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels)
Defenders: Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Rofiat Imuran (London City Lionesses, England); Glory Ogbonna (FC Kiryat Gat, Israel); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Sikiratu Isah (Bnot Netanya, Israel); Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal);
Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint Germain, France); Halimatu Ayinde (BK Hacken, Sweden); Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene (Ottawa Rapids, Canada); Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Kafayat Shittu (Giressunsanayispor, Turkey)
Forwards: Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia); Gift Monday (Washington Spirit, USA); Joy Omewa (Nottingham Forest, England); Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Omorinsola Babajide (AS Roma, Italy); Blessing Nkor (Dynamo Brest, Belarus)
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